Shoulder MRI Scan

No waiting lists
No GP referral required
Fast Results
From £388

At Pall Mall Medical, we provide fast, high-quality private Shoulder MRI scans with same-day or next-day appointments. Our MRI service helps you quickly investigate shoulder pain, injury, or reduced mobility - without needing a GP referral.

What is a Shoulder MRI scan?

A Shoulder MRI scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues that make up the shoulder joint.

It’s a safe, painless, and non-invasive way to investigate shoulder problems when X-rays or ultrasound do not provide enough detail.

A Shoulder MRI can help you:

Get a detailed view of your shoulder, including bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the shoulder joint.
Detect the causes of unexplained pain, stiffness, or pain following an injury.
Get answers quickly with no waiting lists. Book directly and get your results reviewed by a specialist radiologist and followed up by a GP call.

Why might you need a Shoulder MRI?

A Shoulder MRI is typically recommended if you’re experiencing:

Persistent or unexplained shoulder pain
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Shoulder weakness or instability
Clicking, catching or grinding sensations
Pain following injury or surgery
Suspected rotator cuff tear or tendon damage
Possible labrum or cartilage injury
Suspected bursitis, impingement, arthritis, or infection

Your scan can help diagnose soft tissue injuries, inflammation, joint degeneration, and other causes of shoulder discomfort.

Fast and Easy MRI Self-Referral

Choose to complete a self referral form or book a FREE call with our GP.

Take 2 minute self-referral

Easy self referral You can choose to complete a self referral form or book a GP referral call

Receive a call-back Once our GP and Radiology team have confirmed what scan you need, one of our Patient Advisors will contact you (via phone) to provide you with dates for the scan.

Attend your appointment We usually schedule scans within 2–3 days of form completion, with results available in 7 working days. You can review them with our GPs or your NHS GP.

Pall Mall provide shoulder MRI scans in

Newton-le-Willows

1 Belvedere Rd, WA12 0JJ

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Why choose Pall Mall for your Shoulder MRI Scan?

Private hospital facilities: Modern, comfortable environment with complete control of your imaging process.

Wide-bore MRI scanners: Designed for comfort and reduced claustrophobia.

Fast access, fast results: Appointments 7 days a week, with no NHS referral needed. Results reviewed by a specialist radiologist, plus a complimentary GP follow-up call.

Trusted expertise: Over 15 years of MRI experience, delivering reliable, high-resolution scans with expert care.

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What to expect during your Shoulder MRI scan

Duration Typically, you can expect your scan to take between 20 and 40 minutes

Preparation No special preparation needed; you'll be asked to remove any metal objects before lying in the scanner

Results You''ll receive a consultant radiologist report within 7 working days, plus an optional GP call to discuss your results

Frequently asked questions

Our expert team is always on hand to help answer any queries and arrange appointments with our specialist consultants.

Can a shoulder MRI show nerve damage?

A shoulder MRI can sometimes detect nerve compression or inflammation around the shoulder region, such as injury to the suprascapular or axillary nerves.

Can a shoulder MRI show soft tissue inflammation?

Yes. MRI is highly sensitive to soft tissue changes, detecting bursitis, tendonitis, or impingement that ultrasound or X-ray might miss.

Can I have a shoulder MRI if I’ve had surgery or a metal implant?

Usually yes - most orthopaedic screws, plates, and joint replacements are MRI-safe. Please share your implant details or card so our radiology team can confirm suitability.

How accurate is a shoulder MRI compared to ultrasound or X-ray?

MRI is the most accurate method for assessing shoulder soft tissue injuries. It provides 3D detail of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles, beyond what X-ray or ultrasound can show.

Can a shoulder MRI detect arthritis?

Yes. MRI can identify early-stage arthritis — showing cartilage thinning, bone marrow changes, inflammation, and joint effusions before they appear on X-ray.

Can I have a copy of my images?

Radiology images can be sent when requested. We are unable to send radiology images directly to NHS general practitioners; image transfers to NHS services must follow established clinical pathways and secure exchange platforms. We do not provide printed copies, postal delivery, or screenshots of imaging; images are sent via electronic transfer using Image Exchange Portal (IEP). Images will only be released to patients or third parties once the formal report has been issued