Do You Need a Scan Before Seeing a Physiotherapist?

Usually, no.

In many cases, it is more appropriate to have a clinical assessment first.

A physiotherapist can assess your symptoms, movement, strength and functional limitations and determine whether further investigation may be appropriate.

If imaging is required, the physiotherapist or another healthcare professional can help guide you towards the appropriate investigation or onward referral, depending on the healthcare setting and their scope of practice.

Having an MRI before your assessment can sometimes provide useful information, but it can also identify incidental findings that may not be relevant to your symptoms.