The same Real Time Ultrasound imaging that is used to look at a foetus in the womb, is being used by physiotherapists to assess and retrain correct muscle function.

Physiotherapists are using Real time ultrasound primarily to help in the improvement of muscular function for Low Back Pain and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

Real Time Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves and their echoes. The technique is similar to the echolocation used by bats, whales and dolphins, as well as SONAR used by submarines.

The ultrasound machine transmits high-frequency (1 to 5 megahertz) sound waves into your body using a hand-held probe.  The sound waves travel into your body until they hit a boundary between the tissues (eg. between fluid and soft tissue, soft tissue and bone). Some of the sound waves get reflected back to the probe, while some travel on further until they reach another boundary and get reflected.  The reflected waves are picked up by the probe and relayed back to the machine.  The machine calculates the distance from the probe to the tissue or organ (boundaries) using the speed of sound in tissue and the time of the each echo's return.  The machine then displays the distances and intensities of the echoes on the screen, forming a two dimensional image. 

Benefits

 Real Time Ultrasound allows both the physiotherapist and the patient to see the muscles whilst they are working in real time.  This immediate visual feedback improves ability to learn to control the stabilizing muscles, speeding up recovery and producing a longer lasting outcome. 

Using the Real Time Ultrasound your stabilizing muscle function will be assessed and you will be shown any deficiencies, if present.  You will be taught the correct method and will be able to see the improvement occur in real time.  After a week or two of incorporating the technique into your exercises and daily activities we will reassess to check your technique and fine-tune performance.  Once good technique is achieved it becomes as natural as any other movements and further treatment is usually not required.