As thetransversus
abdominismuscle
lies deep in the abdominal region, it is difficult to visualize
or feel the transversus without the use of an ultrasound machine.
The technique of real time ultrasound retraining
conducted by the physiotherapist is generally as follows:
1.The
patient lies on the treatment couch in a relaxed position.
The sound head from the machine is placed on the lower
abdomen. The patient is given verbal cues to contract
their transversus abdominis.
2.The
patient is asked to watch the screen as the physiotherapist
points out the muscle contraction.
3. The
patient is then asked to hold the contraction whilst breathing;
this is an important initial step.
4. Once the patient has
a good isolated contraction on the right and the left
side of the body, the patient is progressed to sitting
upright and eventually the standing position.
5. It is much harder to contract
the muscle in these upright positions compared with
lying down. Once the patient can achieve the contraction
in the standing position, more complex exercises can
be introduced in conjunction with transversus abdominis
contractions.
Without ultrasound retraining, many patients have previously found it difficult to isolate and contract this muscle correctly and independently of other muscle groups. The real time ultrasound display provides important visual feedback to the patient. This enables the patient to learn to associate the correct contraction of the transversus abdominis identified via the ultrasound, with the appropriate feeling.
Once the patient can achieve the contraction in the standing position, more complex exercises can be introduced in conjunction with transversus abdominis contractions. The type of program is dependent upon the individual patient and their sporting, work or recreational demands.
As a patient advances through the ultrasound retraining sessions, and combined with further practice of correct transversus abdominis contractions at home, an improvement in strength and stability of the spine follows.
:: Ultrasound Specifications: Are you a therapist and interested in further information regarding ultrasound equipment? For more information: Ultrasound Specifications:
