Real Time Ultrasound

We are excited to announce here at Inner Strength that we now offer the use of Real Time Ultrasound (RTUS) to enhance our practice in the assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and other associated soft tissues.

RTUS is a safe and non-invasive way to assess how the pelvic floor muscles and associated connective tissues work in ‘real time’. It allows great visual feedback to the patient via watching a screen positioned next to the treatment bed whilst the physiotherapist uses an ultrasound probe positioned on the abdomen. 

On the screen we can observe

• The contraction and relaxation of your pelvic floor muscles
• Pelvic floor response to sudden changes in pressure such as cough
• Correct deep abdominal muscle activation in the management of abdominal separation (also known as diastasis rectus abdominis (DRAM))

The RTUS can then be used as a training tool for difficult to engage muscles or for those individuals who respond well to visual feedback. Over time, the neural pathways that control these muscles become more established and the stronger we can become! The RTUS is also a great tool as a physiotherapist to allow us to assess whether we think further investigation such as an internal pelvic floor examination by a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist is required. 

At Inner Strength, our initial postnatal physiotherapy appointments are 45 minutes in length allowing us enough time to take a thorough history on your prenatal period, birth experience, and past medical history. It also allows us to carry out a thorough assessment of both DRAM and pelvic floor muscles via RTUS. This allows for a tailored management and rehabilitation plan – including safe introduction back into exercise, whether this be an individual session or in our postnatal physio-led exercise classes. 

If you are in the postnatal period or think a RTUS assessment may be appropriate for you, give the clinic a call on 03 8555 4099 to speak to one of our friendly staff and book in with one of our physiotherapists.