Real-time Ultrasound.
Real-time Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technology that shows contraction and relaxation of deep muscles in real time. Since many of the important muscles that support the spine are difficult or impossible to view from the surface of the body, real-time ultrasound is a valuable tool for diagnosis as well as for teaching. It is the same technology used during pregnancy to view the foetus within the womb.
Real-Time Ultrasound is a great assessment tool giving your physiotherapist important information
about the structure and function of your core muscles, assisting them in making a correct diagnosis.
It can be particularly helpful in cases of chronic lower back pain, pelvic pain, and women’s health.
Real-Time Ultrasound is also a fantastic teaching tool that allows you to actually see your muscles in real time as your Physiotherapist is giving you cues.
The ability to see your muscles working as you are being cued provides a unique opportunity to learn and ensure you are stabilising your spine correctly as you progress through your exercises.
During a Real-Time Ultrasound assessment you will be lying on a physio table or Pilates reformer, and your physio will run a probe over the surface of your abdomen, and possibly on your lower back, depending on what you need to assess. Your physiotherapist will guide you through the activation and relaxation of your core stability and pelvic floor muscles, and you will be able to see the ultrasound images on a the monitor in real-time!