Physiotherapy Glossary
A
Active Range of Motion (AROM)
The movement of a joint using the muscles surrounding it, without any assistance. Important in rehabilitation to assess strength and mobility.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Physiotherapy aims to improve independence in these functions.
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
A condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint due to capsule inflammation and fibrosis.
Agonist Muscle
The primary muscle responsible for a specific movement. For example, the biceps is the agonist for elbow flexion.
Alignment
The correct positioning of body parts in relation to each other. Essential for proper biomechanics and injury prevention.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to stiffness and fusion of the spine.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
A major knee ligament that stabilizes the joint. Commonly injured in sports; rehabilitation focuses on strength and proprioception.
Assistive Devices
Tools such as walkers, canes, or crutches that help individuals move safely and independently.
B
Balance Training
Exercises aimed at improving stability, coordination, and proprioception, especially in elderly or post-injury populations.
Bursa
A small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues. Bursitis (inflammation) can cause pain and limit movement.
Biofeedback
A technique using sensors to help individuals gain awareness and control over physiological functions like muscle activation.
Bracing
External support to immobilize or stabilize a joint or body part, commonly used in injury prevention or post-surgical care.
Body Mechanics
The way the body moves during activity. Good body mechanics prevent injury and optimize movement efficiency.
C
Cartilage
Connective tissue that covers joint surfaces, providing cushioning and reducing friction. Degeneration leads to conditions like osteoarthritis.
Cervical Spine
The neck region of the spine, consisting of seven vertebrae. Commonly associated with posture and disc-related issues.
Chronic Pain
Pain lasting more than 3 months, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach including physiotherapy, exercise, and education.
Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise (CKC)
Movements where the distal part (e.g., feet or hands) is fixed, such as squats or push-ups. These exercises enhance joint stability.
Core Stabilization
Training of the muscles around the trunk and pelvis to support spine health and improve movement efficiency.
Cryotherapy
The application of cold to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling in acute injuries.
D
Deconditioning
Loss of physical fitness due to inactivity, often seen after prolonged bed rest or illness. Reconditioning involves gradual exercise progression.
Diastasis Recti
Separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline, often seen postpartum. Managed through core and pelvic floor exercises.
Disc Herniation
When the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc bulges out, possibly compressing nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Dry Needling
A technique involving insertion of thin needles into trigger points to relieve muscle pain and tension.
Dynamic Stretching
Active movements that stretch muscles and improve range of motion, often used as a warm-up before sports.
E
Eccentric Contraction
A muscle lengthens under tension, as in lowering a weight. Used to treat tendon injuries like Achilles tendinopathy.
Electrical Stimulation (e-stim)
Use of electrical currents to stimulate muscle contraction or nerve activity, aiding in pain relief or muscle re-education.
Ergonomics
The science of optimizing environments and tasks to reduce strain and prevent injury, especially in workplaces.
Edema
Swelling caused by fluid accumulation, managed through elevation, compression, and manual drainage techniques.
Endurance Training
Exercises aimed at improving the ability to sustain physical activity over time, important in both cardiac and musculoskeletal rehab.
F
Facilitated Movement
Techniques that enhance voluntary movement, often using tactile, visual, or verbal cues in neurological rehabilitation.
Fascia
A connective tissue sheath that surrounds muscles and organs. Myofascial release techniques aim to reduce restrictions and pain.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
Electrical stimulation used to activate muscles during functional tasks like walking or grasping, especially in neurological rehab.
Fracture Rehabilitation
A progressive exercise and mobility program after a bone break to restore function and strength once the bone is stabilized.
Flexibility Training
Exercises designed to improve the extensibility of soft tissues, increasing joint range of motion and reducing injury risk.
G
Gait Training
Therapy to improve walking patterns and efficiency, often using treadmills, assistive devices, or balance platforms.
Goniometer
A tool used to measure joint angles and range of motion, essential for assessment and documentation.
Gross Motor Skills
Large movements like walking, jumping, or climbing. Often targeted in pediatric or neurological physiotherapy.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
An autoimmune condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness. Rehab focuses on recovery of strength and mobility.
H
Hamstring Strain
A common sports injury involving tearing of the muscles at the back of the thigh. Rehab involves stretching, strengthening, and gradual return to activity.
Heat Therapy (Thermotherapy)
The use of heat to relax muscles, improve circulation, and decrease pain or stiffness.
Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Therapy)
Exercise performed in water to reduce joint stress while promoting movement and strength.
Hypertonia
Increased muscle tone often seen in conditions like cerebral palsy. Treated through stretching, casting, and functional movement training.
Hypotonia
Reduced muscle tone, common in children with developmental disorders. Managed through facilitation techniques and strengthening.
I
Impairment
A loss or abnormality in body structure or function. Physiotherapy addresses impairments to improve function and quality of life.
