Real Time Ultrasound in Physical Therapy
You may only think of ultrasound as a device used to detect pregnancy and monitor the health of a growing baby, but did you know that ultrasound can be used to train the muscles of your core and pelvic floor?
Real time ultrasound (RTUS)
Real Time Ultrasound is an imaging tool used by physical therapists to assess and treat soft tissue dysfunction. Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and joints throughout the body. It can be helpful to diagnose sprains, strains, tears, trapped nerves, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Because images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of internal organs, like the bladder. RTUS is an effective tool for retraining and strengthening the core. It is safe, noninvasive, and does not use radiation.
RTUS is a vital tool for pelvic health therapists treating patients during postnatal recovery, as it provides helpful feedback for retraining the deep muscles of the core and pelvic floor, and helps to facilitate the recovery of muscle function. The muscles of the abdominal core are formed in several layers, each with their own purpose and function. The deeper layer abdominal muscle (transversus abdominus) plays a pivotal role in creating stability, which helps support the spine and pelvis. Using RTUS, your therapist can display images of your core that can subsequently improve your ability to accurately initiate an effective core contraction. This gives an immediate visual feed-back on the screen to show how effectively your muscles contract.
Poor pelvic floor muscle function is often associated with incontinence and abdominal separation (Diastasis Recti). These are common impairments that are seen in the postnatal period following childbirth. Pelvic floor physical therapists can assess the level of muscle function and control present, by using RTUS. It can also be utilized during treatment to improve strength and function. By providing a real-time moving image of deep core muscles, your therapist can point out which muscles you should be working and when you activate them correctly. Restoring normal muscle function in the postnatal period following birth can help decrease symptoms of incontinence. This helps prevent future injury by building better lumbar-pelvic stability.
We Can Help!
Body Harmony Physical Therapy offers one-on-one treatment sessions and provides individualized treatment programs for each patient.
This blog was created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a health condition or before beginning a new exercise routine.
Written By: Victoria Garrett, PT, DPT
