Scan Types / MRI Shoulder Scan
MRI Shoulder Scan
An MRI scan of the shoulder provides detailed imaging of the rotator cuff, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and joint structures. Whether the pain is in your left, right, or both shoulders, this scan is ideal for identifying causes of shoulder pain, stiffness, or weakness.
What is an MRI shoulder scan?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals — not radiation — to create high-resolution images of your shoulder joint.
This scan provides a precise view of:
- Rotator cuff muscles and tendons
- Labrum (cartilage ring inside the joint)
- Bursa (fluid-filled sacs)
- Shoulder bones (humerus, scapula, clavicle)
- Nerve and joint capsule structures
Scans can be performed for:
- Left shoulder
- Right shoulder
- Both shoulder (bilateral)
Why consider a private MRI scan for the shoulder?
The shoulder is a mobile yet fragile joint prone to injury and degeneration. When ultrasound or X-rays are inconclusive, MRI is the gold standard.
Private MRI benefits:
- Immediate access — no long NHS wait times
- Clear diagnosis for persistent or complex pain
- Radiologist-reviewed results in just 3 days
- Crucial insight for surgery, injections, or physiotherapy
- Ideal for athletes, post-injury evaluation, or frozen shoulder cases
Symptoms that may warrant a shoulder MRI
This scan is suitable if you’re experiencing:
- Ongoing or sharp shoulder pain
- Limited arm movement or stiffness (frozen shoulder)
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations
- Shoulder weakness or instability
- Pain after lifting, trauma, or overhead activity
- Night-time pain or difficulty sleeping on one side
What can a shoulder MRI detect?
An MRI of the shoulder can detect:
- Rotator cuff tears (partial or complete)
- Bursitis and tendonitis
- Labral tears (e.g., SLAP or Bankart lesions)
- Impingement syndrome
- Arthritis or joint degeneration
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
- Joint effusion, cysts, or tumors
Preparing for your shoulder MRI
To prepare:
- Wear loose, metal-free clothing
- Remove jewelry and metallic items
- You may eat, drink, and take medications normally
- Bring previous scans, ultrasound, or physio reports if available
Please notify the team if you have:
- Shoulder implants, surgical screws
- Medical implants like pacemakers
- Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
- Claustrophobia (sedation can be arranged)
How it works
Smarter Scanning. Proactive Health. Peace of Mind.
Choose
Pick a scan or a program. No referral required.
Book
Select a time online - same‑day availability.
Scan
Be seen by specialists in our Bluewater clinic.
Results
Consultant‑led report within 3 working days, accessible online.
Pricing for a private shoulder MRI scan
Our transparent self-pay pricing options:
Includes detailed radiologist report within 3 working days.
One Shoulder (Left or Right)
MRI scan for a single Shoulder
£295
Both Shoulder (Bilateral)
Complete scan of both Shoulders
£495
With Contrast (One/Both)
Gadolinium-enhanced if required
£495 / £695
Get clarity. Get control.
Cut out long NHS queues, avoid opaque private quotes, and step into a single-visit, consultant-led experience.
FAQs
Got a question? Check below to find the answer.
We’re an independent diagnostic centre in Dartford offering same-day private MRI with UK-consultant reporting and transparent self-pay pricing.
No-self-referral is welcome. If you already have a referral letter, upload it at checkout.
Prices start at £150 for single-area Off-Peak scans. Your fee covers the scan, double-reading, and unlimited portal access.
Many insurers reimburse private MRI. We provide the codes and receipts you need to claim.
Call 01322 - MRI - NOW, start a live chat, or email hello@myscanhub.co.uk.