When do patients need Scans?

As healthcare professionals, it is vitally important we understand exactly what’s going on with your body so we can provide the best possible care. Sometimes this might involve referring you for an image or scan to gain a greater understanding of the underlying problem contributing to your pain/problem.

If you have encountered a direct trauma such as a fall from a height or have extreme tenderness and pain over bony areas after an injury, We would refer you for an X-Ray. This is a scan which shows the structure of your bones. These scans are useful for detecting fractures or dislocations and is often a great image to start as its low radiation and low cost.

If there is lots of inflammation present or you have sustained a potential tear to one of your ligaments or tendons, We would often refer you for an Ultrasound scan. These scans are great at diagnosing the location and the severity of any muscle and ligament tears which are categorised in to grade 1-2 or 3. With this information your Chiropractor or therapist will be able to adapt their treatment and rehab plan to ensure the affected soft tissue is receiving the appropriate load to promote a full healthy recovery.

When we have extensive soft tissue damage, nerve involvement and potential disc irritation we will refer from an MRI scan. This scan shows both the soft tissues and bones of our body. It is the most accurate scan for detecting disc herniations and soft tissue damage as well as showing other lesions in our body. It is an expensive scan but when needed can prove invaluable in helping our clients with their diagnosis and giving them the correct care that they deserve.