Why Many Patients Consult The Pain Relief Clinic for Non-Invasive Medical Care

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

When pain or discomfort starts to interfere with daily life, many people explore different care pathways—from GP consultations and specialist opinions to physiotherapy or non-invasive therapies. The Pain Relief Clinic is often chosen as a practical, medically grounded option that brings clarity without rushing patients into invasive steps.

Below are the key reasons patients consult the clinic—frequently as a second opinion, and sometimes as a first point of medical review.

A Practical Second Opinion When Other Options Feel Unsuitable

Patients commonly seek the clinic when:

  • Recommended treatments feel impractical for work or daily responsibilities

  • Certain options feel too risky at the current stage

  • Previous treatments have not delivered the expected results

In these situations, patients value a calm, medical reassessment that focuses on non-invasive, reasonable options first, while keeping future pathways open if needed.

Non-Invasive, Medically Supervised Care

The clinic focuses on non-invasive, technology-supported care, offering a balanced approach between:

  • Medication-based management often used in general practice, and

  • Surgical or interventional options typically overseen by orthopaedic surgeons

This allows patients to explore conservative medical care before considering more invasive steps.

Licensed Medical Clinic for Reassurance

Non-invasive therapies are available in many settings, but The Pain Relief Clinic operates as a licensed medical clinic led by registered doctors.
This provides:

  • Medical oversight and accountability

  • Proper clinical assessment and documentation

  • Added reassurance for patients seeking medically governed care

Short Waiting Times for Appointments

Access to timely care is a key reason patients choose the clinic:

  • Most appointments are available within one week

  • Urgent, same-day appointments may be possible when clinically appropriate

This helps patients avoid prolonged waiting periods while seeking clarity.

Clear, Affordable Pricing (Examples)

Cost transparency makes the clinic accessible, especially for second opinions:

  • Doctor consultation: from $50

  • Knee X-ray: $50, including the X-ray and a specialist radiologist report

  • MRI scans: under $1,000, arranged within one working day when clinically appropriate

These example price points allow patients to make informed decisions without high upfront commitments.

Insurance-Claimable & Medisave-Accredited

The clinic is:

  • Insurance claimable (subject to individual policy terms)

  • Medisave-accredited, providing additional financial flexibility

This is particularly useful for patients who require proper documentation for reimbursement.

Established Experience Since 2007

Founded in 2007, the clinic brings nearly two decades of experience. Long-standing operations often reflect:

  • Consistent clinical standards

  • Stable care systems

  • Trust built over time

Trained Overseas Doctors & Helped International Patients

Dr Tan has trained doctors from overseas and has also seen international clients from over 20 countries.

One Place for Medical Memo, Imaging & Physiotherapy Support

For insurance or workplace claims, patients often need:

  • A doctor’s memo

  • Supporting physiotherapy documentation

The clinic helps coordinate these services in one place, reducing the need to visit multiple providers or manage paperwork separately.

A Balanced, Sensible Option

The Pain Relief Clinic does not replace GPs, orthopaedic surgeons, or physiotherapists. Instead, it offers a licensed, non-invasive, timely, and cost-conscious medical option—especially valuable as a second opinion when other approaches feel impractical, higher-risk, or have not worked as expected.

For patients seeking clarity, reassurance, and efficient next steps, this balanced approach often makes a meaningful difference.

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Suspected Muscle Tear in Singapore: 8 Situations Where an MRI Is Commonly Needed

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

Muscle Tears Often Look Simple — Until They Don’t Heal

Muscle injuries are common after sports, exercise, or sudden strain. While many mild strains recover with rest, persistent pain, weakness, or swelling may indicate a partial or complete muscle tear. Because X-rays cannot visualise muscles, MRI is often required when recovery does not go as expected.

Below are the most common scenarios where patients in Singapore proceed to MRI for suspected muscle tears.

