Recurring injuries, hip, low back or upper back stiffness?
Did you know your symptoms could all be related to core dysfunction?
So what can you do……………………..
REAL TIME ULTRASOUND and core retraining
Over the last few years there has been increased interest in the use of transabdominal ultrasound in the field of rehabilitation. I am really excited to be able to offer this service to my clients out of the Kootenai Pilates studio.
What is it and how does it work?
Real time ultrasound is used as a tool to help determine how well, and in what order the muscles of the intrinsic (inner) core are functioning. It is also used as biofeedback to 'rewire the brain' or re-educating the proper timing of muscle contraction at rest and then during movement. It is particularly useful for the muscles of the abdominal wall the pelvic floor.
Our inner core or intrinsic core is a muscular “cylinder” that allow us to create intra-abdominal pressure and spinal stability. Adequate stability allows efficient transfer of force between upper and lower extremities. A healthy integrated neuromyofascial system ensures that loads are effectively transferred through the joints while mobility is maintained, continence is preserved and respiration supported. Non optimal strategies result in loss of motion control (excessive shearing or translation) associated with giving way or excessive bracing or rigidity of hips, low back and rib cage.
So if this is starting to sound familiar......stiff hips, low back or rib cage, or incontinence with jumping, skipping, or just cough or sneeze, an ultrasound assessment could benefit you.
Ultrasound is non invasive, and may be a method of choice for anyone that doesn’t want an internal exam of the pelvic floor. The therapist uses a probe with gel over the abdominal wall to visualize the musculature during volitional contraction and relaxation. Feed back is then given to the client and verbal and visual cues are used to change to recruitment pattern.
Once you have rewired the connection between your brain and your core (muscle recruitment) we can move to strengthening. A functional core means a stable spine which equals less pain and more mobility.