Q1: My hip pain is limiting my work, exercise, or daily activities. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Persistent pain affecting mobility may indicate labral tears, cartilage injury, tendon or ligament damage, or early osteoarthritis. X-rays may appear normal, and physical exams cannot reliably detect soft tissue injuries. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free imaging of all hip structures for accurate diagnosis.

Q2: Can physiotherapy, rest, or anti-inflammatories fix activity-limiting hip pain without MRI?
These may temporarily reduce symptoms but cannot confirm or exclude underlying structural damage. Without MRI, serious injuries may go undetected, prolonging pain and limiting function.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for hip pain affecting activities?
Delaying MRI may allow labral, cartilage, or tendon injuries to worsen, causing chronic pain, reduced range of motion, gait issues, and early osteoarthritis. Early MRI ensures timely, targeted non-surgical management.

Q4: Why is MRI superior to X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for hip injuries?
X-rays show only bones, CT has limited soft tissue resolution, and ultrasound cannot detect deep labral or cartilage injuries reliably. MRI provides comprehensive, radiation-free images of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bones, enabling precise diagnosis.

Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable MRI for hip pain?
The Pain Relief Clinic offers insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, completed within 1 working day, along with non-surgical treatments to restore hip function safely and effectively.