Imaging Request and Interpretation
Find your specialistAt Solent Specialist Physiotherapy, our clinicians have the training and clinical expertise to request and interpret diagnostic imaging — including X-rays, ultrasound scans, and MRI — when appropriate. This enables a seamless, evidence-informed pathway from assessment to diagnosis and ongoing management.
Imaging is used to clarify a diagnosis, guide clinical decision-making, and inform tailored rehabilitation plans. It is not used routinely, but where it is likely to meaningfully influence your care.
Why imaging matters
Specialist physiotherapy involves understanding not just pain or limitation, but why it is present. In some cases, imaging provides additional insight that cannot be obtained through clinical examination alone.
By combining expert clinical assessment with appropriate imaging, we can:
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clarify underlying structural findings
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confirm or refine a diagnosis
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tailor a rehabilitation plan more precisely
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communicate findings clearly with you and, where needed, with other clinicians
This approach supports confident, evidence-based care rather than guesswork.
How we decide if imaging is appropriate
Imaging is considered when it will meaningfully inform diagnosis or management — not simply because a scan has been done in the past, or because a patient requests one. Our clinicians use judgement based on:
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clinical history
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physical examination
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response to prior treatment
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symptom behaviour
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red flags and risk factors
This ensures imaging is used purposefully and safely.
How imaging fits with your assessment
If imaging is recommended, your clinician will:
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explain the reason for the request
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discuss which modality is most suitable (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI)
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outline what the scan may help clarify
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interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and examination findings
Imaging interpretation is not done in isolation — it is integrated with your clinical picture to guide management and rehabilitation.
When different types of imaging are useful
X-ray
Useful for assessing bone structure, joint alignment, and degenerative changes such as arthritis. It is often the first step when bony pathology is suspected.
MRI
Provides detailed views of soft tissues including muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and discs. Useful where symptoms are persistent, complex, or not explained by examination or Xray.
Ultrasound
Useful for dynamic assessment of soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and bursae.
Clear, personalised care
Our clinicians interpret imaging findings in plain language and explain how they relate to your symptoms, movement patterns, and functional goals.
Where imaging indicates more specialised medical involvement (for example orthopaedic, pain clinic or rheumatology input), we can help navigate that process and communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
Next steps
If you think imaging may be relevant to your symptoms, we recommend starting with a specialist assessment. This ensures the decision to request imaging is grounded in clinical reasoning that aligns with your goals.
