Glossary

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • X
  • Y
  • Z

A

Abduction (Away)

This refers to moving a body part, such as an arm or leg, away from the midline of the body. An example of this motion is spreading your arms and legs outward while doing a snow angel.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

These are routine activities necessary for personal care, such as eating, dressing, bathing, and grooming.

Active Assisted Range of Motion (AAROM)

The movement of a body part using a combination of the individual’s muscle effort and assistance from a therapist or assistive tool.

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

The ability to move joints without needing any external assistance, relying solely on one’s own muscular power.

Adduction (Toward)

The opposite of abduction; this involves bringing a body part, like an arm or leg, back toward the midline of the body.

Assistive Device

Tools or equipment, such as crutches, walkers, or canes, designed to aid in mobility or performing everyday tasks.

Ataxia

A condition characterized by difficulty in muscle coordination, often resulting in shaky, unsteady, or clumsy movements.

B

Balance

The ability to stay steady and not fall, even when moving.

Base of Support

The part of the body touching the ground that helps with stability, like the feet while standing.

Behavioral Modification

Changing habits or actions to help reduce pain or prevent injuries.

Bilateral

Something that involves both sides of the body, such as both arms or both legs.

Biomechanical Assessment

A way to examine how the body moves to find areas of weakness, misalignment, or strength, which can help improve function and prevent injuries.

Bone Fracture

A crack or break in a bone that can range from a small split to a complete break.

Bursitis

Swelling or irritation of the small fluid-filled sacs in the joints, often caused by repeated movements or overuse.

C

Concentric

A muscle action where the muscle shortens as it contracts, like when lifting an object by curling your arm.

Core

The area in the middle of the body, including the stomach and back muscles, which is important for stability and strength.

Cyclist’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – PFPS)

A type of knee pain caused by repetitive leg motion, often experienced during activities like cycling.

Cervical

A term that refers to anything related to the neck.

Cervical Spine

The part of the spine located in the neck, made up of seven small bones.

Chronic Pain

Pain that lasts for more than three months and often comes and goes over time.

Calcaneal Valgum

When the heel tilts outward, causing the arch of the foot to appear flatter.

Calcaneal Varum

When the heel tilts inward, creating a higher arch in the foot.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

A condition where a nerve in the wrist gets compressed, leading to tingling, numbness, or pain in the hand, wrist, or arm.

D

Date of Surgery (DOS)

The exact day, month, and year when a surgical procedure occurred.

Decreased Tone

A condition where muscles have less resistance to movement, which may lead to unstable joints and muscle weakening.

Deformity

An abnormal structure or shape within the body.

Dissociation

The capability to move one limb separately from another.

Distal

Describes something located farther away from the center or midline of the body.

Dynamic

Refers to movement and activity, as opposed to being still or static.

E

Eccentric

When a muscle contracts while lengthening, such as during the lowering phase of a bicep curl.

Electrical Stimulation (ES)

A therapy technique that uses electrical impulses to contract muscles, reduce pain, and enhance function.

Endurance

The ability to sustain physical activity or effort over a period of time without significant fatigue.

Extension

The motion of straightening a body part, increasing the angle between two bones. For example, straightening the elbow lowers the arm.

External Rotation

The outward rotation of a joint, moving it away from the body, like when arms form a goal post shape with elbows bent at 90 degrees.

F

Functional Training

Exercises that build strength and skills necessary for daily life activities.

Fine Motor Movements

Small and precise movements that use smaller muscle groups, such as those required for activities like writing or typing.

Flex

The bending of a body part, like bending the elbow to bring the hand closer to the mouth. This reduces the angle between two bones at a joint.

Functional Exercise

Movements that help improve balance, strength, and coordination to support everyday tasks.

G

Genu Varum

A condition where the knees angle outward, often referred to as "bow-legged."

Graston Technique

A therapy method used to loosen tight soft tissue and break down scar tissue in the body.

Gross Motor Movements

Large-scale physical movements that require significant muscle coordination, such as walking or jumping.

Gait

The pattern or style of walking.

Genu Valgum

A condition where the knees angle inward, often called "knock-kneed."

