Private MRI hip scan in Bristol
Hip, pelvis or lower back? A private MRI helps find out exactly what’s driving your pain
Hip pain is one of the hardest areas of the body to diagnose from symptoms alone. The discomfort you feel in and around your hip could be coming from the joint itself, from the tendons and bursae surrounding it, or it could be referred pain travelling down from your lower back or pelvis. A private MRI hip scan at The Hanham Clinic in Bristol gives a clear, detailed picture of the joint, cartilage, labrum and surrounding soft tissue, helping to identify exactly what’s causing your pain rather than leaving you guessing.
Our brand-new MRI scanner, installed in 2026, uses an open design that is significantly more comfortable than a traditional closed tunnel scanner. All images are reviewed and reported by specialist musculoskeletal radiologists, with results delivered promptly so you and your clinician can agree the right next step without delay.
Call us on: 07946 426514
Email us: info@hanhamclinic.co.uk
Based at Hanham Hall, Whittucks Road, Bristol, BS15 3FR
Free parking on site.
From £299 for a single region scan (introductory rate)
Self-referrals accepted – no GP letter required.
Self-referrals accepted – no GP letter required.
this service is temporary unavailable until further notice
What does an MRI hip scan show?
A private MRI hip scan at The Hanham Clinic identifies labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), osteoarthritis, gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis, avascular necrosis, and pain referred from the lower back or sacroiliac joint. Because several of these can feel almost identical, we’ve grouped them by where the pain actually starts further down this page, with a quick reference table to help narrow it down.
A hip MRI at The Hanham Clinic can identify:
- Labral tears, damage to the ring of cartilage that lines and stabilises the hip socket, often linked to clicking or catching
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip, a common cause of groin pain in active adults
- Osteoarthritis and early joint degeneration, thinning of the joint cartilage and associated bony changes
- Gluteal tendinopathy, wear and tear or partial tearing of the tendons that attach to the outer hip
- Trochanteric bursitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled sac over the outer point of the hip
- Avascular necrosis, loss of blood supply to the femoral head, an important condition to identify early
- Stress fractures, small bony injuries common in runners and those who have recently increased activity levels
- Referred pain patterns, changes at the lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint that may be the true source of hip-area symptoms
Where is your hip pain really coming from?
Unlike a knee or shoulder injury, where the painful structure and the site of the pain are usually the same place, hip pain often isn’t that straightforward. Patients frequently describe pain in the groin, the outer hip or the buttock without being able to say exactly what’s causing it, because more than one structure can produce very similar symptoms. Working out which one is involved is exactly the kind of differential assessment our clinical team is trained to make, and it’s a large part of why patients search for a chiropractor Bristol can rely on to get to the bottom of hip and back pain together rather than treating them as separate problems..
Pain from within the hip joint itself
Labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement and osteoarthritis all sit inside the joint capsule. This type of pain is typically felt deep in the groin, can be sharp with certain movements such as twisting or deep squatting, and is sometimes accompanied by clicking, catching or a feeling of the hip giving way.
Pain from tendons and soft tissue around the hip
Gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis produce pain over the bony point on the outside of the hip, often worse when lying on that side at night, climbing stairs or standing up after sitting for a while. This is one of the most common causes of persistent “hip pain” in patients over 40, and it’s frequently mistaken for arthritis.
Pain referred from the lower back or pelvis
The nerves that supply the hip and buttock region exit the spine at the lower back, and problems at the lumbar spine or the sacroiliac joint can send pain into the hip and thigh that feels, to the patient, exactly like a hip problem. Our chiropractic team routinely examines the lumbar spine, pelvis and hip together for this reason, and where the picture isn’t clear on examination alone, a hip MRI (sometimes alongside a spine MRI) gives a definitive answer.
Who should consider a private MRI hip scan in Bristol?
- Persistent hip or groin pain lasting more than 4 to 6 weeks that hasn’t settled with rest or conservative treatment
- Clicking, catching or a locking sensation in the hip, particularly with twisting or deep bending
- Pain that’s worse after running, cycling or walking Bristol’s hillier routes, whether that’s Ashton Court, the climb up from the Avon valley, or a regular parkrun course like Pomphrey Hill near Kingswood and Mangotsfield
- Active older adults noticing early stiffness or aching and wanting clarity before it progresses further
- Uncertainty about whether the pain is the hip, the pelvis or the lower back, and wanting a clear answer rather than continuing to guess
- A physiotherapist, chiropractor or GP has suggested imaging would help confirm a diagnosis
- Being considered for a hip injection or surgical opinion, and needing imaging to support that referral
- Currently on an NHS waiting list and wanting faster access to a diagnosis
Our clinical team can also review your scan findings and advise on appropriate next steps, whether that is continued conservative treatment, targeted rehabilitation or onward referral.
