Ultrasound imaging is useful as a biofeedback tool for ‘rewiring the brain’ or re-educating the proper timing of muscle contraction during both individual exercises and meaningful task training.
It is particularly useful for the muscles of the abdominal wall and the pelvic floor. Restoring the optimal sequence and pattern of activation of the core muscles (i.e. which muscle contracts when and in coordination with which other muscles) is called core training. It is essential that one learns how to properly activate the core muscles prior to doing any strengthening exercises as you cannot strengthen a muscle that your brain does not know how to use!
Core training will teach you how to correct the pattern of activation such that the right muscles work at the right time. Following core training, you can then progress to more traditional exercises for core strengthening (gym ball work, bosu, planks, arm loading tasks etc).
Research has shown that in as little as 30 proper repetitions, your brain begins to remember the optimal way to use these muscles. Without this rehabilitation training, your brain often continues to use the old faulty patterns that got you into trouble in the first place, thereby perpetuating pain and dysfunction.
Remember – core training comes before strengthening. Learn the proper muscle activation pattern first and then reinforce the pattern with lots of repetitions. Ultrasound imaging can expedite this learning curve.
See ‘Core training vs. strengthening. What is the difference and why it matters‘ for more on this topic.
Related Practitioners
Cathy Rogers
Cathy received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia in 2000. As a member of the varsity women’s volleyball team at UBC during those years she was first exposed to physiotherapy and it’s positive impact on her own personal athletic career.
Leigh Fortuna
After studying kinesiology in university for two years, Leigh decided that pursuing a career in physiotherapy was the path she wanted to follow. She graduated from The University of British Columbia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.
Eric Perkio
Eric has been practicing Physiotherapy since 2006. He received his Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney, Australia and began his career working in a private clinic where he gained valuable experience in working with Rugby, Soccer, and Aussie Rules Football clubs.
Brittany Wade
Brittany graduated from the University of Ottawa with an undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics followed by a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto.
Judit Orban
Judit has a special interest in helping people with various spinal conditions such as back pain, scoliosis, kyphosis, chest conditions and spinal fusions.
Since graduating in 2010 from the Semmelweis University of Hungary, Judit has been working in various spine specific clinics around the world.
Sarah Hamanishi
Sarah received her Bachelor of Science with a minor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She then pursued a Master of Physical Therapy degree, graduating in 2013 from UBC.
Megan Davis
Megan graduated from the University of Ottawa, with a Master of Health Science in Physiotherapy and a BSc honours in Biomedical Sciences. She also completed her Master’s in French. Megan carries a wealth of knowledge from a patient perspective as she has worked hard to rehabilitate multiple injuries, as she has made it back to competitive powerlifting at the Canadian National level after hip surgery.
Cheri Le Cappelain
While working as a nurse Cheri saw the importance of physiotherapy on the rehabilitation ward to help patients regain their independence. As a result of these positive experiences she decided to go back to school to become a physiotherapist so she could have a more direct role in rehabilitation and help others regain their independence. Cheri graduated in 2018 with a Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Tina Lin
Tina began her career in rehabilitation by completing a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology with a minor in Nutritional Science at the University of British Columbia. She then went on to pursue a Master’s Physical Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia. Tina has experience in a variety of settings including medical and critical care units in the hospital, a Clinical Pilates studio, and volunteering with Skate Canada and Women’s Rugby teams. Tina has a special interest in helping both women and men with their pelvic health (incontinence and prolapse).
