Q1: I have elbow pain that won’t go away despite physiotherapy and rest. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Persistent lateral (tennis elbow) or medial (golfer’s elbow) pain may indicate tendon tears, ligament strain, or early joint degeneration. X-rays cannot detect tendon or ligament injuries, and ultrasound may miss deep or subtle tears. MRI provides detailed, radiation-free images of all structures around the elbow, allowing accurate diagnosis.

Q2: Can physiotherapy, bracing, or anti-inflammatories fix this pain without MRI?
These treatments may relieve symptoms temporarily but cannot confirm or exclude structural injury. Without MRI, serious tendon tears or ligament injuries may remain undetected, prolonging recovery and risking chronic damage.

Q3: What risks exist if I delay MRI for chronic elbow pain?
Delaying MRI may allow tendon or ligament injuries to worsen, possibly leading to chronic pain, reduced strength, limited range of motion, or need for surgery. Early MRI ensures timely, targeted non-surgical management.

Q4: Why is MRI superior to X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for elbow pain?
X-rays detect only bones; CT is less sensitive for soft tissues; ultrasound may miss deep tendon tears or ligament injuries. MRI provides clear, high-resolution images of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and joint spaces without radiation.

Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable elbow MRI?
The Pain Relief Clinic provides insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, done within 1 working day, with non-surgical treatment options to help you recover safely and regain full arm function.