Isokinetic Exercise
Resistance is applied at a constant speed using specialized equipment. Used for muscle testing and rehabilitation.
Isometric Contraction
A muscle contracts without changing its length, useful in early rehab when joint movement is limited.
IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Syndrome)
Lateral knee pain from tightness or friction of the IT band, commonly seen in runners. Treated with stretching and strengthening.
Inflammation
The body’s response to injury, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Managed with rest, ice, and movement as appropriate.
J
Joint Mobilization
Manual techniques used to improve joint movement and reduce pain by applying graded passive movements to the joint.
Joint Stability
The ability of a joint to maintain proper alignment during movement. Improved through neuromuscular control and strengthening exercises.
Juvenile Arthritis
A form of arthritis affecting children. Physiotherapy focuses on maintaining joint mobility, strength, and function.
K
Kinesiology
The study of human movement. Forms the foundation for assessing movement patterns and designing rehabilitation programs.
Kinesio Taping
Elastic therapeutic tape used to support muscles and joints without restricting motion. Aids in pain relief and circulation.
Kyphosis
An excessive outward curve of the thoracic spine, leading to a hunched posture. Managed through posture training and extension exercises.
Knee Replacement Rehabilitation
A structured post-surgical program focusing on restoring strength, mobility, and function after total knee arthroplasty.
L
Lumbar Spine
The lower back region of the spine, often a source of pain and dysfunction due to disc herniation or poor posture.
Ligament Sprain
Injury to a ligament from excessive stretching or tearing. Classified by grades I–III based on severity.
Low Back Pain (LBP)
One of the most common conditions treated in physiotherapy. Managed through education, exercise, and manual therapy.
Lymphedema
Swelling due to lymphatic system dysfunction, often after cancer treatment. Managed with compression, drainage, and exercise.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Overuse injury of the elbow’s extensor tendons. Treated with eccentric exercises, manual therapy, and activity modification.
M
Manipulation
A hands-on technique employed by osteopaths to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions by applying controlled forces to joints, bones, or soft tissues.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques used to assess and treat musculoskeletal dysfunction, including joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue work.
Massage Therapy
Manipulation of soft tissues for relief and healing.
McKenzie Method
A system of assessment and exercise-based treatment focused on spinal pain, emphasizing patient education and self-treatment.
Meniscectomy
Surgical removal of a torn meniscus in the knee.
Meniscus
Cartilage in the knee that acts as a cushion and stabilizer. Tears are common and managed conservatively or surgically.
Mobility
Joint or region’s capacity to move through its range.
Motor Control
The ability of the nervous system to coordinate muscle activity during movement. Critical in relearning movement patterns after injury.
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
A form of manual therapy using the patient’s own muscle contractions to correct joint or muscle dysfunction.
Muscle Performance
The capacity of muscle to produce tension and do physical work.
Musculoskeletal Pain
Pain affecting the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
Myofascial Release
A manual technique targeting fascia and muscle to relieve tension and improve mobility.
Myopathy
Any abnormal conditions or disorders of the muscle tissues.
N
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)
A diagnostic test that measures how fast electrical impulses move through your nerves. It helps detect nerve damage or dysfunction.
Neural Mobilization
Manual therapy technique aimed at improving the mobility and reducing sensitivity of peripheral nerves. Useful for conditions like sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Neurological Physiotherapy
A branch of physiotherapy that treats patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis.
Neuromuscular Re-education
Therapeutic exercises and strategies to restore normal movement patterns and coordination following nerve or muscle injury.
Neuropathy
Damage or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms like pain, tingling, or numbness, often treated through sensory stimulation and strengthening.
Neuroplasticity
The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, crucial in rehabilitation after injury or stroke.
O
Orthotics
Custom-designed shoe inserts or braces used to support, align, or improve function of the foot, ankle, or lower limbs.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
A degenerative joint disease involving cartilage breakdown, leading to pain and stiffness. Physiotherapy can improve joint mobility and reduce symptoms.
Osteoporosis
A condition characterized by low bone density, increasing fracture risk. Weight-bearing and resistance exercises help manage and prevent further bone loss.
Overuse Injury
An injury resulting from repetitive strain without adequate rest, such as tendinitis or stress fractures. Physiotherapy focuses on rest, correction of biomechanics, and gradual return to activity.
Obturator Internus
A deep pelvic muscle involved in external hip rotation and pelvic floor stability; relevant in pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Overactive Bladder (OAB)
A condition with sudden urges to urinate, possibly leading to incontinence. Treated with pelvic floor exercises and behavioral therapy.
P
Pelvic Floor Muscles
A group of muscles supporting pelvic organs and assisting in urinary and fecal continence. Strengthening these is essential in treating incontinence or prolapse.
Proprioception
The body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. Vital in balance and coordination training, especially after injuries.
