Maximise Your Chances of a Full Recovery
Your shoulder’s health is critical to your arm’s mobility and flexibility. If you’re experiencing pain and it’s not subsiding with time, it’s best to get it diagnosed and receive treatment as soon as you can to prevent it from worsening.
Quickly get a diagnosis through Vista Health. You can self-refer and schedule a shoulder MRI scan as early as tomorrow, allowing you to get an accurate diagnosis quickly. You can then take the results to your physician so they can formulate an effective treatment plan.
When to Get a Shoulder MRI
You should consider getting an MRI if you’ve been experiencing problems with your shoulder that have lasted longer than a few weeks. These include:
- Joint pain
- Recurring muscle pain
- Decreased mobility
- Unexplained swelling
- Sports injuries
What a Shoulder MRI Scan Detects
Your radiologist will take cross-sectional images of your shoulder using an MRI scanner. They’ll be able to examine your:
- Bones (clavicle, scapula, head of the humerus)
- Muscles (deltoid and rotator cuff)
- Tendons and ligaments
- Cartilage
- Nerves
- Other soft tissues
Damage to the tissues and bones and abnormal growths will show up in the images. Your radiologist may diagnose you with any of the following conditions:
- Arthritis, labral tears and other degenerative joint disorders
- Fractures
- Rotator cuff disorders
- Ligament or tendon tears
- Infections
- Swelling or bleeding in the tissues
By accurately identifying the cause of your problem, your physician can create an effective treatment plan. A shoulder MRI scan may also be used to monitor your recovery after surgery.
How To Prepare For Your MRI Scan
Patients don’t need to do anything different before the procedure unless instructed to. They’re sometimes asked to fast, but you’re more likely not to have any food or medication restrictions.
However, your radiologist will need to know if you have any electronic implants or conditions. These include:
- Claustrophobia
- Pregnancy
- Allergy to MRI contrast material
- Cochlear implants
- Pacemaker
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
- Artificial heart valves
- Artificial joints
These may interfere with the procedure, cause distortions in the images, require your radiologist to take additional precautions or make it unsafe for you. You may be recommended to take a different diagnostic examination.
A Team that Cares
A serious shoulder injury or condition can be debilitating, potentially put your livelihood and prevent you from enjoying your hobbies. It can be frightening, but you don’t have to face your problem alone.
Our patient care team is here to support you. You’ll receive advice from experts so you can make informed decisions about your treatment. Take the next step in your healthcare journey with Vista Health.
Schedule Your MRI Scan
Easily schedule an MRI scan for an affordable price through Vista Health. Your appointment can be as early as tomorrow, and you’ll get support from our patient care team.
Book an appointment online or call our patient care line to discuss your scan on 0330 134 2627 or make an enquiry by filling out our contact form.