Healthy Moves RTUS & Rehabilitation Services

What is real time Ultra-sound (RTUS)?

The use of ultrasound imaging by physiotherapists is growing in popularity.  Apart from being used for diagnostic purpose, this new techonology is now using for neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation. Training deep muscles have always been difficult. However with visual feedback and measurements, it would be easiler for the patients and the physiotherapist to monitor the exercise program and progress. The results of the Ultra-sound scan will maximise the benefits of any exercise program like the core program and the pilates program.

Real time ultra-sound (RTUS) imaging is a reliable, noninvasive tool used to assess musculoskeletal conditions and educate patients on how to train muscles.  Ultrasound imaging involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body.  It is safe, effective,and pain free.

Research on back pain and core stabilising muscles?

 Medical research has shown that people with back problems often have weakness of the core stabilizing muscles. 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 (multifidus) to provide core stability.
It is found that with dysfunction of the core stabilising muscles, the spinal structures are exposed to unnecessary stresses and strains, leading to pain and degeneration.  Also with back pain, the core stabilising muscle will be switched off.  Studies also found that even after the back pain resolved, the core muscles will not recover function spontaneously.  Research shows that 80% of low back pain sufferers have a recurrence of low back pain within a year, but specific training of the core stability muscles after ultrasound scans has been shown to reduce the likelihood of re-injury to 23%.

Who needs an RTUS assessment?

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

• Low back pain - acute, chronic or recurrent
• 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
• Injured workers returning to work
• Manual workers who require frequent lifting or work in awkward positions
• Athletes who need strong core control like:  golf player, footballers, dancers, gymnast etc

The benefit of “real time” is that you can view the image on the ultrasound screen.  The physiotherapist will use the visual feedback to teach, train and correct faulty muscle contractions.  It can help to improve your motor control of muscles such as:
‧ Pelvic floor
‧ Transversus abdominis (deepest abdominal layer)
‧ Lumbar mutifidus (deep back muscles)
‧ Iliacus, Gluteus minimus, Obturator internus (deep hip muscles)

Our physiotherapsists:

Our physiotherapists are specially trained to perform the Ultra-sound assessment and analysis the result with appropiate treatment programs. We have male and female staff that are skilled in the use of RTUS.  Please advise the receptionist if you have a preference.

What happens beyond the assessment?

After the examination, you’ll need to work with the physiotherapist for the problems identified.  Patients with low back pain will be starting on the core stability training programs together with lifestyle modifications.
Follow-up ultrasound examination is imperative to ensure that the contraction that you have been practicing is the correct contraction.