Daily Maestroism
DM #225
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017
DM #225: A good therapist knows when imaging is warranted. This same therapist understands the fact that imaging can increase a patient's perceived pain and disability, despite absolutely NOTHING changing between the time of imaging and when the results are read. And yes, there are studies that prove this ?
But why wouldn't imaging change the course of treatment? Well, for starters, in all likelihood you've had that bulging disc for years and it's not the cause of your pain. But from a more general perspective, the interventions that I've prescribed are based on your movement dysfunctions, NOT a specific diagnosis, and will respect your current limitations.
Sure, there are absolutely times when imaging is warranted: confirmation of an ACL tear, ruling out more serious systemic pathologies, fractures…things that require more aggressive (likely surgical) intervention. But typical low back pain? Nope. Knee pain? Nope. Shoulder pain? Definitely shouldn't be your first line of action. Honestly, unless you're looking to have surgery, you're way better off skipping the imaging and going to a GOOD movement professional.
Notice the emphasis on GOOD. I'm talking about a professional who actually listens, spends more than 5 minutes with you, gets a complete history, does a thorough assessment, and treats YOU, not your tissues. Find one of these providers and the treatment plan will address not only your symptoms, but the cause of your dysfunction. Find one of these providers and if imaging is warranted they'll be more than willing to refer you out.
Lastly, unless there was direct trauma to an area, imagining won't tell you WHY you got that injury in the first place, simply that that area no longer looks like it used to.
So, my point? Let a movement professional check yourself before you run out and get an MRI and wreck yourself.
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