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At our clinic, we understand that access to high-quality medical imaging can be essential to a comprehensive treatment plan. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most advanced tools available, providing a detailed view of muscles, joints, bones, and ligaments. Here, MRI imaging plays an invaluable role in assessing musculoskeletal conditions and helping tailor your physiotherapy treatments.
At our physiotherapy clinic, we understand how important timely imaging is for your recovery. That’s why we partnered with local Doctors to offer fast and convenient private access to MRI services for our patients. This removes the stress of lengthy public wait times, endless referrals, inconvenient timing and the need to travel abroad for your imaging. We can ensure that you receive the highest level of care without any delays – helping you get back to what matters most.
MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create in-depth images of internal body structures. This makes it a powerful tool for visualizing areas deep within the joints or surrounding soft tissues that may be challenging to assess otherwise.
Common uses include diagnosing ACL tears, meniscus injuries, disc herniations, and hip labral tears—issues often seen in sports and orthopedic injuries.
In Ontario, physiotherapists cannot directly refer clients for imaging, including MRIs. Instead, patients must obtain a referral from a physician. However, physiotherapists still play a critical role in helping clients determine whether imaging is necessary:
If imaging seems beneficial, your physiotherapist can provide guidance on how to discuss imaging options with your doctor, including specific recommendations on types of imaging.
When needed, your physiotherapist can communicate directly with your doctor, providing a clinical summary that explains their findings and highlights the reasons imaging may be warranted. This collaborative approach ensures you’re well-supported in obtaining timely and appropriate diagnostics.
MRI captures detailed views of both internal and external joint structures, making it essential for complex injuries. This clarity aids in accurate diagnoses, which in turn can improve treatment outcomes.
The insights provided by MRI scans allow physiotherapists to develop tailored rehabilitation programs, focusing on specific injury needs—whether for surgery preparation, conservative care, or post-surgery recovery.
MRI scans can be time-sensitive, especially for injuries requiring prompt intervention. As of recent data, the average wait time for an MRI in Ontario is approximately 68 days, varying by location and urgency.
While X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs each serve unique diagnostic purposes, MRI imaging is often the preferred choice for complex or large-area injuries due to its exceptional image quality. MRIs not only reveal structural issues but also provide insight into healing times and optimal treatment paths, helping both you and your physiotherapist make informed decisions about your recovery.
If you think MRI imaging could enhance your treatment, contact us for a consultation. We’ll work closely with your physician and healthcare providers to ensure you receive the most comprehensive and timely care.
Take the next step toward a clearer understanding of your injury and a recovery plan designed just for you.
No! You can start Physiotherapy without an MRI, or any imaging at all. We know that the wait times can be long for MRIs and the good news is that we can get you started with treatment while waiting. During your first session, your treating therapist will take a complete history, and conduct a thorough physical assessment to identify the source of your issues. From this information, they will be able to develop a preliminary starting plan to alleviate and potentially even resolve your problem!
X-rays are generally used to visualize the bones while ultrasounds are used to image soft tissue like muscles, ligaments and tendons. MRIs are considered the gold standard because they provide a better imaging quality. Some injuries, like meniscus tears, tend to not show on ultrasounds but will be captured on an MRI. Oftentimes, you will be asked to do an x-ray and ultrasound first before being eligible for an MRI.
No, getting an MRI is not painful, nor is there radiation involved. However, it can be unnerving as it does involve lying for a couple of minutes in an enclosed space.
It’s possible, the MRI is highly sensitive to things like inflammation, muscle, ligament, joint capsule tears, joint damage such as degeneration or cartilage loss, disc herniations, cysts, and more. However, it is important to remember that not everything seen on the MRI is causing your pain. In other words, some of the findings may be completely incidental and not actually the source of your pain.
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We are located in Applewood, Erin Mills, Lorne Park, Hurontario-Eglinton, Maple Grove, Etobicoke South, Burlington, Creditview-Bristol, Clarkson Village and Oakville North.
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