Is getting a diagnosis for your pain always important or necessary?

You might be thinking, “Of course it is! If no one knows what’s going on, how can anyone know what to do?”

It’s a fair question, and one we have discussed in depth at our last interdisciplinary professional development session.

But here’s the surprising truth: in the musculoskeletal world (bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, etc.), whether a diagnosis is helpful is actually a big area of debate, and for good reason.

Once serious causes (known as “red flags”) are ruled out or seem very unlikely, chasing an exact source of pain often isn’t as useful as it might seem.

Here’s why:

Our tests aren’t perfect. Clinical assessments and scans (like MRI, CT, ultrasound, or X-ray) can pick up findings that are common in people without pain at all. So while they can help in some cases, they often don’t tell the whole story.

Focusing on the ‘label’ can slow recovery. Sometimes, the hunt for an exact anatomical cause distracts from what really matters, getting you moving, confident, and back to life.

A diagnosis can change behaviour, not always for the better. Studies show that once a formal structural diagnosis is given, people are sometimes more likely to have unnecessary surgery, higher medication use, or increased fear and avoidance, all of which can make recovery harder.

That said, there are times when getting a diagnosis is genuinely valuable:

When it changes management. For example, if a fracture, inflammatory condition, or serious disease is suspected, identifying it early matters.

For validation. Some people find relief and understanding in having a clear name for what’s happening.

In acute injuries. Early imaging can sometimes help confirm the extent of tissue damage and guide short-term decisions.

So what’s the takeaway?

Before starting down the diagnostic path, it’s worth asking your healthcare professional:

“Will this test or label actually change how we approach recovery, or could it take focus away from rebuilding movement and confidence?”

Written by

Samuel Bulten

Exercise Physiologist | Masters in Medicine (Pain Management)

Director, Adapt Movement

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. These blogs are written by Sam Bulten and represent his opinions and insights and are based on his experience and interpretation of the research. As Sam is a human, these opinions and insights are not absolute truths.