H

Hamstrings

Muscles at the back of the thigh that bend the knee and extend the hip.

History of (H/O)

A record of past symptoms or medical conditions.

Home Exercise Program (HEP)

A set of PT-prescribed exercises for practicing at home.

Hook Lying

Lying on the back with knees bent and feet flat on the ground.

Horizontal Abduction (Horiz ABD)

Moving the arms away from the body horizontally.

Hypermobility

When a joint moves beyond its normal range.

Hyperextension

Excessive extension movement of a joint.

Hypertonic

Increased muscle tone causing stiffness or tightness.

Hypomobility

Reduced joint movement due to tightness or structural issues.

Hypotonic

Decreased muscle tone causing floppiness.

I

Increased Tone

Muscle resistance that is higher than normal, often resulting in stiffness.

Instability

A challenge in maintaining balance or control, which can sometimes cause falls.

Internal Rotation

The inward turning of a joint toward the center of the body, such as when crossing the arms over the chest.

Isometric

An exercise where muscles are engaged and contract without producing any movement, such as pushing against a stationary object.

J

Joint

The place where two or more bones meet, allowing movement.

K

Kinesthesia

The ability to sense body movements, including direction and speed, through signals from joints.

Kyphosis

A curving of the spine that creates a rounded appearance in the upper back; excessive kyphosis leads to a very pronounced curve.

L

Ligament

A type of tissue that connects one bone to another.

Ligament Sprain

An injury occurring to a ligament, often caused by stretching or tearing.

Lordosis

An inward curvature of the spine, noticeable in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions.

Long-Sitting

A sitting position where the legs are extended straight out in front.

Lumbar

Related to the lower back area of the body.

Lumbar Spine

The section of the spine located in the lower back, consisting of five lumbar vertebrae.

M

Manual Therapy

A physical therapy technique where the therapist uses their hands to move a specific body part.

Massage Therapy

A treatment that focuses on massaging and manipulating muscles and soft tissues to relieve tension or pain.

Midline

An imaginary line that divides the body into equal left and right halves.

Mobility

The ability to move the body freely and perform everyday activities.

Motor Control

The coordination between the nervous system and muscles to regulate movement effectively.

Motor Planning

The process of organizing and carrying out purposeful movements.

Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)

An injury resulting from a collision involving a motor vehicle.

Muscle Flexibility

The capacity of a muscle to stretch and enable normal joint movement.

Muscle Strain

An injury involving an overstretched or torn muscle or tendon.

Muscle Tone

The natural level of tension present in a muscle while it is at rest.

N

Neurologic

A medical specialty centered on diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Neurology Clinical Specialist (NCS)

A physical therapist with advanced training and expertise in rehabilitating neurological conditions.

Non-weight Bearing

A condition where no weight can be placed on a specific limb, often required after surgery or injury.

O

Orthopedic

Pertains to correcting or treating deformities and issues involving muscles and bones.

Orthopedic Physical Therapy

A branch of physical therapy focused on addressing injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints.

Obliquity

A condition or state where something is tilted or slanted.

P

Pes Planus

A condition commonly referred to as flat feet.

Physical Therapy (PT)

A therapeutic discipline that focuses on helping individuals recover from physical impairments through methods such as exercise, massage, heat therapy, and other non-surgical and non-medicinal treatments. This often includes working on skills like transfers, walking, and stair climbing in a rehabilitation setting.

Plantar Fascia

A band of connective tissue running along the arch of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis

A condition characterized by pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, often caused by overuse, structural foot issues, or improper footwear.

Prone

A position where the individual lies on their stomach with their face down.

Progressive Overload

The process of gradually increasing the intensity of exercise to build strength and endurance.

Proprioception

The body's ability to sense its position, movement, and resistance in space.

Proximal

Refers to being closer to the center of the body or the point of attachment.

Partial Weight Bearing

The ability to apply a specific amount of weight through a limb, but not the full body weight. For example, 50% weight bearing means only half of the body weight can be placed on the injured limb, often requiring the use of an assistive device to alleviate the remaining weight.

Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

A physical therapist with expertise in the rehabilitation and care of children.

