Not Sure If You Need a Scan? Here’s How We Decide.

A common question we hear at Rise NW10 Physiotherapy is:

“Don’t I need a scan to tell you what’s wrong?”

It’s understandable to think this, but the amazing thing is, for most muscle and joint problems, your body already gives us all the clues we need during a thorough physical assessment.

We are trained to interpret your symptoms, assess your movement, and perform specific tests to pinpoint what’s going on.

However, there are times when a scan really is essential.

Please note: We don’t perform scans in our clinic, but we can refer you to a trusted imaging center nearby if we believe it’s necessary for your care.

When Will We Refer You for a Scan? (The “Need-to-Know” Guide)

We only recommend a scan if the results will genuinely change your treatment plan, or if there’s a concern that something more serious needs ruling out. This usually happens in three main situations:

1. After an Acute Trauma (Serious Accident).

If you’ve had a bad fall or impact and we suspect a fracture (broken bone) or a joint dislocation.

2. Symptoms Don’t Match Up (Red Flags):

If your symptoms are unusual, worsening without explanation, or suggest something more serious (like an infection or tumor) that needs urgent medical attention.

3. Treatment Isn’t Working:

If you’ve been consistent with physiotherapy for several weeks but symptoms aren’t improving as expected, we might recommend a scan to confirm a diagnosis. For example, if we suspect a severe tendon or ligament tear.

If your pain came on gradually or is already improving, it’s very likely that a scan isn’t needed, and we can start your recovery right away.

Which Scan Do We Choose? (The Right Tool for the Job)

🦴 1. X-ray – The Skeleton Snapshot

What It’s Best For	Why We Use It
Broken Bones & Dislocations	To check the skeleton after an accident or fall.
Severe Arthritis	To see how much joint space has been lost due to wear and tear.

Key takeaway: X-rays are brilliant for bones, but they don’t show much detail about muscles, ligaments, or nerves.

🩻 2. Ultrasound – The Real-Time Soft Tissue View

What It’s Best For	Why We Use It
Tendon and Ligament Issues	To see tears, swelling, or irritation in tendons (e.g. Achilles or shoulder).
Muscle Tears/Strains	To measure the size of a muscle injury and check on healing.
Seeing Movement	It’s unique because it can show the area while you move, revealing issues that only appear during activity.

Key takeaway: Ultrasound is perfect for soft tissues close to the surface, and for watching how they work in motion.

🧠 3. MRI – The Deep Detail Detective

What It’s Best For	Why We Use It
Deep Joint Problems	To view cartilage or the meniscus in the knee.
Spinal Pain & Nerve Issues	To check for a slipped disc or nerve compression.
Severe Tissue Damage	To assess large muscle or ligament tears, or to rule out tumours or infections.

Key takeaway: MRI is the ‘gold standard’ for detailed soft-tissue and nerve imaging, but it’s usually reserved for more complex cases.

Once we decide a scan will help, we choose the right one based on what we’re looking for:

Your Physio Is Your Guide

If we refer you for a scan, we’ll interpret the results and combine them with your physical assessment to create the most effective recovery plan.

Our goal is to explain everything clearly, cut through the jargon, and help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to the activities you love.

Not sure if you need a scan?

Book an assessment with our friendly team at Rise NW10 Physiotherapy in Kensal Rise — we’ll guide you on the right path to recovery, with or without a scan.