Tests and scans
Following assessment with one of our Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APP) we may arrange further investigations to better understand your symptoms. This could include:
- X-ray
- MRI
- Ultrasound
Following assessment with one of our Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APP) you may be sent for blood tests to further investigate the cause of your symptoms.
An MRI scan uses magnetic and radio waves to produce very clear images of the structure of the body part. This means there is no exposure to any radiation. MRI scans give a
They are useful to see if there is any structural cause for symptoms that may treated by surgery, or orthopaedic intervention such as injections.
It is also useful in rare circumstances where serious pathology needs to be ruled out e.g. cancer, infection, or fractures.
Visit the NHS website for more information about MRI scans
MRI appointments
Routine MRI scan waiting times can vary but most are completed within eight weeks.
The radiology department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital will contact you to arrange this.
You can contact them directly if you have not heard from them.
Call 0118 322 7991
Private MRI appointments
If you have already had imaging in the last 6 -12 months for the same problem privately, please let us know. With your consent we can request these images which may speed up your treatment planning.
MRI results
Once you have had your scan, the images will be viewed and reported on by a Consultant
Radiologist. We receive most results within 6 weeks.
When we receive your results, the APP who referred you for the scan will discuss your case and your MRI scan results with one of the Orthopaedic Consultants at the Royal Berkshire
Hospital.
Following this, the APP will contact you by telephone or letter to discuss your results and agree upon the recommended management/treatment plan.
Until this process has been completed, we will be unable to give you your MRI results. Please allow a minimum of 6 weeks from the date of your scan before calling with any queries.
Ultrasound use high frequency sound waves to look at soft tissue structures.
It is widely used for diagnosing a wide range of vascular or musculoskeletal conditions.
Visit the NHS website for mor information about Ultrasound scans
Ultrasound scan results
Routine ultrasound scan waiting times can vary but most are completed within eight weeks. The radiology department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital will contact you to arrange this.
You can call them if you have not heard from them.
Call 0118 322 7991
Once you have had your scan, the images will be viewed and reported on by a Consultant Radiologist. We receive most results within 6 weeks.
When we receive your results, the APP who referred you for the scan will discuss your case and your ultrasound scan results with one of the Orthopaedic Consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The APP will contact you (call, or letter) to discuss your results and agree on the right treatment plan.
Please wait for a minimum of 6 weeks from the date of your scan before calling us with any questions.
X-rays are used to look through tissue to examine bones, cavities, and foreign objects.
They’re a useful way to identify fractures or joint related pathology, such as osteoarthritis which may be appropriate for surgery or orthopaedic intervention.
They do involve exposure to a small amount of radiation, so speak to your clinician if you have concerns.
Visit the NHS website for information about X-rays
X-ray appointments
X-rays are offered at 4 sites across Berkshire. You may be able to access same day X-rays, but you may have to wait if you choose an appointment only location.
- West Berkshire Community hospital – same day X-rays
- Royal Berkshire Hospital – same day X-rays
- Townlands, Henley – appointment only
- Brants Bridge, Bracknell – appointment only
Visit the Royal Berkshire Hospital website for details about X-ray appointments (opens new browser tab)
Private X-ray appointments
Please let us know if you have already had a private X-ray appointment in the last 6 -12 months for the same problem.
With your consent, we can request these images which may speed up your treatment planning.
Sometimes it might still be necessary to take further X-rays if we need specialist views to provide further information.
X-ray results
After your appointment, your images will be assessed by a Consultant Radiologist.
We receive most results within 2 weeks.
The APP who referred you for the X-ray may discuss your results with one of the Orthopaedic Consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The APP will contact you (call, or letter) to discuss your results and agree on the right treatment plan.
Please wait for a minimum of 4 weeks from the date of your scan before calling us with any questions.
