Q1: I have shoulder pain that worsens when lifting my arm. Could it be a rotator cuff tear, and should I get an MRI?
Yes. Pain with overhead movements, weakness, or limited range of motion may indicate rotator cuff tendon tears or other ligament injuries. X-rays cannot detect tendon tears, and ultrasound may miss deeper tears. MRI provides high-resolution, radiation-free imaging of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones to confirm the diagnosis.

Q2: Can rest, physiotherapy, or painkillers fix a suspected rotator cuff tear without MRI?
These treatments may relieve symptoms temporarily but cannot determine if a tear exists or its severity. Without MRI, treatment may be ineffective, and delayed diagnosis can lead to worsening tendon damage and prolonged recovery.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for suspected rotator cuff or tendon injury?
Delaying MRI risks progression of tendon tears, chronic pain, loss of strength, reduced shoulder mobility, and possibly the need for surgery. Early MRI enables timely, targeted non-surgical treatment to prevent further injury.

Q4: Why is MRI better than X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for rotator cuff or tendon injuries?
X-rays only show bones, CT is limited for soft tissue detail, and ultrasound may miss deep tendon tears. MRI provides comprehensive, high-resolution, radiation-free imaging of all shoulder structures, allowing precise diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

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