1. Sudden Sharp Pain During Activity

If pain:

  • Occurred suddenly during sprinting, lifting, or jumping

  • Was described as a “pull,” “pop,” or sharp tear

MRI helps determine whether fibres are strained, partially torn, or fully ruptured.

2. Persistent Pain Beyond a Few Weeks

When muscle pain:

  • Persists beyond 4–6 weeks

  • Does not steadily improve

  • Limits return to activity

MRI is commonly used to assess healing status and tear severity.

3. Visible Swelling or Bruising That Does Not Resolve

Ongoing swelling or bruising may indicate:

  • Deeper muscle fibre damage

  • Internal bleeding or haematoma

MRI clarifies extent and location of injury.

4. Weakness or Loss of Function

Difficulty:

  • Generating strength

  • Bearing weight

  • Returning to sport or work

suggests more than a simple strain. MRI helps determine functional impact and guides recovery planning.

5. Pain After a Fall, Sudden Load, or Direct Impact

Trauma can cause:

  • Partial muscle tears

  • Associated tendon involvement

MRI evaluates muscle–tendon units and surrounding soft tissue.

6. Normal X-ray but Ongoing Symptoms

X-rays may be normal even when:

  • Muscle fibres are torn

  • There is soft-tissue inflammation

MRI provides a clear view of muscles, fascia, and tendons.

7. Pain Not Improving Despite Physiotherapy

If physiotherapy:

  • Provides only temporary relief

  • Does not restore strength or confidence

MRI helps explain why recovery has plateaued, avoiding prolonged trial-and-error care.

8. When Return-to-Activity Decisions Depend on Knowing Severity

MRI is often needed before:

  • Returning to sports or physically demanding work

  • Escalating or modifying rehabilitation

  • Deciding whether rest alone is sufficient

Clear imaging helps prevent re-injury and prolonged downtime.

How Long Does It Take to Get an MRI for Muscle Injury in Singapore?

  • Public hospitals:
    Non-urgent outpatient MRI appointments may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand.

  • Private or clinic-based options:
    MRI scans are usually arranged much faster.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, soft-tissue MRI scans for suspected muscle tears can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to assessment.

How Much Does a Muscle MRI Cost?

  • Public hospitals:
    Subsidised and lower out-of-pocket cost, but longer waiting times.

  • Private hospitals / imaging centres:
    Higher and often variable pricing.

  • The Pain Relief Clinic:

    • Clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient soft-tissue MRI scans

    • Costs explained before proceeding, reducing uncertainty

Do You Need to Travel to Another Location for the MRI?

Many care pathways require:

  • Seeing a doctor at one clinic

  • Travelling to a separate imaging centre

  • Returning later for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic:

  • MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system

  • No off-site imaging travel

  • Faster review and smoother care flow

Payment Options to Know About

Patients at The Pain Relief Clinic may access:

  • Medisave usage (subject to outpatient diagnostic limits)

  • Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

  • Cashless arrangements where applicable

  • Interest-free instalment plans

  • Cash and card payments

Quick Comparison

Factor Public Hospital Private Hospital / Centre The Pain Relief Clinic
Waiting time Weeks or more Days Within 1 working day
Pricing clarity Subsidised Variable Clear, under S$1,000
Off-site imaging No Sometimes No
Payment flexibility Limited Moderate High

Final Takeaway

Most muscle injuries heal — but when pain, weakness, or swelling persists, MRI provides the clarity needed to recover safely and confidently.

For patients who want:

  • Faster answers

  • Transparent pricing

  • Minimal logistical hassle

  • Flexible payment options

The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical MRI pathway aligned with real-world needs in Singapore.

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Ankle Pain With Normal X-rays in Singapore: 8 Situations Where an MRI Is Commonly Needed

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

Normal X-rays Don’t Always Mean a Normal Ankle

Ankle X-rays are excellent for detecting fractures, but many ankle problems involve ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or subtle bone injury, which X-rays cannot show. When pain persists, MRI is often the investigation that provides clarity.

