150. MRIs for the Physical Therapist - Using MRIs as a Piece of the Puzzle

Send us Fan MailNeed CEUs?Get unlimited CEUs with MedBridge and save over $100 using code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout.Students: Use PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT for a discounted annual plan.Welcome to PT Stocks podcast! In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of using MRIs in physical therapy. MRIs are a great tool, but we need to learn how to use them appropriately to maximize their effectiveness. We'll explore key topics such as common asymptomatic MRI findings, when to order imaging, and how to educate and empower patients. Expect to learn about the cervical and lumbar spine, knee, rotator cuff, and hip labral tears, and get actionable tips on integrating MRI with clinical assessments. Tune in for practical takeaways that will enhance your diagnostic skills without over-relying on imaging.00:00 Introduction to PT Stocks Podcast00:55 Understanding MRIs: Asymptomatic Findings03:42 Clinical Examples of MRI Findings08:59 When to Order an MRI12:34 Cases Where MRI May Not Be Needed14:50 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesBrinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, et al. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2015;36(4):811–816. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A4173Culvenor AG, Øiestad BE, Østerås N, et al. MRI features of knee osteoarthritis in patellofemoral pain: a cross-sectional case–control study. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(12):817–823. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2017-098349Tempelhof S, Rupp S, Seil R. Age-related prevalence of rotator cuff tears in asymptomatic shoulders. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1999;8(4):296–299. doi:10.1016/S1058-2746(99)90148-9Yamaguchi K, Ditsios K, Middleton WD, Hildebolt CF, Galatz LM, Teefey SA. The demographic and morphological features of rotator cuff disease: a comparison of asymptomatic and symptomatic shoulders. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2006;88(8):1699–1704. doi:10.2106/JBJS.E.00835Register B, Pennock AT, Ho CP, Strickland CD, Lawand A, Philippon MJ. Prevalence of abnormal hip findings in asymptomatic participants: a prospective, blinded study. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(12):2720–2724. doi:10.1177/0363546512453291Cardinal E, Buckwalter KA, Braunstein EM, Pope TL, Montgomery WJ. MR imaging of the Achilles tendon: a pictorial essay. Radiographics. 1996;16(2):417–428. doi:10.1148/radiographics.16.2.8966297Deyo RA, Mirza SK, Turner JA, Martin BI. Overtreating chronic back pain: time to back off? J Am Board Fam Med. 2009;22(1):62–68. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2009.01.080102Flynn TW, Smith B, Chou R. Appropriate use of diagnostic imaging in low back pain: a reminder that unnecessary imaging may do as much harm as good. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(11):838–846. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3618Downie A, Williams CM, Henschke N, et al. Red flags to screen for malignancy in patients with low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(2):CD008686. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008686.pub2O’Sullivan PB, Caneiro JP, O’Keeffe M, et al. Cognitive functional therapy: an integrated behavioral approach for the targeted management of disabling low back pain. Phys Ther. 2018;98(5):408–423. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzy022Need CEUs?Unlock unlimited online courses, live webinars, and certification-prep programs with MedBridge. You’ll get thousands of accredited, evidence-based courses. Use code PTSNACKSPODCAST at checkout to save over $100. Student? Use code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENTSupport the showStudying for the NPTE? Check out PT Final Exam — they’ve helped thousands of students pass with confidence. Use code PTSnacks at checkout for a discount.Stay Connected!Follow so you never miss an episode. Send your questions via email to [email protected] the email list HERESupport the Show:Share the episode with someone who'd benefit.Contributing directly to the "support" link.Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this all possible!