Q1: My shoulder pain is stopping me from performing at work or during sports. Should I get an MRI?
Yes. Pain that limits movement, strength, or endurance may indicate rotator cuff tears, tendon or ligament injuries, or early cartilage damage. X-rays often appear normal, and physical exams cannot reliably detect structural injuries. MRI provides detailed, radiation-free images of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones for accurate diagnosis.

Q2: Can physiotherapy, massage, or medication solve performance-limiting shoulder pain without MRI?
These methods may temporarily ease discomfort but cannot confirm underlying structural injuries. Without MRI, serious issues may go undiagnosed, prolonging dysfunction and risking worsening of the shoulder joint.

Q3: What are the risks of delaying MRI for shoulder pain affecting activity?
Delaying MRI may allow tendon or ligament injuries to worsen, potentially causing chronic pain, reduced mobility, weakness, and early arthritis. Early MRI ensures timely, targeted non-surgical treatment to prevent long-term disability.

Q4: Why is MRI superior to X-ray, CT, or ultrasound for shoulder injuries?
X-rays show only bones, CT is limited for soft tissue, and ultrasound may miss deep rotator cuff tears or ligament injuries. MRI provides high-resolution, comprehensive imaging without radiation, revealing all relevant shoulder structures.

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