Real Time Ultrasound (RTUS) gives a dynamic image of muscle activation and relaxation. It allows visual on-screen feedback on whether the correct muscles are contracting and/or relaxing as well as if muscles that are not supposed to be contracting during a specific task are truly staying relaxed.
Real Time Ultrasound imaging is used to help assess how the primary core stability system (the transversus abdominus, pelvic floor muscles, and deep multifidus) is functioning. Unlike a bicep curl where the muscle activation can be visualized, the primary core stability system is deep within the body and hence it is extremely difficult to tell if these muscles are activating correctly. The Real Time Ultrasound provides a window into the body to visualize this system and observe if there is any dysfunction present.
Core Stability
The primary core stabilizers are meant to fire milliseconds prior to larger trunk movements or limb movements to provide stability. This system can become dysfunctional from a history of injury and pain in the lower back or pelvis, pregnancy, poor posture, as well as general deconditioning. Even as one recovers and becomes pain free, if the primary core stability system is not performing it`s pre-contraction effectively, one is left vulnerable to reinjury.
Real Time Ultrasound provides immediate visual feedback as to whether the primary core stability system is activating correctly and if not, it can be used a biofeedback device to educate the system to perform optimally.
