Many people with knee pain ask for an MRI first. Imaging is useful, but only when the result would change what we do.
When a scan helps
After a twisting injury with swelling within hours, a locking knee, a knee that gives way, or when surgery is a real option. Our sports physician can refer you the same day.
When it does not
For gradual pain around the kneecap, tendon pain or arthritis that responds to exercise. Scans often show changes that are normal for your age and do not explain the pain.
What the research says
In people over 40 without knee pain, a large share of MRIs show meniscus changes. Treating the picture instead of the person leads to more surgery and no better outcomes.
What we do instead
We test strength, range and control, compare both sides and treat for six weeks. If you are not improving as expected, we image. That way the scan answers a real question.
