Do I Need an MRI Before Starting Physical Therapy?

Are You Waiting on an MRI Before Getting Physical Therapy?

Maybe your back has been bugging you for months. Or your shoulder feels off every time you lift. You’ve finally decided to do something about it — but someone told you to get an MRI first.

Here’s what we want you to know: You probably don’t need one.

We hear this question all the time at Thrive HQ: “Should I get an MRI before I come in for physical therapy?”

And the answer — for 90% of people — is no.

What Most People Think an MRI Will Do:

• Show what’s wrong

• Confirm a diagnosis

• Help the PT know how to treat you

But here’s the problem — imaging doesn’t always match your pain. You can have an MRI that shows a disc bulge, tear, or arthritis… and still have no pain. And vice versa — your scan can look “clean” even if you feel terrible.

Here’s Why We Recommend Starting With a Diagnostic Session

At Thrive HQ, your first step is a Pain Diagnostic Session — a hands-on evaluation where we:

• Thoroughly analyze your movement and mechanics

• Test strength, mobility, and joint function

• Identify what triggers your symptoms in real life (not just on a screen)

We use what we learn to design a plan tailored to your goals — whether that’s lifting without pain, running a 10K, or just getting through the day more comfortably.

Most clients never need imaging. And if we believe you do? We’ll tell you!

When an MRI Can Be Helpful:

We occasionally refer clients for imaging if:

• Symptoms suggest something more serious (e.g., fracture, infection, significant nerve involvement)

• You’re not progressing with appropriate care

• You’re already planning surgery or injection and need confirmation

But those cases are rare — and we’ll only recommend it if we truly believe it’s necessary.

Bottom Line: Don’t Let an MRI Delay Your Recovery

If you’ve been told to “wait for imaging” before starting PT — or if you’re just unsure of your next step — don’t stay stuck.

Getting real answers doesn’t require a scan. It starts with a conversation — and a personalized plan.

🎯 Book Your Pain Diagnostic Session

📞 Speak With a PT First — no commitment, just expert guidance.

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Thrive HQ Physical Therapy

Serving Lake Elmo, St. Paul, and the entire East Metro with 1-on-1, diagnostic-first care for active adults who want to move, train, and live without pain medications, injections, or surgery.