Real Time Utrasound

What is Real Time Ultrasound (RTUS)?

Real Time Ultrasound is a machine that is most commonly used in society during pregnancy to observe the growing foetus and in imaging muscles and tendons to detect injuries in these structures. Ultrasound uses sound waves that reflect off various structures within the body and are recaptured forming a picture.

How can RTUS be used in Physiotherapy?

In our clinic it is used to provide visual feedback to the client when teaching how to activate specific core muscles (lumbar spine stabilisers) and pelvic floor muscles.

  • It can be used as an injury prevention or performance enhancing technique to improve core activation.
  • It can be used in rehabilitation following injury to assist in reactivation of these muscles which can be inhibited by injury and pain.
  • It can be used post pregnancy to assist in pelvic floor activation.
  • It can be used in both men and women who suffer from urinary incontinence to teach them how to activate their pelvic floor.


Is RTUS harmful?

There are no known side effects from diagnostic ultrasound.



How do can I utilise this as part of my rehabilitation?

Your treating physiotherapist will discuss RTUS with you if they deem this to be an appropriate treatment technique. If you are a new client who is interested in RTUS, please indicate to us when you call as this is only available at our Wamberal Clinic.