Q

Quadriceps

A group of muscles located at the front of the thigh that is responsible for straightening the knee.

Quad Canes (QC)

A type of walking aid similar to a standard cane but designed with a base that has four points of contact on the ground. This provides more stability and support, often used by individuals recovering from conditions like strokes or those with significant mobility challenges.

R

Reflex

An automatic or involuntary response to a stimulus.

Rehab Protocol

A detailed plan that outlines the stages of exercises and movements following an injury or surgery to ensure safe recovery.

Rehabilitation Program

A structured physical therapy plan aimed at recovery and improving function after an injury or surgery.

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)

A common method used to treat minor injuries such as sprains or strains by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Ring Sitting

A sitting posture where a person sits upright on the buttocks with the legs positioned to form a circular shape in front, rather than being crossed.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Movement of a joint or limb performed by a physical therapist or device without any effort from the person.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

A long-term inflammatory autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints, leading to symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint damage.

Range of Motion (ROM)

The extent a joint can move in specific directions, often measured in degrees (e.g., bending or straightening).

Recurvatum

A condition where a joint, often the knee, bends backward beyond its normal range.

S

Straight Canes (SC)

A simple type of walking cane with a straight shaft and a single point at the base, primarily used for balance and minimal support. Also referred to as a standard or single-point cane.

Strain

A type of injury that occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.

Supine

A position where the body is lying flat on its back, with the face turned upward.

Surgical Precautions

Guidelines provided after surgery to protect the surgical site and ensure proper healing (e.g., avoiding hip flexion past 90 degrees after a hip replacement to prevent dislocation).

Symmetrical

Referring to a state in which the left and right sides of the body mirror each other in appearance or structure.

Sacral

Related to the sacrum, the group of fused vertebrae located at the base of the spine.

Scoliosis

A condition where the spine develops a sideways curve.

SEMG Biofeedback

A method of pelvic floor therapy that uses visual feedback to display muscle activity during pelvic floor exercises.

Side-Sitting

A sitting position where the body rests on one hip, with the legs bent and positioned to the opposite side.

Spasticity

Increased muscle tension that leads to stiffness and awkward movements.

T

Tendonitis

A condition involving inflammation of a tendon.

Thoracic

Related to the upper back area of the body.

Thoracic Spine

The portion of the spine located in the upper back, made up of 12 thoracic vertebrae.

Three Times a Day (TID)

Refers to performing an activity or action, like an exercise or stretch, three times within a 24-hour period.

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)

A surgical procedure, commonly called a hip replacement, where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one.

Tone (muscle)

The natural level of tension present in a muscle when it is at rest.

Tactile Defensiveness

Increased sensitivity to touch, where unexpected light touch sensations may cause a strong emotional or negative reaction.

Tailor-sitting

Sitting on the floor with the buttocks down and legs crossed, often referred to as "pretzel sitting."

Tendon

A type of tissue that connects muscles to bones.

U

Ultrasound (US)

A medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of internal organs, tissues, or structures.

Ultrasound Therapy

A therapeutic treatment that uses sound waves to enhance blood circulation.

Unilateral

Occurring or affecting only one side of the body.

Upper Body Ergometers (UBE)

An exercise machine focused on the upper body that measures and controls arm cycling speed and resistance.

V

Vestibular Stimulation

Stimulation of the inner ear structures (the vestibular apparatus) that helps the body sense movement, acceleration, and overall positioning in space.

Vestibular System

The system in the body that controls balance and the sense of spatial orientation.

Vertebrae

The individual bones that stack to form the spinal column, providing support and structure to the back.

W

Weight Bearing

The act of putting weight on limbs, such as during standing or walking.

Weight Bearing As Tolerated (WBAT)

Allowing weight to be placed on a specific body part, like a leg, as much as is comfortable without causing excessive pain.

Weight Bearing Status

The permitted level of weight that can be supported by a specific part of the body, often following an injury or surgery.

Weight Shifting

Moving body weight from one side to another or in different directions, like side-to-side or forward and backward.

Wheeled Walkers (WW)

A mobility device with wheels designed to assist individuals with balance difficulties in moving safely.