Imaging Request and Interpretation
Book your appointmentAccessing the imaging you need
At Solent Specialist Physiotherapy, our specialist physiotherapists have the advanced training and clinical expertise to request and interpret medical imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound scans, and MRI scans when needed. This allows us to provide a seamless, efficient pathway from assessment to diagnosis and treatment — all under the care of a highly experienced clinician.
Book an appointmentExpertise You Can Trust
Each member of our team is a specialist in one area of the body, with over 15 years of experience in assessing, diagnosing, and managing complex musculoskeletal conditions. This depth of experience means we know exactly when imaging is appropriate and which type of scan will give the most useful information.
By combining our expert clinical reasoning with access to advanced imaging, we can reach an accurate diagnosis quickly and tailor your treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome.
Why as Specialist Physiotherapists We Are Well Placed to Request Imaging
Specialist physiotherapists are uniquely positioned to request and interpret scans because we see a high volume of similar injuries and conditions every day. This gives us exceptional insight into how imaging findings relate to your symptoms, movement patterns, and overall function.
Our approach is:
- Holistic — we don’t just identify what’s visible on a scan; we connect it to how your body moves and feels.
- Integrated — if imaging confirms a diagnosis, we can provide ongoing rehabilitation, or where appropriate, arrange for injections or referral to an orthopaedic consultant if surgical input is needed.
This means you get the right investigation, at the right time, with the right plan moving forward.
Linking Imaging Results to Your Assessment
Once your imaging has been completed, your physiotherapist will interpret the results, look at the imaging and correlate the findings with your assessment and symptoms. This ensures that we understand not just what’s seen on the scan, but also how it fits with how you move, function, and feel.
In many cases, imaging supports what we’ve already identified during your specialist assessment. However, it can also highlight important details — such as the extent of a tendon tear, joint changes, or inflammation — which help guide the most effective management and rehabilitation plan for you.
Clear, Accurate, and Personalised Care
By combining advanced assessment skills with precise imaging interpretation, we provide a clear diagnosis and a focused treatment plan designed around you.
In summary:
- We can request X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI scans where appropriate.
- We interpret and explain your results in plain language.
- We create a tailored treatment plan based on both clinical findings and imaging.
- We refer on quickly if further orthopaedic or rheumatology input is needed.
With each clinician having 15+ years of experience and specialist expertise, you can feel confident you’re receiving the most accurate diagnosis and effective care pathway — helping you get back to normal faster.
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Experience the difference of specialist physiotherapy.
Book your appointment today to take the next step towards clarity, confidence, and recovery.
When is an X-Ray Useful?
An X-ray is particularly helpful for assessing bones and joints. It can identify issues such as arthritis, fractures, bone spurs, or joint alignment changes that may be contributing to your pain. While X-rays don’t show soft tissues like muscles or tendons, they are an excellent starting point when we need to rule out bone-related problems or confirm degenerative changes that may influence your treatment and recovery plan.
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When is an MRI useful?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan provides highly detailed images of soft tissues, making it especially valuable for assessing tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and spinal discs. It can detect issues such as tendon tears, muscle strains, labral injuries, inflammation, or nerve irritation that may not be visible on an X-ray or ultrasound.
MRI scans are particularly useful when symptoms are persistent or complex, helping us confirm the exact source of your pain and guide a precise, evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation plan.
When is an Ultrasound Scan useful?
An ultrasound scan is an excellent tool for assessing soft tissue structures such as tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bursae. It allows us to see these tissues in real time, meaning we can observe how they move and respond during certain positions or activities.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for identifying conditions such as tendon tears, inflammation, bursitis, or fluid around joints. It’s quick, safe, and does not involve radiation.
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