Postural Re-education
Intervention aimed at correcting posture and muscle imbalances to prevent pain and improve function, especially in chronic back or neck pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot, causing heel pain. Treated with stretching, manual therapy, and foot orthotics.
Progressive Resistance Exercise (PRE)
A method of strength training where resistance is gradually increased to build muscle strength and endurance.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
Knee pain resulting from abnormal movement of the kneecap over the femur, often treated with quadriceps strengthening and taping.
Q
Quadriceps Femoris
A large muscle group on the front of the thigh responsible for knee extension. Critical in gait, squatting, and stabilization of the knee.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)
Paralysis of all four limbs, typically resulting from a cervical spinal cord injury. Physiotherapy focuses on maximizing independence and respiratory function.
Quick Stretch
A brief, sudden stretch applied to a muscle to facilitate contraction, often used in neuromuscular facilitation techniques.
R
Range of Motion (ROM)
The full movement potential of a joint, usually measured in degrees. It includes passive, active-assistive, and active ROM exercises.
Rehabilitation
A structured program aiming to restore strength, function, and independence following illness, injury, or surgery.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Injury from repeated motion or overuse, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow. Managed by ergonomics, rest, and strengthening.
Rotator Cuff
A group of shoulder muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Commonly involved in shoulder impingement and tendonitis.
Radiculopathy
Nerve root compression causing pain, numbness, or weakness radiating along the nerve path, often from herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
S
Sciatica
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, often from lumbar disc herniation. Treatment includes neural glides, core strengthening, and manual therapy.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Manual therapy technique that involves manipulating muscles, ligaments, and fascia to improve function and reduce pain.
Spasticity
Increased muscle tone and reflexes due to neurological damage, often seen in stroke or cerebral palsy. Managed with stretching, casting, or medication.
Scoliosis
A sideways curvature of the spine. Treatment may involve bracing, exercise, and postural correction strategies.
Stenosis (Spinal)
Narrowing of spaces within the spine, which can compress nerves. Physiotherapy may include flexion exercises and postural training.
Strength Training
Exercises designed to increase muscle strength using resistance (e.g., weights, bands, bodyweight).
T
Tendonitis
Inflammation of a tendon due to overuse or strain. Commonly treated with eccentric strengthening, rest, and manual therapy.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
A modality using electrical stimulation to reduce pain via skin electrodes.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
Compression of nerves or vessels between the collarbone and first rib. Treated with posture correction, stretching, and strengthening.
Trigger Point
Hyperirritable spots in muscle or fascia, often causing referred pain. Treated with dry needling, massage, or trigger point release.
Traction
A technique applying pulling force to stretch or decompress joints and relieve pressure, especially in the spine.
U
Ultrasound Therapy
Use of sound waves to penetrate tissues, promoting healing and reducing pain in soft tissue injuries.
Urinary Incontinence
Involuntary leakage of urine. Treated with pelvic floor muscle training and behavioral interventions.
Upper Crossed Syndrome
Postural pattern with tight upper trapezius and pectorals and weak neck flexors and lower trapezius. Leads to neck/shoulder pain.
V
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Specialized therapy for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders due to inner ear dysfunction.
Valsalva Maneuver
A forceful exhalation against a closed airway, affecting blood pressure and used diagnostically during some assessments.
Visceral Mobilization
Manual therapy targeting internal organ movement to improve mobility and reduce restrictions contributing to musculoskeletal dysfunction.
X
Whiplash
Neck injury due to sudden acceleration-deceleration forces, often from car accidents. Managed through manual therapy and mobility exercises.
Weight-Bearing Exercises
Exercises where you support your body weight (e.g., walking, squats), essential for bone health and joint function.
Wheelchair Assessment
Evaluation to ensure optimal fit and function of a wheelchair for mobility, posture, and skin integrity.
Wolff’s Law
Principle stating that bone grows and remodels in response to the forces placed upon it, important in fracture rehabilitation.
X
Xerosis
Abnormal dryness of the skin, which may complicate healing and require attention in elderly or immobile patients.
X-ray
A diagnostic imaging tool used to view bones and joints, often as a first-line investigation in musculoskeletal injuries.
Y
Yoga Therapy
Use of yoga postures, breathing, and mindfulness as a holistic tool in physiotherapy for pain, flexibility, and mental well-being.
Youth Athlete Rehab
Specialized rehabilitation considering growth, development, and sport-specific needs of young athletes.
Z
Zone of Apposition
The area where the diaphragm meets the lower ribs and abdominal muscles, essential for effective breathing and core stability.
Zygapophyseal (Facet) Joint
Small joints between vertebrae that guide and limit movement in the spine, often involved in back pain.
If you have any questions about the terms in this glossary or would like more information about your care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you feel informed and supported every step of the way.