Real Time Ultrasound Imaging (RTUI)
 Real time ultrasound imaging is used for the treatment of back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. Our physiotherapists specialise in the assessment and retraining of the spinal stabilising muscles. The real time ultrasound imaging service now offers increased precision in diagnosis, education and treatment. It offers critical improvements in accuracy and effectiveness for clinical practice.
Why choose RTUI?
- Deep stabilising muscles such as multifidus are often inhibited following injury
- Stabilisers do not automatically re-strengthen
- It ensures correct and powerful methods of biofeedback and teaching
- Rapid progression of a rehabilitation programme can result in re-injury, unless effective re-strengthening of stabilising muscles takes place
- RTUI can be the answer for chronic and recurring back pain
Who can benefit from RTUI?
- Anyone experiencing acute or chronic back pain
- People with functional instability of the spine or pelvis
- Individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction or continence issues
- Post-natal women wishing to regain strength and control
- Pre and post-surgical patients
What can I expect at my first Real Time Ultrasound Imaging session?
Please allow one hour for this appointment. Your physiotherapist will ask you about your symptoms and any other relevant information.
 The role of stabilising muscles will be explained. Gel will be put on your stomach and the RTUI equipment will be used to show your stomach muscles and pelvic floor muscles. A clear image will be seen on the screen and the physiotherapist will ask you to relax and contract certain muscles. (Sometimes extra teaching is needed before you are able to do this.) The image will enable your physiotherapist to assess the strength and functional ability of your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.
Your deep muscles will be shown when gel is placed on your lower back. The image on the screen will show if vertebrae are in the correct position. When the physiotherapist asks you to perform some gentle movements, the image will show whether your deep stabilising muscles are working or not.
Once your muscles have been assessed several option are available, if treatment is indicated -
- Home exercise programme followed by a review session
- Treatment sessions using the RTUI equipment
- Progression to a Clinical Pilates programme (only when you are ready to do so)
- Referral to your doctor or specialist for further investigations or treatment
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
A referral is not necessary, unless you wish to claim the cost of your treatment from DVA, Workers' Compensation or motor vehicle accident insurance.
What are the costs involved?
The costs for RTUI are the same as normal physiotherapy costs. The fee for an initial assessment is for one hour. The fee for follow up visits is for half an hour. Please call us for our current price list.
If you have any other queries, please feel free to contact us.
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