For many people, the thought of getting an MRI brings up a mix of emotions: concern about results, uncertainty about what to expect, and sometimes a genuine sense of anxiety about the experience itself. If you have ever felt nervous about a scan, you are far from alone.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Reading (OAR), the MRI facility in Berks County is designed with your comfort and peace of mind at the forefront. From the moment you walk in, the goal is to make imaging as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on what matters most: understanding your condition and moving toward feeling better.
What Is an MRI and Why Might You Need One?
Our facility offers high-field 1.5T MRI images and is accredited by the American College of Radiology, or ACR, which means patients receive imaging services in a setting that meets recognized standards for quality and safety. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, and unlike X-rays, which are mainly used to capture images of bones, an MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and nerves. That added level of detail can be especially helpful in orthopaedic care, where understanding what is happening in the soft tissues around a joint or injury often plays an important role in evaluation and treatment planning.
Your orthopaedic provider may recommend an MRI to help evaluate concerns such as:
- Joint pain that has not responded to initial treatment
- A suspected ligament or tendon tear
- Spine conditions such as a herniated disc or nerve compression
- Sports injuries or overuse conditions affecting soft tissue
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, MRI is one of the most useful diagnostic tools available for evaluating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, helping care teams build a more accurate picture of what is happening inside the body.
A More Comfortable MRI Experience
One of the most common concerns patients share before an MRI is claustrophobia: the worry that the scanner will feel too tight or enclosed. It is a valid concern, and one the team at OAR takes seriously.
The MRI center at Orthopaedic Associates of Reading features a wide-bore MRI scanner. Compared to traditional, narrower MRI tubes, a wide-bore design provides significantly more space, which many patients find more manageable and comfortable. If you have been putting off a scan due to anxiety, the wider opening may help ease some of that worry before you even begin.
Staff at OAR understand that coming in for imaging is often part of a larger health journey. If you have questions before or during your scan, someone is always available to help answer them.
What to Expect During Your MRI Center Appointment
Before the Scan
When you arrive, you will be asked to remove any metal items, since the MRI uses a magnetic field. A staff member will review your medical history and ask about any implants, prior surgeries, or other relevant factors. For most orthopaedic imaging, no special preparation is needed, but your provider will let you know if anything specific applies to your appointment.
During the Scan
You will lie on a cushioned table that moves gently into the scanner. During the scan, you will hear knocking or humming sounds, which is completely normal. Earplugs or headphones are typically offered to help muffle the noise. Staying as still as possible helps produce clear, usable images. Most orthopaedic MRI scans take between 30 and 60 minutes, and you can communicate with the technologist throughout.
After the Scan
Once the imaging is complete, you are free to go about the rest of your day. A radiologist will review the images and share a report with your orthopaedic provider, who will discuss the findings with you. Having imaging done on-site at OAR means results can be easily accessed by your care team, which may help streamline the next steps in your care.
The Advantage of On-Site Imaging
When your MRI is performed at the same facility where your orthopaedic care takes place, the overall experience tends to feel more coordinated. OAR patients may be able to have imaging done in the same familiar setting where orthopaedic care is received, without needing to schedule separate appointments at different locations.
Your orthopaedic specialist can review the images alongside your full medical history, which may contribute to a more complete understanding of your condition and support clearer communication about next steps.
Common Questions About MRI
Is an MRI Safe?
MRI does not use radiation, which distinguishes it from X-rays and CT scans. For most people, MRI is considered a safe and well-tolerated imaging method. Certain individuals, such as those with specific types of metal implants or pacemakers, may need additional screening first. The team at OAR will review your history before the scan to address any concerns.
What if I Feel Claustrophobic?
The wide-bore scanner at OAR’s MRI center in Reading, PA, may help patients who have experienced discomfort or anxiety during traditional MRI scans. If you have a history of claustrophobia, it is worth mentioning when you schedule your appointment so the team can discuss options to help make your experience more manageable.
Will My Insurance Cover the MRI?
Insurance coverage for MRI scans varies by plan. OAR’s staff can assist in verifying your benefits and helping you understand any potential out-of-pocket costs before your appointment.
Schedule Your MRI at OAR’s MRI Center
If your provider has recommended an MRI or if you have been experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms that may warrant imaging, Orthopaedic Associates of Reading is here to help. The MRI center in Reading, PA, at OAR is designed to provide a comfortable, supportive experience from start to finish.
Contact the team at OAR today to learn more about available imaging services or to schedule your appointment. Getting a clearer picture of your health may be more straightforward than you expect.
Visit www.oarmd.com/mri to learn more or to request an appointment.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. “MRI.” | https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/about/pac-20384768
Orthopaedic Associates of Reading. “MRI Services.” | https://www.oarmd.com/mri/
