Kinesiophobia
Pronunciation: ki-NEE-see-oh-FOH-bee-ah
Excessive fear of movement and physical activity due to concerns about reinjury or pain.
Full Definition
Kinesiophobia is an irrational and debilitating fear of movement and physical activity resulting from a feeling of vulnerability to painful injury or reinjury. This psychological barrier to movement can significantly impact rehabilitation outcomes by limiting patient participation in therapeutic exercises and functional activities. Kinesiophobia is commonly assessed using validated questionnaires such as the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Addressing kinesiophobia requires patient education, graded exposure to feared movements, and building confidence through successful movement experiences within a safe therapeutic environment.
Usage
Usage note: Consider using validated assessment tools like the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia to quantify severity.
In Context
- "The patient's kinesiophobia was identified as a significant barrier to participation in the prescribed exercise program." — Assessment note
- "Treatment included graded exposure therapy to address kinesiophobia and promote return to normal movement patterns." — Treatment plan