Real Time Ultra SoundPhysiotherapy research shows that learning to recruit and strengthen ‘core’ muscles can significantly reduce recurrence of spinal pain. Bay Active Physio assesses these muscles using diagnostic ultrasound in real time. Many patients find it helpful to see and feel their muscles move at the same time and, by learning to contract the core muscles, they can achieve better spinal stability. This results in improved management of symptoms and significantly less recurrence of spinal pain. What is diagnostic ultrasound? Diagnostic ultrasound uses similar equipment used to image foetuses. The sound waves emitted from the probe travel through tissues with high water content (eg muscle and skin). This creates micro vibrations which then produce an image. Tissues of different water consistencies produce different images. In this way we are able to distinguish the different layers of muscles. How is this assessed? Physiotherapists use ultrasound to image your muscles including Transversus Abdominis (deep stomach muscles), Pelvic Floor and Multifidus (deep back muscles). You will view the cross-section of the muscles on the screen and see how they move. The physiotherapist will then instruct you on how to contract them appropriately in order to achieve optimal muscle control. This all occurs whilst you are viewing the muscles, so there is feedback in real time. Are there any risks? There are no known risks to diagnostic ultrasound. However, because the risk to unborn foetuses is not known, it is not advisable to have multiple ultrasounds over a pregnant abdomen. Please inform us if you may be pregnant. What does it cost? We are offering assessment with ultrasound for $150, which is well below the recommended rate. Below are images of Transversus Abdominis at rest and contracted as seen on Real-Time Ultrasound, and an illustration to show you where Transversus Abdominis and Multifidus are located in your body. 
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