Physical Therapy Glossary

Treatment approach focused on specific injury or condition episodes rather than ongoing management.

A therapeutic movement pattern designed to promote normal motor responses and improve neuromuscular control through prop...

Therapeutic method to enhance motor responses and improve movement quality through sensory input.

A surgical procedure to relieve pressure in a muscle compartment, often requiring specialized post-operative physical th...

Standardized assessment tool measuring functional independence in motor and cognitive tasks.

A condition characterized by muscle weakness and decreased muscle tone resulting from lower motor neuron damage or dysfu...

Medicare documentation system using G-codes to track patient functional status changes.

Measurable improvement in a patient's ability to perform specific daily activities or tasks following treatment.

Systematic observation and measurement of human walking patterns to identify movement abnormalities.

Therapeutic intervention focused on improving a patient's walking pattern and mobility.

Instrument used to measure joint angles and range of motion in degrees.

Systematic progression of exercise intensity and complexity based on patient tolerance and response.

Repeated exposure to movement or position that provokes symptoms to reduce sensitivity over time.

Complete paralysis affecting one side of the body, typically resulting from stroke or brain injury.

A prescribed set of therapeutic exercises designed for patients to perform independently at home to supplement clinic tr...

The process of educating patients about treatment risks, benefits, and alternatives before obtaining their agreement to...

Complex functional tasks requiring higher-level cognitive and physical skills than basic ADLs.

Collaborative meeting of healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive patient care planning.

A type of strength training where muscle contractions occur at a constant velocity throughout the range of motion.

Therapeutic technique using distraction forces to reduce joint compression and associated symptoms.

Manual therapy techniques involving passive movement of joint surfaces to restore normal joint mechanics.

Elastic therapeutic tape used to support muscles and joints while allowing full range of motion.

Excessive fear of movement and physical activity due to concerns about reinjury or pain.

Conscious perception of body position, movement, and spatial orientation during functional activities.