Real Time Ultrasound (RTUS) is a valuable, non-invasive tool used by our physiotherapists during assessment and treatment to visualise deep muscles as they contract and relax in real time. This technology allows both the clinician and the patient to see how muscles are working beneath the surface—something that can’t be observed through external examination alone.

How Do Physiotherapists Use Real-Time Ultrasound (RTUS) to Assist Treatment?

RTUS is particularly useful for assessing the deep stabilising muscles around the spine, pelvis, hips, and pelvic floor. It provides an accurate view of muscle activation timing, movement patterns, and sequencing, which helps guide targeted rehabilitation and retraining.

RTUS is commonly used for patients experiencing:

• Lower back pain

• Pelvic girdle pain

• Hip pathology

• Pelvic floor weakness or dysfunction

At our clinic, we also routinely use RTUS during clinical Pilates assessments to help patients understand and engage their abdominal and pelvic floor muscles effectively. This feedback-based approach improves muscle awareness, activation, and control—key components in injury recovery and prevention.

What are the benefits of RTUS?

• Immediate visual feedback of deeper muscles 

• Improves muscle control and coordination of muscle activation during activity 

• Builds body awareness and helps retrain muscle patterns

• Enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of rehabilitation programs