Visualize and improve your deep core and pelvic floor function
Ultrasound is a sophisticated imaging tool commonly used in medical clinics to visualize soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. At our clinic, we utilize Real-Time Ultrasound specifically to enhance the effectiveness of pelvic floor and core rehabilitation.
How It Works
The technology relies on tiny crystals located in the transducer (head) of the machine. These crystals vibrate to create high-frequency sound waves that travel into the tissue and bounce off deeper structures. When these waves return, the machine converts them into a clear, live image on a monitor.
Its Role in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
In the context of pelvic floor physiotherapy, RTUS is an invaluable diagnostic and educational tool. Your therapist utilizes it to assess:
- Deep Core Stabilizers: Visualizing the activation of the transverse abdominis and other deep muscles.
- Pelvic Floor Muscles: Assessing the timing, strength, and coordination of your pelvic floor contractions.
- Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (DRA): Identifying the presence and determining the extent of abdominal separation.
Visualize Your Progress in Real-Time
Our state-of-the-art machine features a large display monitor designed for patient viewing. This allow you to see your own muscles contracting as it happens. This “biofeedback” is an excellent way to:
- Educate: Understand the internal mechanics of your body.
- Refine Technique: Learn exactly how to produce an effective and correct core or pelvic floor contraction.
- Validate Movement: Gain confidence by seeing proof that you are engaging the correct muscle groups.
A New Perspective on Recovery
Real-time ultrasound takes the guesswork out of core and pelvic floor exercises. By seeing the muscles in action, you can bridge the gap between “feeling” a contraction and knowing it is being performed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
During your first session, your therapist will examine your ability to contract your deep core stabilizers and assess if you have a tendency to over/under activating certain muscles of the core. They will also examine your pelvic floor contraction by visualizing the bladder and examining for a lift when doing a pelvic floor contraction. If you have concerns, signs or symptoms of diastasis rectus abdominis, they may also examine the rectus abdominis muscle to determine the extent of separation along the midline with core contraction.
Unfortunately, no. As physiotherapists, commenting on anything visualized on real-time ultrasound other than the contractility of the muscles would be outside of our scope of practice. Please follow up with your GP for any concerns regarding the developing fetus or pelvic organs.
It is important to note that no client is ever obligated to consent to any form of assessment or treatment that they are not comfortable with. That being said, however, the real-time ultrasound only provides us with one perspective of pelvic floor function. The tone of the pelvic floor, the presence of prolapse and aspects of its contractility and strength cannot be thoroughly assessed with ultrasound alone. For this reason, we do highly recommend an internal pelvic exam to obtain a comprehensive assessment of pelvic floor function.