What Your Doctor Sees With a Shoulder MRI
If you’ve been experiencing shoulder pain, your doctor may have recommended a shoulder MRI or you may have decided to seek one out on your own. So you may be wondering what your doctor sees with a shoulder MRI.
What Does a Shoulder MRI Show?
When you get a shoulder MRI, a magnetic field and radio waves work together to create images of your shoulder. In particular, the images include your muscles, ligaments, and cartilage as well as any other components around your shoulder joint.
Beyond the basics, a shoulder MRI can also show aberrations in your muscles or soft tissues, like tissue damage, disease, infections, and even tumors. This imaging test goes further than an X-ray because it shows the muscles and soft tissue, while X-rays typically only show the bones.
When Should I Get an MRI for Shoulder Pain?
Your doctor may recommend an MRI to diagnose your shoulder pain or in advance of surgery. They are often used to diagnose the following:
- Arthritis
- Bone tumors
- Cartilage damage
- Infections
- Rotator cuff tears
- Infections
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Unexplained shoulder pain
How Much Does it Cost?
When struggling with shoulder pain, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality and convenience for price. AHI offers diagnostic imaging from board-certified radiologists at a lower cost than hospitals or hospital-owned outpatient facilities.
Learn more about how AHI’s cost calculator can help you estimate the cost of your shoulder MRI.
Does Your Whole Body Go in for a Shoulder MRI?
With a shoulder MRI, your bare shoulder needs to be exposed. You may be asked to change into a robe to make that possible. You may also be given contrast to help further define the imaging.
How Long Does a Shoulder MRI Take?
A shoulder MRI might take up to an hour, depending on the specific images your physician wants. At American Health Imaging, we offer appointments after normal business hours and on weekends, so you don’t have to take time away from work to get medical care.
Find Relief for Your Shoulder Pain
If your shoulder pain won’t quit bothering you, AHI can help determine if a shoulder MRI will help diagnose the problem. Make an appointment today.
This post was updated on 12/02/2020.