"But everything looks normal."

You’ve heard it before: “Your MRI looks fine.”
But if the scan is normal, why are you still in pain?

In this episode of Talking Rehab, Dr. Fred Bagares unpacks why imaging often fails to tell the whole story, the four critical gaps in musculoskeletal care, and how to find real answers when “normal” results don’t match your lived experience. Through the story of a nurse carrying two years of “normal” test results and daily pain, you’ll discover a better framework for navigating your recovery — one built on answers, personalization, trust, and long-term coaching.

Timestamps

[00:00] The problem with “everything looks normal”
[01:00] Imaging shows structure, not function — why that matters
[02:30] Patient story: A nurse’s two-year journey of normal results and daily pain
[04:00] The 4 critical gaps in musculoskeletal care
• Gap 1: Structure vs. function
• Gap 2: The time trap
• Gap 3: The single-visit solution
• Gap 4: The cookie-cutter approach
[07:00] Building a real partnership: personalized care and long-term guidance
[09:00] The 4 Pillars of Comprehensive MSK Care
1. Answers when imaging isn’t enough
2. Personalized treatment protocols
3. Long-term physician relationships
4. Guidance as your rehab coach
[12:00] How to ask better questions and demand better answers
[13:00] Closing reflection: You’re more than a set of images

Support the show