Medical imaging – think X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans – can be helpful in understanding what’s going on inside our bodies.
But for older adults (and all throughout the life cycle), these scans are often misunderstood, or taken out of context. In some cases, they can even cause more concern than clarity.
From a physiotherapist’s perspective, it’s important to clear up some of the most common myths about imaging when it comes to seniors, especially as we support people in staying active, confident, and independent.
Let’s get into it!
Common myths about imaging for seniors
Myth 1: Imaging always shows the cause of pain
It’s easy to assume that if someone is in pain, an X-ray or MRI will tell us exactly what’s wrong. In reality, it’s not that simple.
Fact: Many findings, like disc bulges, arthritis, or tendon changes are commonly seen in older adults who have no pain at all. These structural changes are often just part of the body adapting and aging over time. They may look dramatic on a scan, but they’re not always the reason someone is hurting.
That means someone could have significant changes on a scan but feel perfectly fine, while another person could be in pain even though their scan looks “normal.” Pain is influenced by many factors, not just structure, and imaging doesn’t always tell the full story.
Myth 2: If a scan shows “damage,” you need surgery
A common reaction to scary-sounding terms on imaging, like “wear and tear,” or “narrowing of the joint space” is to assume that something is broken and must be fixed, often surgically.
Fact: These findings are often simply normal signs of aging and are not necessarily dangerous or progressive. Just because something is visible on a scan doesn’t mean it’s causing pain, or that surgery is the answer.
Many studies show that conservative treatment like physiotherapy is just as effective as surgery for many age-related conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis or chronic back pain.
And the risks associated with surgery, especially for seniors, can outweigh the potential benefits. In many cases, movement, strengthening, and reassurance can go a long way toward reducing pain and improving function.
Myth 3: If imaging is clear, your pain isn’t real
On the flip side, if a scan comes back “clear” or “normal,” it can leave people confused and frustrated, especially when they’re clearly in pain.
Fact: Pain is real, even if it doesn’t show up on a scan. Imaging looks at structures, but pain is much more complex. It involves the nervous system, emotional health, past experiences, sleep, stress, and movement habits.
This is why a good clinical assessment is so important. Just because a scan doesn’t show a clear issue doesn’t mean there isn’t one. It just means we need to take a broader view, and that’s exactly what physiotherapists are trained to do.
Myth 4: Imaging results tell you what your future will be
Being told that you have “severe degeneration” or “bone-on-bone” can feel like a life sentence. Some people are told they’ll end up in a wheelchair, or that they’ll never walk comfortably again.
Fact: Prognoses based purely on imaging can be misleading, not to mention often wrong. The human body is resilient and adaptable, and many people go on to defy the limitations that were predicted for them.
That said, these kinds of messages can stick, and unfortunately they can become a mental barrier to healing and movement. We often see people hold on to those words for years, limiting what they do because they believe they’re fragile or broken, when in fact, they are capable of much more than they’ve been told.
A real life scenario:
One of our clients, Anne, was told by her GP years ago that her spine was “so bad” she’d eventually end up in a wheelchair.
Now 91, Anne has been working with one of our physiotherapists, Karleen, and still walks with the help of her four-wheeled walker. She regularly visits her local shopping centre with her niece to shop and get her hair done.
Importantly, Anne continues to stay active and independent.
How imaging can sometimes hold people back
While imaging can be useful, how results are explained can have a huge impact.
If someone is told their scan shows “damage” or that they should be in pain, they may start experiencing more pain or fear. This is known as the nocebo effect, where negative expectations can actually worsen symptoms.
Imaging results, especially when delivered without context, can become a barrier to progress. People may become fearful of movement, limit their activity, or delay getting help, simply because of how a report was worded or explained.
But people can and do recover well beyond what scans suggest. It’s important not to let an image or a label become your story!
What you should take away from imaging results
1. Imaging is just one piece of the puzzle
Scans should always be interpreted in combination with your physical symptoms, function, and personal goals – not in isolation.
2. Age-related changes are normal
Many findings on imaging are common in older adults and not a sign that something is wrong or needs fixing.
3. Conservative care comes first
For most joint and muscle issues, physiotherapy should be the first step as can be highly effective in helping people move better and feel stronger.
4. Imaging helps rule out serious conditions
Scans are important when something more serious is suspected like fractures, cancer, or nerve compression, but they’re often not needed for routine pain or stiffness.
5. You are more than your scan
Scans show structure. They do not show how you move, how you live, or what you’re capable of. Pain is treatable even if the scan says otherwise.
Why see a physiotherapist first
If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or mobility changes, or are feeling uncertain about what your imaging results mean, a physiotherapist can help by performing a comprehensive functional assessment.
We focus on:
- How you move, walk, bend, and balance
- The condition of your joints, muscles, and nervous system
- What’s limiting your function, not just what’s on the imaging
A safe, structured plan to help you build strength and confidence
We take the time to explain imaging results in context and help you understand what they mean for your life, goals, and ability to move forward. Whether you’ve had imaging or not, we assess what truly matters: how you function, how you feel, and what you can do next.
Let’s look beyond the scan
If you’ve been told something scary based on your imaging or if you’re unsure what your scan results really mean, you don’t have to navigate it alone!
Call our lovely customer care team on 1300 797 793 to book an initial assessment with one of our physiotherapists. We’ll help you make sense of your results and support you in moving with more confidence, less pain, and greater independence.
Article written by Ella Le Hanie, physiotherapist.
____________________
The Physio Co helps Aussie seniors to move more, with confidence! How can we help you (or your elderly Mum or Dad?) Contact us today on 1300 797 793 and speak with Nancy, Julia and Jess from the TPC Client Care team to discuss your situation. If they’re busy on other calls, leave a message and someone from the team will call you back for a chat! Alternatively you can email us via [email protected]
1300 797 793