Important – when to seek emergency care:
if you experience sudden, severe hip pain following a fall or injury and are unable to weight-bear, particularly if you are an older adult, please attend your nearest emergency department immediately, as this can indicate a hip fracture requiring urgent assessment. This cannot wait for a routine outpatient MRI appointment.
if you experience sudden, severe hip pain following a fall or injury and are unable to weight-bear, particularly if you are an older adult, please attend your nearest emergency department immediately, as this can indicate a hip fracture requiring urgent assessment. This cannot wait for a routine outpatient MRI appointment.
Common hip conditions we scan for
Hip labral tears
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the hip socket and helps keep the joint stable. Tears are common in people who play sports involving repetitive twisting or pivoting, such as football or dance, but they also occur gradually through wear in structurally tighter hips. Symptoms often include a sharp catching pain in the groin, clicking, and a feeling of instability. MRI, sometimes with an injected contrast dye for greater detail, clearly shows the location and extent of a labral tear.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
FAI occurs when the ball and socket of the hip don’t move against each other smoothly, usually due to extra bone growth on the femoral head, the socket rim, or both. Over time this repeated abnormal contact can damage the labrum and cartilage, and is a leading cause of hip and groin pain in active adults in their twenties, thirties and forties. MRI identifies the bony shape changes involved and any associated soft tissue damage, which is important for deciding between rehabilitation and surgical options.
Hip osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the gradual thinning of the smooth cartilage that allows the hip joint to move without friction. It’s one of the most common causes of hip pain in patients over 50, typically producing stiffness first thing in the morning, groin pain, and reduced range of movement. MRI shows the degree of cartilage loss and associated bony changes in more detail than X-ray, which is particularly useful when deciding whether conservative management remains appropriate or whether a surgical opinion is warranted.
Gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis
Together, these are often described as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, and are among the most common reasons for pain over the outer point of the hip. Gluteal tendinopathy is wear-related damage to the tendons that attach to this area, while trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the cushioning bursa beneath them. Both produce pain that’s worse lying on the affected side at night and when climbing stairs. MRI distinguishes clearly between tendon damage, bursal inflammation, or a combination of both, which changes how the condition is best treated.
Referred pain from the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint
Not every case of hip pain originates in the hip. Nerve irritation at the lower back, and dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint that connects the spine to the pelvis, can both produce pain felt in the buttock, groin or outer thigh that closely mimics a true hip problem. Where clinical assessment suggests the lower back or pelvis may be involved, imaging of the hip alongside a clinical examination of the spine helps confirm exactly where the problem lies, avoiding treatment aimed at the wrong structure.
Avascular necrosis
Avascular necrosis is the loss of blood supply to part of the femoral head, causing the bone tissue to weaken and, if untreated, collapse. It’s less common than the conditions above but important to identify early, as outcomes are significantly better with prompt diagnosis. MRI is the most sensitive investigation available and can detect changes well before they would be visible on X-ray.
What to expect at your MRI spine scan appointment
Before your scan
No special preparation is required for a hip MRI. You’ll be asked to complete a safety questionnaire checking for any contraindications, such as certain metal implants, pacemakers or cochlear implants. Please wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal fastenings near the hip area. If you have previous imaging of the hip or lower back, such as X-ray reports, it’s helpful to bring these along for the radiologist to compare against.
During your scan
You’ll lie on the scanner table and be positioned for imaging of the hip. The open design of our MRI system is considerably more comfortable than a traditional closed tunnel scanner. The scan typically takes 20 to 40 minutes per region, and you’ll hear some noise throughout, which is completely normal. You can speak with the clinical team at any point during your scan.
After your scan:
Your images are reviewed and reported by a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist. You’ll receive a full written report, typically within a few working days. If you’re under the care of The Hanham Clinic, your chiropractor can talk through the findings with you at your next appointment and advise on the right next step, whether that’s continued treatment, targeted rehabilitation, or onward referral.
Transparent Pricing
MRI Hip Scan Bristol Pricing
No hidden fees. No surprises. Just clear, competitive pricing for high-quality private MRI scanning in Bristol.
Single region (hip only)
£299
Introductory rate
Two regions (e.g. hip + lumbar spine, or both hips)
£549
Best value — save £49
Frequently Asked Questions – MRI Hip Scan Bristol
Can an MRI tell me if my hip pain is actually coming from my back?
In many cases, yes, when it’s considered alongside a clinical examination. Nerve irritation at the lower lumbar spine, and problems at the sacroiliac joint, can both refer pain into the buttock, groin or outer thigh in a way that feels identical to a true hip problem. A hip MRI will clearly show or rule out labral tears, impingement, arthritis and tendon damage within the hip itself. If the hip scan is clear but symptoms persist, that’s a strong pointer toward the lower back or pelvis as the true source, and our clinical team can advise whether a spine MRI or further examination would help confirm this.
