Skip to main content

A vollyball player preparing to make an overhead serve.

study published in the Journal of ISAKOS, Joint Disorders & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, in Nov. 2019, adds to a growing body of evidence that MRI scans are often misleading. Twenty-six elite volleyball players with no symptoms of injury received an MRI on their dominant shoulder. The MRIs showed an abnormality in every athlete, even though none had symptoms that kept them from competing.

Earlier studies in which baseball pitchers and tennis players received MRIs of their dominant shoulders had similar findings. Researchers estimate that almost 100% of MRIs on elite overhead athletes will show abnormalities, even when they have no symptoms. The bottom line: MRIs do not measure pain or function and can lead to unnecessary treatment.

The study concluded that a person's symptoms might not match their MRI findings. In other words, some athletes will have tears found on an MRI but have no symptoms. Others may have symptoms, but no tears are seen on their MRI. Researchers emphasized the importance of making management decisions based on more than just an MRI alone.

Researchers recommend that surgery should only be considered for shoulder pain, rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, and symptoms involving overuse after conservative treatments, including physical therapy, have been exhausted.

Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.

Find a PT Near You!

 

Related Resources

Additional Information

Access additional Did You Know? pages.

Is this content helpful?

Thanks for the feedback!

Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.


You Might Also Like...

Health Tips

Female Athlete Triad: What You Should Know

Apr 26, 2022

Female athlete triad is a condition that involves an imbalance among energy availability, quality and strength of bones, and menstrual cycle. Physical

Health Tips

Adaptive Sports: Staying Active While Living With A Disability

Jul 2, 2021

Staying active while living with a disability is important for your health. Physical activity can help you strengthen your heart, muscles, and bones and

Health Tips

Sports Injuries and Emotions: How PTs Can Help With Both, Plus Tips for Athletes

Jun 10, 2021

Sports injuries can occur whether you are competing on a team or doing regular exercise. But the body is not the only thing affected.