Below are the most common situations where patients in Singapore proceed to an ankle MRI despite normal X-ray findings.

1. Ankle Pain That Persists Beyond a Few Weeks

If ankle pain:

  • Lasts more than 4–6 weeks

  • Does not steadily improve

  • Affects walking or daily activity

MRI is commonly used to assess ligament, tendon, or cartilage injury.

2. Ankle Pain After a Sprain That Never Fully Recovered

Even mild sprains can involve:

  • Partial ligament tears

  • Tendon irritation

  • Joint surface injury

MRI helps determine why recovery has stalled.

3. Recurrent Ankle Swelling With Normal X-rays

Swelling without a fracture may point to:

  • Joint inflammation

  • Cartilage damage

  • Tendon irritation

MRI visualises fluid, synovitis, and internal joint pathology.

4. Ankle Instability or “Giving Way”

A feeling that the ankle:

  • Buckles

  • Feels unreliable on uneven ground

often indicates ligament injury, which MRI can evaluate accurately.

5. Pain After Sports or Sudden Twisting Movements

Sports-related ankle pain commonly involves:

  • Ligament tears

  • Tendon strain

  • Osteochondral (cartilage + bone) injury

MRI helps identify the exact structure involved.

6. Ankle Pain Not Improving Despite Physiotherapy

If physiotherapy:

  • Provides only temporary relief

  • Does not restore confidence in the ankle

MRI helps explain why progress has plateaued, avoiding prolonged trial-and-error care.

7. Pain That Affects Work, Exercise, or Daily Mobility

When ankle pain:

  • Limits standing or walking

  • Affects job performance or exercise

MRI is often used to identify structural causes that need targeted management.

8. When Treatment Decisions Depend on Knowing the Exact Cause

MRI is commonly required before:

  • Targeted non-invasive treatments

  • Specialist referral

  • Return-to-sport or activity planning

Clear imaging helps avoid delays, unnecessary procedures, and wasted costs.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Ankle MRI in Singapore?

  • Public hospitals:
    Non-urgent outpatient ankle MRI appointments may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand.

  • Private or clinic-based options:
    MRI scans are usually arranged much faster.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, ankle MRI scans can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to assessment.

How Much Does an Ankle MRI Cost?

  • Public hospitals:
    Subsidised and lower out-of-pocket cost, but longer waiting times.

  • Private hospitals / imaging centres:
    Higher and often variable pricing.

  • The Pain Relief Clinic:

    • Clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient ankle MRI scans

    • Costs explained before proceeding, reducing uncertainty

Do You Need to Travel to Another Location for the MRI?

Many care pathways require:

  • Seeing a doctor at one clinic

  • Travelling to a separate imaging centre

  • Returning later for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic:

  • MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system

  • No off-site imaging travel

  • Faster review and smoother care flow

Payment Options to Know About

Patients at The Pain Relief Clinic may access:

  • Medisave usage (subject to outpatient diagnostic limits)

  • Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

  • Cashless arrangements where applicable

  • Interest-free instalment plans

  • Cash and card payments

Quick Comparison

Factor Public Hospital Private Hospital / Centre The Pain Relief Clinic
Waiting time Weeks or more Days Within 1 working day
Pricing clarity Subsidised Variable Clear, under S$1,000
Off-site imaging No Sometimes No
Payment flexibility Limited Moderate High

Final Takeaway

Ankle pain with a normal X-ray is extremely common, especially after sprains or sports injuries. MRI often provides the missing clarity needed to recover properly and avoid ongoing instability.

For patients who want:

  • Faster answers

  • Transparent pricing

  • Minimal logistical hassle

  • Flexible payment options

The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical MRI pathway tailored to real-world needs in Singapore.

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Wrist Pain With Normal X-rays: When Is an MRI Needed in Singapore?

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

FAQ: MRI for Wrist Pain With Normal X-rays

What does it mean to have wrist pain with a normal X-ray?