What's the difference between hip impingement (FAI) and a labral tear?
The two are closely linked but not the same thing. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) describes an underlying shape mismatch between the ball and socket of the hip that causes abnormal contact during movement. Over time, this repeated contact can damage the labrum, the ring of cartilage lining the socket, leading to a labral tear. Many patients with a labral tear also have some degree of FAI as the underlying cause. MRI shows both the bony shape changes associated with impingement and any resulting labral damage, which matters because treatment often needs to address the underlying impingement rather than just the torn labrum.
My MRI shows hip osteoarthritis. Does that mean I need a hip replacement?
Not necessarily. Osteoarthritic changes are extremely common and are present on imaging in a large proportion of adults over 50, including many with mild or no symptoms at all. The significance of the finding depends on how well it correlates with your actual symptoms and function, not simply on its presence. Many patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis manage well for years with targeted exercise, activity modification and, where appropriate, injections. MRI findings are one part of the picture, and your clinician will interpret them alongside your symptoms and examination before any discussion about surgical options.
What is trochanteric bursitis and will MRI show it clearly?
Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac that cushions the tendons over the bony point on the outside of the hip. It’s a common cause of pain that’s worse lying on that side at night and when climbing stairs. MRI shows bursal inflammation clearly, and importantly can also show whether the nearby gluteal tendons are involved, since the two conditions frequently occur together and are managed slightly differently depending on which structure is mainly affected.
I'm a keen runner or cyclist. Will MRI pick up overuse injuries as well as joint problems?
Yes. MRI is highly sensitive to the kind of soft tissue overuse changes seen in active patients, including early stress reactions in bone, gluteal tendon irritation, and labral wear from repetitive movement. This is particularly relevant if your pain has developed gradually alongside an increase in training, whether that’s road running, off-road routes such as Ashton Court, or regular parkrun courses like Pomphrey Hill. Catching these changes early, before they progress to a full tendon tear or stress fracture, generally means a faster and simpler recovery.
Is MRI or ultrasound better for a suspected gluteal tendon tear?
Both have a role. Diagnostic ultrasound is excellent for assessing the gluteal tendons dynamically and can be a quick, accessible first investigation, and we offer this alongside our MRI service. MRI gives a more complete picture of the whole hip in a single scan, including structures ultrasound can’t reach in detail, such as the labrum, the joint cartilage and the bone itself. Where the diagnosis is uncertain, or where more than one structure may be involved, MRI is usually the more informative choice.
Can I have a hip MRI if I already have a hip replacement or other metal implant?
This depends on the type and material of the implant. Most modern hip replacement components are made from MRI-compatible materials such as titanium, though they will cause some image artefact directly around the implant itself, which can limit how clearly that specific area is seen. Older implants or certain metal alloys may need manufacturer verification before scanning can go ahead. Please tell our team about any hip replacement, screws or other implants at the time of booking so we can confirm compatibility during your pre-scan screening call.
Do I need a GP referral for a private hip MRI?
No. We accept self-referrals, so you can book directly without seeing your GP first. If you do have a referral letter from a GP, physiotherapist or chiropractor, please bring it along, as it gives useful clinical context to the reporting radiologist.
Can both hips be scanned in the same appointment?
Yes. If you have symptoms on both sides, or want the unaffected hip scanned for comparison, both hips can be imaged in the same session under our two-region pricing of £549.
How long does a hip MRI take, and is parking available?
A hip MRI typically takes 20 to 40 minutes per region. Free on-site parking is available at Hanham Hall, with ground floor access and disabled parking spaces.
Our Coverage Area
Areas We Serve Across Bristol
While our clinic is located in Hanham, we regularly treat patients from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire as part of our wider chiropractor Bristol service. Find your nearest location page below.
Chiropractor Clifton
Chiropractor Kingswood
Chiropractor Downend
Chiropractor Fishponds
Chiropractor Keynsham
Chiropractor Longwell Green
Chiropractor Emersons Green
Chiropractor Lyde Green
Find us
Visit us at Hanham Hall, Bristol
The Hanham Clinic
Units 1A & 1B, Hanham Hall
Whittucks Road, Hanham
Bristol, BS15 3FR
Whittucks Road, Hanham
Bristol, BS15 3FR
07946 426514
info@hanhamclinic.co.uk
info@hanhamclinic.co.uk
Monday:
8:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday – Friday:
8:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday:
8:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday:
Closed
From Hanham High Street, turn onto Whittucks Road at the Blue Bowl pub and continue for approximately 300 yards, passing Hanham GP Surgery on your left. Free parking is available on Roman Way and Rogers Court, both on your left. Hanham Hall is the large white Grade II listed building set back from the main road. Access to the clinic is via the double doors on the far side of the building, overlooking the lawn.