Beyond Baby Bumps: How Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging Can Boost Your Rehab

When most people hear the word ultrasound, they immediately think of pregnancy scans. But did you know that Rehabilitative (Real-Time) Ultrasound Imaging (RTUS) is also a powerful tool used by physiotherapists to assess and improve how your muscles function?

At Physio Performance in Dunedin, we use RTUS to provide immediate, visual feedback on how your deep muscles are working. This allows us to tailor your rehab program with greater precision and help you get better faster, with less guesswork.

What is Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RTUS)?

RTUS uses diagnostic ultrasound technology to visualise muscles, tendons and movement in real time. Unlike traditional imaging used to diagnose injury, RTUS focuses on muscle function, helping physiotherapists assess whether specific muscles are activating correctly during movement or exercise.

With this visual feedback, you can actually see your muscles contract and relax on the screen, helping you learn how to activate them properly.

What Makes RTUS So Beneficial?

• Instant, visual feedback — see your muscle performance in real time

• More accurate assessments of core and deep stabilising muscles

• Targeted rehab based on how your body is actually functioning

• Improved muscle control through biofeedback and guided retraining

• Non-invasive and pain-free imaging

When Is RTUS Used in Physiotherapy?

RTUS is especially useful when treating:

• Core Dysfunction / Low Back Pain

RTUS helps assess how deep core muscles like the transversus abdominis and pelvic floor are functioning which is crucial for people with chronic lower back pain or post-natal recovery.

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

After surgery (e.g. ACL reconstruction or spinal surgery), it’s common for muscles to switch off or underperform. RTUS allows us to retrain these muscles properly from the start.

• Hip, Pelvic & Gluteal Dysfunction

If you’re dealing with hip pain or glute weakness, RTUS can help evaluate whether key stabilisers are engaging as they should.

• Pelvic Floor Retraining

Pelvic floor issues are common post-partum and in both men and women with continence issues. RTUS gives real-time insight into pelvic floor contractions which is a game-changer for guided retraining.

• Post-Natal Rehab

After childbirth, many women struggle to reconnect with their core and pelvic floor. RTUS helps confirm muscle activation and speeds up safe return to exercise.

What to Expect During an RTUS Appointment at Physio Performance

Your physiotherapist will apply a small amount of ultrasound gel and place the probe over the target area. The screen will show your muscles in action as you move or contract, allowing both you and your physio to assess and adjust in real time.

This means you’re not just being told what to do — you’re actively seeing and learning how to do it right.

Why Choose Physio Performance for RTUS?

Our Dunedin-based clinic is equipped with the latest RTUS technology and a team of physiotherapists trained in muscle activation and movement control. Whether you’re recovering from injury, struggling with persistent pain or rebuilding after pregnancy, RTUS gives us another tool to make your rehab more effective and efficient.

If you want a clearer picture of how your body’s really moving and how to make it move better book an RTUS assessment with the team at Physio Performance.