CALL US TODAY (407) 708-9918

The Benefits and Pitfalls of Imaging

Doctor contemplating between over diagnosis and appropriate care

In modern healthcare, imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing various conditions, including musculoskeletal issues that often require Physical therapy in Altamonte Springs. Technologies like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs help doctors make informed decisions about treatment, but when it comes to musculoskeletal concerns like back pain, knee pain, or sciatica, many patients can benefit from conservative approaches such as Altamonte Springs physical therapy clinics before resorting to advanced imaging.

While imaging can be life-saving in certain scenarios, such as trauma or when doctors suspect rare conditions, it is not always the first line of treatment for common issues like lower back pain or knee pain. Many people search for “Physical therapy near me” to find non-invasive treatments like manual therapy or sports rehabilitation that can offer back pain relief in Altamonte Springs or knee pain treatment without the need for surgery or excessive imaging. Imaging like MRIs can reveal age-related changes in the spine or joints, which are often normal and don’t necessarily require intervention. This is where overuse of imaging, especially in primary care, can become problematic.

One growing concern is the misuse of MRIs, especially when they lead to “indication creep,” where findings of normal aging processes—like slight spinal degeneration—are interpreted as abnormalities. This can cause patients to seek unnecessary treatments instead of focusing on more effective, hands-on care such as sciatica help in Altamonte Springs or natural pain relief methods through physical therapy. At times, general practitioners may overinterpret MRI results, leading patients down a path of treatments or surgeries that offer little benefit. Altamonte Springs physical therapy clinics emphasize non-invasive treatments like spine health exercises or arthritis treatment through therapeutic movements, which can often prevent unnecessary interventions.

Overuse of MRIs can delay the right care, diverting attention from evidence-based approaches like physical therapy, which specializes in post-surgical care, sports rehabilitation, and other therapies designed to enhance recovery without invasive procedures. For example, if someone is suffering from knee pain or a stiff neck, a physical therapy program may offer significant relief through targeted manual therapy and exercise, without the need for imaging that might suggest overly cautious treatment.

Healthcare providers and patients alike must focus on appropriate imaging stewardship. Often, issues like lower back pain or arthritis can be treated with physical therapy or manual therapy, providing long-term relief without the risks associated with overdiagnosis from MRIs. Altamonte Springs physical therapy clinics offer comprehensive care, addressing spine health, stiff neck treatment, and other common complaints through natural pain relief methods that do not require invasive procedures.

In conclusion, while imaging has a valuable place in healthcare, over-relying on tools like MRIs—especially for issues that can be resolved through physical therapy—can lead to unnecessary treatments. Instead, patients seeking back pain relief in Altamonte Springs or help with arthritis treatment should consider non-invasive therapies as a first step. By focusing on physical therapy and sports rehabilitation, patients can avoid the pitfalls of overdiagnosis and get the effective, timely care they need.

Dr. Daniel Komforti, Physical Therapist, at New Horizons Physical Therapy
AUTHOR
Dr. Daniel Komforti
PT, DPT, CIDN, SFMA-C
On a mission to help active adults change their narrative and stay active for a lifetime with more confidence.
Scroll to Top