Immediate access to private shoulder scans
Shoulder MRI scan
Read more about what a shoulder MRI scan is, why you might need it and what can be detected from a shoulder MRI scan.
Get your shoulder problem diagnosed quickly with a private MRI scan
Shoulder health is vital for mobility and flexibility. A shoulder MRI scan will provide detailed images of the structures within your shoulder joint, including the bones, tendons, muscles and vessels. It will deliver a clear view of rotator cuff tears, injuries to tendons, and damage to soft fibrous tissue.
Vista Health offers affordable private MRI shoulder scans by expert radiologists at locations across the UK. With no waiting lists and seven-day working, we can offer an appointment at short notice, at a time that suits your busy schedule.
Why choose Vista Health for your shoulder MRI scan?
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Affordable
Scans from £249. See the table below for full price list.
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Accessible
We offer shoulder MRI scans at our accessible diagnostic centres throughout the UK.
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Self-Refer or Book Online
You don’t need a GP referral for a private shoulder scan.
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Support
Our dedicated Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
What is a shoulder MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a way of taking pictures inside the body using magnetic fields and radio waves. It’s a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure which captures high-quality images. Unlike X-rays, MRI doesn’t use potentially harmful radiation.
During a shoulder MRI scan, the radiologist will use the scanner to take cross-section images of your shoulder showing the structures within it, including
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bones (clavicle, scapula, head of the humerus)
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muscles (deltoid and rotator cuff)
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tendons and ligaments
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cartilage
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nerves
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other soft tissues
Why would I choose to have a private shoulder MRI scan?
You should consider getting an MRI scan of your shoulder if you’ve been experiencing problems that have lasted longer than a few weeks. Symptoms include
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joint pain
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recurring muscle pain
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decreased mobility
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unexplained swelling
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sports injuries
What can a shoulder MRI scan detect?
The shoulder MRI scan will detect damage to tissues and bones, and abnormal growths. Some of the possible issues the scan can detect are
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arthritis, labral tears and other degenerative joint disorders
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fractures
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rotator cuff disorders
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ligament or tendon tears
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infections
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swelling or bleeding in the tissues
How do I prepare for a shoulder MRI scan?
Our Patient Care Team will ensure you’re ready for your scan, but you can help by telling them about your medical history. Unless you’re asked to do otherwise, you can continue to eat, drink and take medication as normal before your scan.
Some implants and conditions may affect how your MRI scan is performed, or whether it’s safe to do it at all. These include
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cochlear implants
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ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators)
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pacemakers
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artificial joints
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artificial heart valves
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allergy to MRI contrast material
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pregnancy
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claustrophobia
If any of these applies to you, please raise the issue with the patient care team before booking an appointment.
What happens during a shoulder MRI scan, and how long does it take?
Your radiologist will ask you to take off any jewellery and empty your pockets, or you may be asked to change into a gown. You’ll then lie on the MRI table during the scan. A shoulder MRI scan takes around 20 minutes, and we would ask you to arrive around 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Where on your body do you want an MRI scan?
Select another body part
There are a range of scan types available to provide the diagnosis you require. Select a body part from the list below for more details, including head, chest, abdomen, and, knees and more.
Step by step
Your Shoulder MRI Scan journey
Here’s what to expect when you book a private shoulder MRI scan with Vista Health
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Step 1
Choose your location and date, then submit the self-referral form or book online. Alternatively, contact our dedicated patient care team for advice and support.
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Step 2
Attend your chosen centre on the day of your appointment. The shoulder MRI scan will take approximately 20 minutes, and we ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
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Step 3
Receive a full report and scan images within three days.
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Step 4
Add an optional consultation with one of our dedicated private GPs to explain your results. Save 20% on consultation fees when you book along with your scan.
How much does a shoulder MRI scan cost?
Our private shoulder MRI scan service starts at just £249, with no hidden extras. A full report is included in the price, and available within three working days of the scan.
| Label and description | Value |
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Fast Track MRI
Scan within 7 days
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£365
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Standard MRI
Scan from 7 days
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£345
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Off-Peak MRI Scan
Limited fixed scan times
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£249
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Refer yourself or book online now
There are a number of ways to access an MRI scan with Vista Health. You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
Refer yourself
Fill in the self-referral form and our Patient Care Team will contact you directly.
Book online now
Book your own appointment online in a few easy steps.
Enquire now
Ask us any questions you may have before booking.
If you already have a referral letter
You don’t normally need a GP referral, but if you have one, you can submit a referral letter here.
If you don’t have a referral, but would like one
In some circumstances, you might wish to discuss your symptoms with our private GP before booking an appointment. We provide a package that includes a diagnostic referral letter and a follow-up GP consultation, with a 20% discount on fees when you book along with your scan.
Call us on 0333 331 5779
Our Patient Care Team is available from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 1pm weekends.
How can we help?
Support
If you’re about to begin a healthcare journey, you’re likely to have a few questions. We’ve tried to answer the most common queries here - but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always ask one of our friendly patient care advisors.
Can you help me understand my results?
If you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
What if I need an open or upright scanner?
For some patients - including those with restricted mobility, anxiety and people with claustrophobia - the standard ‘tunnel-style’ MRI scanner may be challenging. An alternative is the open and upright scanner, which can be more comfortable for some patients. This provides comfort and reassurance, and offers a variety of scanning positions including sitting, standing, leaning, and lying.
What body part can I have scanned?
We offer a range of MRI scans to assist you in obtaining the diagnosis you require.
Can you help me understand my results?
We will send your diagnostic report to your referrer or GP, or if you’d like to discuss your scan results with one of our GPs, you can arrange a consultation. There’s a 20% discount on consultation fees if you book when you arrange your scan.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most scans take between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area we’re investigating. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How much will an MRI scan cost?
Our MRI scans start from £249. The fee includes a full written report within 3 working days, and access to your images online to view, download or share with a medical professional such as your GP. When you book online, you’ll have the option to spread the cost over three months, interest free.
How soon can I have my MRI scan?
With MRI facilities across the UK, we can offer scans at short notice. We work evenings, weekends and bank holidays, and you can self-refer and book here>>
Can I refer myself for an MRI?
We accept self-referral in most cases. We also offer a GP consultation service to provide you with a referral if you need one