Physical Therapy Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
DASH Score DASH
A standardized outcome measure assessing upper extremity disability and symptoms.
Plan of Care
Comprehensive treatment document outlining goals, interventions, and expected outcomes.
Plyometric Exercise
High-intensity training involving rapid muscle lengthening followed by explosive shortening to develop power.
PNF Patterns
Diagonal movement patterns used in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation to promote coordinated muscle function.
Postural Drainage Position
Specific body positioning techniques used to facilitate airway clearance and mucus drainage from different lung segments...
Postural Restoration
Therapeutic approach addressing asymmetrical movement patterns and postural adaptations.
Prehabilitation
Proactive therapy provided before surgery or injury to optimize physical function and recovery outcomes.
Prior Authorization
Insurance company approval required before providing certain physical therapy services to ensure coverage and prevent cl...
Prognosis
A professional prediction of the likely course and outcome of a patient's condition based on clinical findings and evide...
Proprioception
Body's awareness of joint position and movement in space, crucial for balance and coordination.
Range of Motion
Measurement of joint movement capacity, assessed as active, passive, or active-assisted.
Scapular Dyskinesis
Abnormal scapular movement patterns that may contribute to shoulder dysfunction and pain.
Schroth Method
Specialized exercise approach for scoliosis management using three-dimensional postural correction and breathing techniq...
Selective Functional Movement Assessment
A clinical assessment tool that identifies dysfunctional movement patterns contributing to pain and functional limitatio...
Skilled Care
Professional therapy services requiring specialized knowledge and training that cannot be safely performed by non-profes...
Skilled Nursing Facility
A healthcare facility providing 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, for patien...
SOAP Note
A structured documentation format using Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan sections to organize patient informa...
Spasticity
Velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone causing stiffness and involuntary contractions.
TENS Unit
Portable device that delivers electrical impulses to relieve pain through nerve stimulation.
Therapeutic Exercise
Skilled physical therapy intervention designed to improve strength, endurance, mobility, or function.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
A deep heating modality using high-frequency sound waves to promote tissue healing.
Timed Up and Go Test
Standardized assessment measuring the time required to rise from sitting, walk, turn, and return to sitting.
Torticollis
A condition characterized by involuntary neck muscle contractions causing abnormal head and neck positioning.
Transfer Training
Therapeutic intervention focused on teaching safe movement between surfaces such as bed to chair or car transfers.
Trendelenburg Gait
An abnormal gait pattern where the pelvis drops on the unsupported side during walking.