Ultrasound imaging in rehabilitation.

Real-time ultrasound imaging is currently used extensively in medicine. It provides a safe, cost-effective and readily accessible method of examination of various organs and tissues. Furthermore, real-time ultrasound imaging has the potential to be of considerable benefit in rehabilitation. Possible applications in physiotherapy practice and research relate to measurement of muscle size and observation and monitoring of muscle contraction while it actually occurs. This may be useful for muscle rehabilitation and re-education, especially in the case of deep muscles, which are often difficult to assess.