MRI Shoulder
MRI of the shoulder for rotator cuff tears, labral injury, impingement, and post-operative follow-up.
Find MRI Shoulder near you
What a mri shoulder shows
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and full- or partial-thickness tears
- Labral tears including SLAP and Bankart lesions
- Biceps tendon pathology
- Subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis and impingement
- AC joint arthrosis
- Glenohumeral arthritis and chondral injury
Why your physician orders it
- Shoulder pain with weakness or limited overhead motion
- Suspected rotator cuff tear
- Recurrent shoulder dislocation or instability
- Pre-operative planning for repair or reconstruction
- Persistent post-operative pain
Contrast notes
Standard shoulder MRI is non-contrast. When a labral tear is the leading question, your physician may order an MR arthrogram — gadolinium is injected into the joint by a radiologist before the scan to distend the capsule and outline the labrum.
Prep summary
Most patients don't need special prep beyond completing the MRI/CT safety screening and removing metal jewelry. Specific prep (fasting, contrast, medication timing) is confirmed at scheduling.
Read the full MRI prep guideWhat to expect during the exam
Plan for 30–60 minutes at the imaging center. You'll change into a gown and remove all metal. A technologist positions you on the table with the coil over the area being imaged; the table then slides into the magnet.
MRI is loud — you'll wear ear protection and can listen to music or talk to the technologist through the intercom at any time. Holding still for each sequence (typically 2–5 minutes each) produces the sharpest images.
Results and report turnaround
Every study is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist — most by fellowship-trained sub-specialists in the relevant body system. Preliminary reads are typically available within a few hours, with the signed final report sent to your ordering provider the same business day.
You can also request a copy of the report and the imaging on disk for your own records or for a second opinion.
Cost and insurance
Most major California insurance plans cover medically necessary shoulder MRI when authorized. Our team verifies your benefits before scheduling and tells you up front what — if anything — you'll owe.
We also accept cash pay, workers' compensation, and personal-injury liens. Self-pay rates are published below so there are no surprises at the front desk.
Why patients choose Precise Imaging for MRI Shoulder
Sub-specialty Reads
Fellowship-trained neuro, MSK, and body radiologists interpret every study.
Open & Wide-Bore Options
Comfortable choices for claustrophobic, pediatric, or larger patients.
Same-Day Appointments
Most locations offer same- or next-day scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
Every Financial Type
Insurance, cash, workers' comp, and personal injury liens accepted.
Find a mri shoulder location
Our network covers California from San Diego to Sacramento. Use the finder above to see MRI locations near you, or browse the full directory.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a shoulder MRI and an MR arthrogram?
A standard shoulder MRI is non-contrast and shows the rotator cuff, bone, and surrounding soft tissue well. An MR arthrogram adds an injection of dilute gadolinium into the joint, distending the capsule for superior detection of labral tears.
How long does the exam take?
30–45 minutes in the scanner. Arthrograms add 20–30 minutes for the joint injection performed before the MRI.
Will I be lying with my arm above my head?
No — most shoulder MRIs are performed with your arm at your side and a dedicated coil over the shoulder. Special positions are reserved for problem-solving.
Is shoulder MRI safe with shoulder hardware?
Most modern shoulder hardware is MRI-compatible. We screen every patient and use metal-artifact reduction sequences when needed.
How quickly will my surgeon get the results?
The signed final report is typically available the same business day.
How much does a shoulder MRI cost?
Insured patients pay their plan's cost-share. We also offer transparent, discounted self-pay rates — call 800-558-2223 for a quote.