Research into the factors associated with recurrent low back pain has shown that poor functioning of the trunk stabilising muscles occurs following an initial episode of low back pain.  Whilst recovery from the low back pain episode may occur, recovery of the stabilising muscle function is not always automatic.

Ongoing poor function of the trunk stabilising muscles leaves the spine vulnerable and predisposes the sufferer to recurrent episodes of low back pain.  In response, physiotherapists implement rehabilitation exercise programs to improve the control of these stabilizing muscles.  

But learning how to work the particular stabilising muscles is not easy and many people do not progress because they are unable to ‘get it.’  To facilitate the learning process and to ensure correct technique physiotherapists can utilise real time ultrasound to look inside to see what is happening. 

Assessment of quality, timing and endurance allows the physiotherapist to quantify the degree of stabilising muscle dysfunction and may provide an insight into the severity of the condition. As the patient can also view the video image of the muscle contraction as it occurs, ultrasound imaging can be an effective method of teaching the correct exercise techniques. 

 

Ultrasound & 
Low Back Pain
Using the real time ultrasound as a biofeedback tool both the physiotherapist and client can see the lumbar stabilising muscles function.  Learning occurs in a shorter time and better muscle retraining can occur.