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Diagnostic Imaging

Avenue Physio – Trusted in downtown Calgary since 1984
At Avenue Physio, our experienced physiotherapists can refer you directly for diagnostic imaging including X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs when it helps guide your treatment plan.
This ensures timely answers, fewer delays, and care that stays focused on what your body truly needs.
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What Is Diagnostic Imaging and Why It Matters

Diagnostic imaging can help your physiotherapist Confirm or clarify a diagnosis when findings are unclear Rule out serious injury or structural damage Guide next steps when results will influence your treatment
Imaging provides additional insight into bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues, but it is only recommended when it will meaningfully change how your recovery is managed.
The context of your injury matters. Sudden trauma or suspected structural damage may require imaging, while most movement or overuse-related pain can be confidently assessed through a thorough physical examination and clinical reasoning.
Many findings on X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI such as mild disc changes or tendon degeneration are common and often part of normal aging.
Our physiotherapists always interpret imaging in context, combining results with your story, movement patterns, and goals to determine what is truly relevant.
Imaging supports the broader picture when needed, but it never replaces a complete, evidence-based physiotherapy assessment. This keeps your care focused on restoring confident, pain-free movement rather than chasing incidental findings.
Image Referral US, MRI, X-RAY

How Diagnostic Imaging Works

Depending on your presentation, your physiotherapist may recommend:
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X-Ray

Evaluates bones and joint alignment and helps rule out fractures, arthritis, or other structural changes that may influence treatment.

Ultrasound

Assesses tendons, ligaments, bursae, and soft-tissue injuries in real time. It can also be used dynamically during movement to assess inflammation, swelling, or tears.

MRI

Provides detailed images of cartilage, discs, and deeper soft tissues when additional information is needed to assess complex injuries or conditions not visible on X-ray or ultrasound.

Results are sent directly to your physiotherapist, who will review them with you, explain what they mean for your recovery, and integrate them into your treatment plan.

When appropriate, we also collaborate with your family physician or specialist to ensure your care is seamless, coordinated, and evidence-based.

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What Diagnostic Imaging Helps With

Diagnostic imaging may be recommended when it will change or guide treatment, including for:
  • Suspected fractures or significant joint injuries
  • Tendon tears or complex soft-tissue damage
  • Nerve-related conditions such as radiculopathy or sciatica
  • Cases where recovery is not following the expected pattern
Imaging is one part of a complete evidence-based plan that also includes assessment, exercise, movement retraining, and education.
Image Referral US, MRI, X-RAY
If you are dealing with persistent pain, uncertainty about your diagnosis, or slow recovery, our physiotherapists can help determine whether imaging is appropriate and what steps come next.
Our physiotherapists will assess your movement and determine what hands-on techniques best support your goals.
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Our Advanced Expertise

Physiotherapists at Avenue Physio who refer for diagnostic imaging have completed advanced post-graduate training and authorization through the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta.
This additional certification ensures:
  • Appropriate test selection
  • Accurate interpretation within clinical context
  • Safe, evidence-based integration into your care
Our goal is always to avoid unnecessary scanning while ensuring you receive the right information at the right time.
When needed, we coordinate closely with your physician or specialist for further investigation or medical management so your care feels informed and collaborative.
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FAQ

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Questions

Diagnostic Imaging

Here are some of the common questions our Calgary patients ask about how manual therapy works, what to expect, and how it can help you move and feel better.

Yes. Physiotherapists with advanced training can directly refer for X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs when clinically appropriate.

MRI referrals for musculoskeletal conditions are not publicly funded under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. If required, your physiotherapist can arrange a private MRI referral for faster access.

Imaging is recommended when it will influence your treatment or clarify a diagnosis. Most musculoskeletal conditions can be accurately assessed without imaging.
Sometimes. Imaging may guide loading decisions, exercise progression, or referrals to other providers when necessary.

No. At Avenue Physio, our physiotherapists can refer directly for X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs when clinically appropriate. If medical referral is required, we coordinate this for you.

X-rays and ultrasounds are publicly funded through Alberta Health Care. Musculoskeletal MRIs are not publicly funded. If required, your physiotherapist can arrange private referral options.

How to Get Started

Your care begins with a one-on-one physiotherapy assessment to determine whether diagnostic imaging is appropriate and how it fits into your recovery plan.
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Avenue Physio

Changing Lives with Movement

formerly "Fifth Ave Physio"

Stephen Avenue Place – Main Floor
#130, 225 – 7th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2W3

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