Advanced Technologies

Passages PT offers advanced technologies for patients to learn about the sources of their symptoms to help them train!

EMG Biofeedback:

Patients become encouraged when they are able to see a display of their pelvic floor contractions and note how the muscles feel when they release them. EMG is similar to watching a heart  monitor, except the surface patches are externally at the perineal region at the base of the pelvis.

Most people are surprised that we don’t instruct vintage “Kegels” and encourage high power efforts at the start.  This is helpful for teaching how to release for “Reverse Kegels”. We begin gently and build endurance with coordinating with breath and good alignment. Later we add moderate and stronger contractions, instead of just straining for high power efforts at the start.

Letting go of the pelvic floor muscles can help with pain, difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, or when muscle clenching influences pain with sex.  We can monitor response to treatments. Some patients choose to order specific hand-held portable trainers, that are able to  to watch their muscles working at home.

Rehabilitation Ultrasound Imaging:

Passages PT offers Rehabilitation Ultrasound Imaging, RUI for non-invasive muscle training.  You can see your muscles in action, looking from outside of the abdominal regions.  It is similar to diagnostic ultrasound, but is set to show muscles, fascia and even the bladder. Patients love seeing the layers of the abdominals at work, to learn how to activate for helping stabilize the spine, pelvis and hips. It is also amazing to watch the lower pelvic muscles lift and release the bladder, especially with a cough, sneeze or leg lift!

This can help you learn to find your deepest core muscles to support the spine and pelvic organs. For those with abdominal muscle separation, it can be useful to watch effects as you try different movements or exercises.