This occurs when wrist pain persists or worsens, but X-rays do not show fractures or obvious bone problems. X-rays mainly assess bones, while many wrist issues involve ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and small joint structures that X-rays cannot visualise.

If my X-ray is normal, does that mean my wrist is fine?

Not necessarily. A normal X-ray does not rule out:

  • Ligament injuries (e.g. scapholunate ligament)

  • Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries

  • Tendon inflammation or tears

  • Cartilage damage

  • Early stress injury

MRI is often required to identify these causes accurately.

When should an MRI be considered for wrist pain?

An MRI is commonly considered when:

  • Wrist pain persists beyond a few weeks

  • Pain keeps recurring

  • There is weakness or loss of grip strength

  • Pain worsens with lifting, twisting, or weight-bearing

  • Swelling or clicking is present

  • Physiotherapy or rest has not helped

  • X-rays do not explain the symptoms

What can an MRI show that X-rays cannot?

MRI provides detailed images of:

  • Wrist ligaments and cartilage

  • TFCC structures

  • Tendons and tendon sheaths

  • Bone marrow changes

  • Joint fluid and inflammation

This allows clinicians to pinpoint the exact source of wrist pain.

Is MRI especially useful after a fall or sports injury?

Yes. MRI is particularly helpful when wrist pain:

  • Started after a fall onto the hand

  • Followed a twisting or impact injury

  • Occurs during sports or repetitive manual work

MRI helps assess ligament and cartilage injuries that are commonly missed on X-ray.

How long does it take to get a wrist MRI in Singapore?

Waiting time depends on the pathway:

  • Public hospitals:
    Non-urgent outpatient wrist MRI scans may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand.

  • Private or clinic-based options:
    MRI scans are usually arranged much faster.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, wrist MRI scans can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to clinical assessment.

How much does a wrist MRI cost in Singapore?

Costs vary depending on provider and scan complexity:

  • Public hospitals:
    Lower out-of-pocket cost due to subsidies, but longer waiting times.

  • Private hospitals / imaging centres:
    Higher and often variable pricing.

  • The Pain Relief Clinic:

    • Clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient wrist MRI scans

    • Costs explained before proceeding, reducing uncertainty

Do I need to go to a separate imaging centre for the MRI?

Often, yes. Many care pathways require:

  • Seeing a doctor at one location

  • Travelling to a separate imaging centre

  • Returning later for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic:

  • MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system

  • No off-site imaging travel

  • Faster review and smoother coordination

Can Medisave be used for wrist MRI scans?

Yes. Medisave can be used for outpatient MRI scans, subject to prevailing outpatient diagnostic limits.

Patients can clarify:

  • Medisave eligibility

  • Expected out-of-pocket cost
    before proceeding.

Are insurance claims or instalment options available?

Depending on coverage, patients at The Pain Relief Clinic may access:

  • Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

  • Cashless arrangements where applicable

  • Interest-free instalment plans

  • Cash and card payments

This flexibility helps manage wrist injuries that affect work and daily function.

What happens after the MRI?

After imaging:

  • Findings are reviewed alongside symptoms and examination

  • The cause of wrist pain is explained clearly

  • Next steps may include targeted conservative care, monitoring, or referral if needed

Accurate imaging helps avoid unnecessary delays and ineffective treatments.

Key Takeaway

Wrist pain with a normal X-ray is common and often involves ligament or cartilage injury. MRI frequently provides the clarity needed to guide appropriate care.

In Singapore:

  • Public hospitals offer subsidised scans but may involve waiting weeks or more

  • Private hospitals provide faster access with variable pricing

  • The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical option with:

    • Clear upfront pricing under S$1,000

    • Fast MRI arrangement

    • No off-site imaging

    • Flexible payment options, including Medisave, insurance, cashless and instalments

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Hip Pain With Normal X-rays: When Is an MRI Needed in Singapore?

