Reviewing the trend of Chronic Pain sufferers seeking expensive imaging and diagnosis outside Canada

MRI in Canada — MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Chronic pain is a deeply frustrating experience, one that often leads sufferers down a long road of consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments that yield few results. In Canada, this journey can be prolonged by long wait times, leading many to seek alternative solutions, including expensive imaging and diagnosis abroad in the Unites States. While it may seem like a quick fix, the reality is that many of these diagnostic tools offer little relief or direction in terms of treatment.

For pain related to musculoskeletal issues, rather than potentially life threatening conditions like cancer, aneurysm, etc., MRI is not indicated in Canada unless it is for pre-operative purposes. While it may seem like a quick fix, the reality is that an MRI offers no pain relief and little to no direction in terms of treatment.

There is a simpler, more cost-effective solution. One that didn't involve long wait times, invasive tests, or costly procedures. Let’s explore…

Yes, the Healthcare System needs work.

MRI wait times Canada — Emergency Room doctors don't typically order MRIs unless a condition is life-threatening

In Canada, chronic pain sufferers often encounter several hurdles when navigating the healthcare system like:

Long Wait Times for Imaging: Getting access to MRI, CT scans, or other advanced imaging in Canada can take months due to a backlog in the public healthcare system. This delay is frustrating for those who are relying on their physician to receive results before moving forward with a course of treatment.

Unclear Diagnoses: Often times, MRI results come back inconclusive, or “normal”. This is because not all pain has a structural cause, or at least one that is visible by imaging. Since the fascia supports every single cell in the body, it can not be isolated on imaging, but restrictions in the fascia can create major dysfunction and intense physical pain.
Frustration with Traditional Treatments: Many chronic pain sufferers report limited results from traditional treatments like medication, conventional rehab, or surgery. Again, because these treatments do not address the fascial restrictions & trauma that perpetuate pain. The lack of a clear, effective path to relief leads some to look outside Canada for “answers”
Misinformation: Seeking diagnostic tests abroad can be financially draining but many individuals spend thousands on imaging and consultations without any guarantee of relief because they were told by someone that isn’t living in their body that it helps. And the bottom-line-driven private health care facilities in other countries will lead pain sufferers to believe it.

The Limits of Expensive Imaging and Diagnostics

Imaging like MRIs or CT scans are valuable tools, but they have limitations. They focus on visible structural abnormalities, often missing subtle issues like fascial restrictions & stored trauma, which are key contributors to chronic pain. Moreover, a "clean" scan doesn't necessarily mean you're not in pain, leaving patients confused and frustrated.

Even when a structural issue is identified, it may not be the primary cause of the pain. The result? Patients go through rounds of expensive and unnecessary treatments that address the wrong problem.

How Myofascial Release Offers an Alternative Path to Pain Relief

One of the key reasons chronic pain persists is often rooted in the body’s fascial system. Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, organ, and nerve in the body. When fascia becomes restricted by way of physical or emotional trauma, it can lead to pain and dysfunction in seemingly unrelated areas. However, this isn’t typically visible on imaging scans.

Myofascial release (MFR) is a safe, non-invasive technique that focuses on releasing these fascial restrictions. Best of all, it can be self-taught and practiced at home, offering a way for chronic pain sufferers to take control of their recovery.

Here’s why MFR stands out:

1. Addresses the Root Cause: Instead of relying on imaging to identify structural issues, MFR addresses the patient’s unique experience of pain and dysfunction in the body. It treats the root cause of pain by releasing restrictions in the fascia that are often overlooked by traditional medicine.

2. Non-Invasive and Cost-Effective: You don’t need expensive tests or invasive procedures. MFR can be done with simple tools like low-density foam rollers, rubber balls, or even your own hands. By learning MFR techniques, you can manage your pain from the comfort of your home. No international travel, accomodations, private tests with costly medical bills required.

3. Empowers Self-Care: One of the greatest benefits of MFR is that it puts the power back in your hands. Instead of relying on doctors and expensive treatments, you learn how to release your own fascial restrictions and manage your pain effectively.

4. Holistic Pain Relief: MFR doesn’t just treat the symptoms of pain—it improves overall function and mobility of the whole body. By releasing restricted fascia, you improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore balance to the body, leading to long-term relief rather than a temporary fix. Many clients report improvement of so-called “unrelated symptoms” involving digestion, painful periods, infertility, anxiety, vision, body odour, wrinkles and more!

Example MFR Treatment - Myofascial Unwinding

By incorporating Myofascial Release into your routine, you can avoid the financial and emotional burden of chasing external diagnoses, and instead, find lasting relief from chronic pain.

---

Want to learn more? Register for our FREE Masterclass, Conquer Your Chronic Pain in 5 mins a Day!