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Real-time Ultrasound
May 2003 saw the arrival of a state of the art "real-time ultrasound scanner". With this we are able to image moving pictures of muscles at work in order to better teach correct muscle contraction technique. This is particularly useful when trying to recruit muscles that are difficult to feel such as the tiny muscles of the spine that are essential in supporting and preventing recurrence of back pain, the low abdominal muscles also essential for a healthy spine, and the pelvic floor muscles. Images from the screen provide valuable feedback for both patient and therapist thus helping to achieve optimal muscle training technique. It is particularly useful for patients who are finding it difficult to locate and isolate a muscle that needs to be strengthened and better co-ordinated. This type of equipment has only very recently been available in specialist centres and because it represents a turning point in clinical practice we are thrilled and delighted to be using one on a day to day basis at Pinner Road Physiotherapy.
Pelvic Floor Service for Men
Most men have never considered
their pelvic floor and would probably assume that it is just "a women's
thing". However, pelvic floor exercises have been shown to be highly
effective for the treatment of urinary incontinence following removal
of the prostate which is a common procedure in men.
Research just published from the University of West of England show that
pelvic floor exercises have also been found to be highly effective in
restoring erectile function. Fifty-five men with an average age of 59
years who had experienced erectile dysfunction for 6 months or more took
part in the trial, based at the Somerset Nuffield Hospital, Taunton. Dr
Grace Dorey, who led the research, found that 40% of these men regained
normal function, 35.5% improved, whilst 25.5% failed to improve. She also
found that men 65.5% of men with erectile dysfunction also had a dribble
of urine after urinating and that this embarrassing condition improved
dramatically using pelvic floor muscle exercises.