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

FAQ: MRI for Hip Pain With Normal X-rays

What does it mean to have hip pain with a normal X-ray?

This means hip or groin pain persists even though X-rays do not show fractures, advanced arthritis, or obvious joint problems. X-rays mainly assess bone structure, but many hip conditions involve cartilage, labrum, tendons, muscles, or bone marrow, which are not visible on X-ray.

If my X-ray is normal, does that mean my hip joint is healthy?

Not necessarily. A normal X-ray does not rule out:

  • Labral tears

  • Cartilage damage

  • Tendon or muscle injury

  • Stress reactions or early stress fractures

  • Early degenerative or inflammatory changes

MRI is often needed to identify these causes.

When should an MRI be considered for hip pain?

An MRI is commonly considered when:

  • Hip or groin pain persists beyond a few weeks

  • Pain keeps recurring

  • Pain worsens with walking, stairs, or prolonged standing

  • There is reduced range of motion or stiffness

  • Pain affects sleep or daily activities

  • Physiotherapy or medication has not helped

  • X-rays do not explain symptoms

What can an MRI show that X-rays cannot?

MRI can visualise:

  • Hip labrum and cartilage

  • Tendons and muscles around the hip

  • Bone marrow changes

  • Joint fluid or inflammation

  • Subtle stress injuries

This allows clinicians to pinpoint the true source of hip pain.

Is MRI particularly useful for sports-related or groin pain?

Yes. MRI is especially helpful when hip pain:

  • Started after running, sports, or sudden twisting

  • Is felt deep in the groin

  • Causes reduced confidence in movement

MRI helps assess labral injuries, tendon problems, and early stress injuries accurately.

How long does it take to get a hip MRI in Singapore?

Waiting time depends on the care pathway:

  • Public hospitals:
    Non-urgent outpatient hip MRI scans may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand.

  • Private or clinic-based options:
    MRI scans are usually arranged much faster.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, hip MRI scans can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to clinical assessment.

How much does a hip MRI cost in Singapore?

Costs vary by provider and scan details:

  • Public hospitals:
    Lower out-of-pocket cost with subsidies, but longer waiting times.

  • Private hospitals / imaging centres:
    Higher and often variable pricing.

  • The Pain Relief Clinic:

    • Clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient hip MRI scans

    • Costs explained before proceeding, reducing financial uncertainty

Do I need to travel to another imaging centre for the MRI?

In many care pathways, yes. Patients often need to:

  • See a doctor at one location

  • Travel to a separate imaging centre

  • Return later for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic:

  • MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system

  • No off-site imaging travel

  • Faster review and smoother coordination

Can Medisave be used for hip MRI scans?

Yes. Medisave can be used for outpatient MRI scans, subject to prevailing outpatient diagnostic limits.

Patients can clarify:

  • Medisave eligibility

  • Expected out-of-pocket cost
    before proceeding.

Are insurance claims or instalment options available?

Depending on coverage, patients at The Pain Relief Clinic may access:

  • Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

  • Cashless arrangements where applicable

  • Interest-free instalment plans

  • Cash and card payments

This flexibility helps manage unexpected or ongoing hip pain expenses.

What happens after the MRI?

After imaging:

  • Findings are reviewed alongside symptoms and examination

  • The cause of hip pain is explained clearly

  • Next steps may include targeted conservative care, monitoring, or referral if needed

Accurate imaging helps avoid unnecessary delays and ineffective treatment cycles.

Key Takeaway

Hip pain with a normal X-ray is common and often involves soft tissue or early joint pathology. MRI frequently provides the clarity needed to move forward confidently.

In Singapore:

  • Public hospitals offer subsidised scans but may involve waiting weeks or more

  • Private hospitals provide faster access with variable pricing

  • The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical option with:

    • Clear upfront pricing under S$1,000

    • Fast MRI arrangement

    • No off-site imaging

    • Flexible payment options, including Medisave, insurance, cashless and instalments

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