Tennis Elbow: Why MRI Scans Aren’t Always the Answer

Tennis elbow is a common condition we treat at The Physio Crew, especially in active adults aged 35 to 65. It causes pain, weakness, and difficulty with gripping or lifting, often affecting everyday function.

If you’re experiencing elbow pain and wondering whether you need an MRI, here’s what the research, and our clinical experience says.

A recent study investigated MRI findings in people without any elbow pain and found something surprising:

• 37% had abnormal tendon changes on MRI, despite having no symptoms at all.

In other words, what you see on a scan doesn’t always match how you feel.
MRI abnormalities were also more common in:

• People with higher BMI
• Older adults
• Males
• And often present in both elbows, not just one

This confirms what leading guidelines already suggest that MRI shouldn’t be the first tool used to diagnose tennis elbow.

At our clinics in Carlton and Tullamarine, we take a hands-on, expert-led approach to diagnosis. Our physiotherapists:
✔ Take a thorough history of your symptoms and activity levels
✔ Perform a detailed clinical examination
✔ Identify contributing factors such as overuse, poor movement patterns or workplace strain

This allows us to make a confident diagnosis without unnecessary imaging and to create a tailored rehabilitation plan for you.

Visit us at:
Tullamarine Clinic: 1/191 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine, 3043
Carlton Clinic: 2/221 Drummond Street, Carlton, 3053

Call Now to Book:
Tullamarine: 03 9116 8691
Carlton: 03 9116 8693

Or Book Online at thephysiocrew.com.au

TPC