Q1: I have ongoing shoulder pain that doesn’t improve with physiotherapy or rest. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Persistent shoulder pain may indicate rotator cuff tears, tendon inflammation, ligament damage, or early joint degeneration. X-rays may show nothing, and physical exams alone cannot confirm structural injuries. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free images of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones to pinpoint the exact cause.

Q2: Can exercises, massage, or anti-inflammatory medications replace MRI?
No. These treatments may temporarily relieve symptoms but cannot confirm the underlying injury. Without MRI, serious structural problems may remain undiagnosed, prolonging pain and risking further shoulder damage.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for persistent shoulder pain?
Delaying MRI can allow tendon or ligament tears to worsen, potentially causing chronic pain, reduced mobility, weakness, and early arthritis. Early MRI ensures timely, targeted non-surgical intervention to prevent long-term complications.

Q4: Why is MRI superior to X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for shoulder injuries?
X-rays only detect bone abnormalities, CT is limited for soft tissue, and ultrasound may miss deep tendon or ligament tears. MRI provides comprehensive, radiation-free imaging of all shoulder structures, making it the gold standard for diagnosis.

Q5: Where can I get a fast, affordable shoulder MRI in Singapore?
The Pain Relief Clinic provides insurance and Medisave claimable MRI scans under $1,000, done within 1 working day, along with non-surgical treatments to help restore shoulder function safely and effectively.