Real Time Ultrasound

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ESIC is one of the few clinics in Edinburgh to offer Ultrasound (US) imaging in the rehabilitation of the core.

Back pain and injury change how the core muscles work. This can result in a chronic pain cycle, poor athletic performance and after pregnancy it can limit the recovery of the pelvic floor.

Once this cycle has been developed it can become very difficult to reverse.

Real time US is used to scan the core muscles so that the timing and development of strength can be seen and monitored.

This visual reinforcement of the correct timing of the muscular contractions allows for a more effective and faster recovery.

Postural Correction

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Poor posture is all too common these days. Hunched shoulders from sitting at a computer or an increased curve in your lower back from weak abdominals are just two examples. Once a biomechanical check has taken place, to ensure the correct alignment of joints, then treatment can start. This consists of correcting the muscle imbalances that are common within these postures. It should not be assumed that tight muscle improve with stretching alone. Sometimes these muscles are tight because other areas are weak. Treatment consists of correcting muscle imbalances by planning a combination of strength and stretching exercises are specific to each individual.

core strength

Core Strength

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The core muscles, which consist of, multifidus, transversus abdominis, the diaphragm and the pelvic floor, are often referred to as the power house of the body. It is from here that virtually all movements of the body should originate. Although the core muscles act as stabilisers of the spine they also help and support all the other muscles of the body.

They assist with good posture and are necessary for good control of the spinal column.

Kinetic Chain

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All parts of the body are connected in some way. Should you have a long term musculoskeletal issue then it is likely that your initial problems will cause problems elsewhere in the body. For example, sore calves can cause tight hamstrings, followed by a sore lower back, pain and weakness in the upper back, sore shoulders ….and so it goes on.

When one part of the chain is weak or damaged it will affect other parts of the chain. When recovering from injury it is necessary therefore to retrain the kinetic chain so that all parts work effectively. Retraining the core is fundamental to this.

Recruitment Patterns for Sport

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Exercises are developed and planned so that certain muscle groups are recruited in an order which is specific to that sport. The order in which these muscles “fire” is called a kinetic chain. The core engages first , followed by the bigger, more dynamic muscles.

The correct timing allows for an enhanced, more consistent performance accompanied with a reduced risk of injury.

Pilates

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Pilates is a subtle form of exercise which helps to prevent back and postural problems. Although it focuses mainly on the muscles around the pelvis and abdomen, all areas of the body are given attention. One of the many benefits is that the exercises produce strength without increasing muscle bulk or compromising the flexibility.

“ The Pilates system works the body as a whole and aims to co-ordinate the upper and lower muscle groups with the center of the body. It can have a dramatic effect on strength, flexibility, posture and co ordination”.

Michael King

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

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Childbirth is a common reason for weak pelvic floor muscles. When the muscles have been stretched and damaged it can be difficult to retrain them. Part of the problem may arise higher up in the thorax, or it may be due to malalignment of the sacroiliac joints, again very common after childbirth. Re education of the core ( of which the pelvic floor is part of) using biofeedback methods makes relearning these exercises easier and more exact. It means that what little time you have to yourself is used to maximum benefit.