Why is it important?

Transversus Abdominus, encircles the trunk and acts like a natural back brace. The pelvic floor works to effectively regulate bladder and bowel control. These muscles work in unison with the diaphragm and other spinal stabilising muscles to provide core stability.
These muscles do not return with the same strength or co-ordination if no specific rehabilitation is conducted after back pain. Patients are then more susceptible to recurrent episodes of low back pain and possible spinal degeneration over time.

What is involved?

A specially trained physiotherapist will measure the function hold time and overall contraction sequences between your muscles. This is performed in different positions and can be customized for each individual.

Real-time ultrasound is safe, effective, non invasive and pain free. A small ultrasound head is placed on various muscles and the images are viewed on a screen.

Please wear comfortable clothing, such as a t-shirt and tracksuit pants. Also try not to empty your bladder within an hour of your ultrasound. This will ensure that your bladder, and therefore your pelvic floor are easily visible.

For best results your bladder should feel moderately full. It is imperative that you inform the therapist if you experience any postural pain during testing as this can inhibit muscle activity.

What happens next?

Once your specific problem areas are identified, coupled with other objective and functional measurements, your treating therapist will then develop the most appropriate exercise program for you. This may include home exercises, hands on treatment, functional restoration, work hardening or a pilates program. Real-time ultrasound may also be used for bio feedback to facilitate faster muscle re education and strengthening.

Who needs an RTUS assessment?

Real time ultrasound is recommended for a wide range of people including:

• Those suffering from low back pain - acute, chronic or recurrent
• Those suffering from sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain or pelvic instability
• Pre and Post spinal surgery
• Post partum or pre-natal mothers, with low back, pelvic or rib pain
• Those who require a high level of core stability,
  • injured workers returning to normal duties
  • workers who are required to lift repetitively, lift heavy objects or work in awkward positions
  • athletes, footballers, dancers, gymnast