Shoulder MRI Scan: Complete Guide

A shoulder MRI scan provides unparalleled detail of the shoulder joint, one of the most mobile and injury-prone joints in the body. Whether you are suffering from chronic shoulder pain, a suspected rotator cuff tear, or a frozen shoulder, MRI can identify the underlying cause with precision. Lola Health offers private shoulder MRI scans at over 150 UK centres through our partnership with scan.com.

What a Shoulder MRI Scan Shows

• Rotator cuff tears — partial or full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, or subscapularis tendons.
• Labral tears — damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the shoulder socket, including SLAP tears and Bankart lesions.
• Tendinitis and bursitis — inflammation of tendons or the subacromial bursa causing pain and restricted movement.
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) — thickening and tightening of the joint capsule.
• Impingement syndrome — compression of rotator cuff tendons between the humeral head and the acromion.
• Shoulder instability — damage from dislocations or subluxations, including associated bone and soft tissue injuries.
• Arthritis — osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis affecting the glenohumeral or acromioclavicular joints.
• Fractures — including stress fractures of the humeral head, greater tuberosity, or glenoid.
• Bone and soft tissue tumours — abnormal growths within or around the shoulder.
• Nerve entrapment — compression of the suprascapular nerve or other peripheral nerves around the shoulder.

When You Might Need a Shoulder MRI Scan

• Persistent shoulder pain that has not improved with physiotherapy or rest
• Difficulty raising your arm or reaching behind your back
• Pain at night that disturbs sleep
• A traumatic injury, fall, or dislocation
• Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations in the shoulder
• Weakness when lifting or carrying objects
• Shoulder stiffness with progressive loss of range of motion
• Pre-surgical assessment before shoulder arthroscopy or replacement
• Recurrent shoulder dislocations

How to Prepare for a Shoulder MRI

• Metal items: Remove all jewellery, watches, and metal accessories. Inform the centre about any implants, including previous shoulder surgery hardware.
• Clothing: Wear a top that is easy to remove. You may change into a gown.
• No fasting: Eat and drink normally unless advised otherwise.
• Pain relief: If your shoulder is painful, consider taking your usual pain relief before the scan so you can lie comfortably.
• Timing: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

What to Expect During the Scan

1. Screening: Complete a safety questionnaire regarding metal implants and medical history.
2. Positioning: You lie on your back with your arm at your side or in a specific position as directed by the radiographer. A shoulder coil is placed over the joint.
3. The scan: Remain as still as possible while the scanner captures images. Loud knocking sounds are normal.
4. Duration: A shoulder MRI typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
5. Contrast: An MR arthrogram (injection of contrast directly into the joint) may be performed for certain conditions such as labral tears.
6. After: You can resume normal activities. Avoid heavy lifting with the affected shoulder if you are managing an injury.

How Much Does a Shoulder MRI Scan Cost?

Private shoulder MRI scans in the UK typically cost between £300 and £700. Lola Health offers competitive pricing with access to over 150 UK scanning centres, and every scan includes a consultant radiologist report.

Shoulder MRI and Blood Testing

Blood tests can help your clinician understand the broader context of your shoulder symptoms:

• Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR): Elevated levels may indicate inflammatory arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, or infection affecting the shoulder.
• Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP: These tests help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, which commonly affects the shoulder joints.
• Thyroid function: Hypothyroidism is associated with an increased risk of frozen shoulder. A thyroid blood test can identify this link.
• HbA1c: Diabetes greatly increases the risk of frozen shoulder. Monitoring blood sugar levels is important for managing this connection.
• Vitamin D: Low vitamin D is linked to musculoskeletal pain and may contribute to shoulder symptoms.
• Full blood count: Helps rule out infection or systemic conditions affecting the shoulder.

Start with a Lola Health blood test to check your inflammation markers (CRP, ESR) and rheumatoid factor. If results suggest further investigation, a shoulder MRI can provide the structural detail your blood results can't show. Peak Insights 70 covers these markers across 70 biomarkers.

Our health check blood tests can be paired with your shoulder MRI for a thorough assessment.

Considering a broader check? Read our full body MRI scan guide to see what a complete MRI screening covers, or explore the Peak 70 + Full Body MRI bundle for the most thorough health check available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a shoulder MRI detect a rotator cuff tear?

Yes. MRI is the most accurate non-invasive method for diagnosing rotator cuff tears, including partial-thickness tears that may not be visible on ultrasound.

Is the scan uncomfortable?

The scan is painless, but lying with your shoulder in a fixed position for 30 to 45 minutes may cause some discomfort if you are already in pain.

What is an MR arthrogram?

An MR arthrogram involves injecting contrast dye directly into the shoulder joint before the MRI. This technique improves the visibility of labral tears and other intra-articular pathology.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed. Book directly through Lola Health.

Can a shoulder MRI show frozen shoulder?

Yes. MRI can show thickening of the joint capsule and associated inflammation characteristic of adhesive capsulitis.

How quickly will I get results?

Results are usually available within a few working days, reviewed by a consultant radiologist.

Should I stop physiotherapy before having the scan?

No. Continue any prescribed physiotherapy or rehabilitation programmes. The scan may in fact help your physiotherapist refine their treatment plan.