Diane Lee & Associates is pleased to be able to offer their clients the opportunity to work with rehabilitative ultrasound imaging for both the assessment and treatment of the lumbopelvic core muscles. This tool provides valuable insight into how the deep stability muscles of the lumbopelvic region are working for those with low back or pelvic girdle pain, impairment and or stress urinary incontinence.
How Does It Work?
Ultrasound imaging involves the propagation of sound waves into the body. These waves reflect off the tissue interfaces that they encounter the reflections are then collected and displayed as images. Ultrasound imaging allows physiotherapists to observe the movement of a tissue (fascia and muscle) as it occurs in real time. This tool provides valuable insight into how the deep stability muscles of the lumbopelvic region are working for those with low back or pelvic girdle pain, impairment and or stress urinary incontinence.
Current research suggests that the primary muscular impairment in clients with low back, neck or pelvic girdle pain (with or without urinary incontinence), is not weakness, but rather a loss of the proper sequencing or timing of muscle contraction. This is referred to as a deficit in motor control and this deficit primarily affects the deep stabilizing muscles. These deep or, 'core' muscles are critical for stabilizing the spinal column and pelvis and should contract prior to any movement or loading. Real-time ultrasound allows us to observe the function of these deep muscles (predominantly transversus abdominis, the pelvic floor and the deep fibers of the multifidus) to ensure they are doing what they are supposed to do during automatic tasks.
When Do We Use It?
In addition to its role in assessment, ultrasound imaging is used as a biofeedback tool for re-educating the proper timing and sequencing of muscle contraction during exercises; this is referred to as rehabilitative ultrasound imaging. Restoring the optimal sequencing of muscle contraction is called core training and differs from core strengthening in that you cannot strengthen a muscle that your brain is not using! This approach teaches you how to switch on the right muscles at the right time and then you can progress to exercises for core strengthening. Recent research has shown that in as litte as 30 proper repetitions, your brain begins to remember the optimal way to use the deep system.
Assessment Requirements
You may be asked to book a special appointment for the first assessment of your lumbopelvic core muscles using ultrasound. This assessment usually takes 30 minutes and for proper imaging of your pelvic floor muscles it is important that you come with a moderately full bladder. Void one hour before your appointment and then be sure to drink 500ml of water during this hour.
All physiotherapists at Diane Lee & Associates are trained in the use of ultrasound imaging and integrate this tool into their treatment plans. It is a useful adjunct for both the assessment and treatment of muscles difficult to palpate and observe during functional tasks.
Watch a brief instructional video here on Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging. The first part of this video comes from An Integrated Approach to the Assessment and Treatment of the Lumbopelvic-hip Region by Diane Lee & Linda-Joy Lee - see the tab Products for Sale for more information on this DVD.
