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Physical Therapy Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

DASH Score DASH

Intermediate Technical IVT

A standardized outcome measure assessing upper extremity disability and symptoms.

Showing 73–96 of 100

Plan of Care

Professional Formal IVT

Comprehensive treatment document outlining goals, interventions, and expected outcomes.

Document Type Full entry →

Plyometric Exercise

Advanced Technical IVT

High-intensity training involving rapid muscle lengthening followed by explosive shortening to develop power.

Exercise Type Full entry →

PNF Patterns

Advanced Technical IVT

Diagonal movement patterns used in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation to promote coordinated muscle function.

Treatment Technique Full entry →

Postural Drainage Position

Advanced Technical IVT

Specific body positioning techniques used to facilitate airway clearance and mucus drainage from different lung segments...

Treatment Technique Full entry →

Postural Restoration

Professional Technical IVT

Therapeutic approach addressing asymmetrical movement patterns and postural adaptations.

Treatment Technique Full entry →

Prehabilitation

Professional Technical IVT

Proactive therapy provided before surgery or injury to optimize physical function and recovery outcomes.

Technical Term Full entry →

Prior Authorization

Professional Technical IVT

Insurance company approval required before providing certain physical therapy services to ensure coverage and prevent cl...

Legal Term Full entry →

Prognosis

Professional Technical IVT

A professional prediction of the likely course and outcome of a patient's condition based on clinical findings and evide...

Technical Term Full entry →

Proprioception

Advanced Technical IVT

Body's awareness of joint position and movement in space, crucial for balance and coordination.

Technical Term Full entry →

Range of Motion

Intermediate Technical IVT

Measurement of joint movement capacity, assessed as active, passive, or active-assisted.

Technical Term Full entry →

Scapular Dyskinesis

Advanced Technical IVT

Abnormal scapular movement patterns that may contribute to shoulder dysfunction and pain.

Technical Term Full entry →

Schroth Method

Professional Technical IVT

Specialized exercise approach for scoliosis management using three-dimensional postural correction and breathing techniq...

Treatment Method Full entry →

A clinical assessment tool that identifies dysfunctional movement patterns contributing to pain and functional limitatio...

Assessment Tool Full entry →

Skilled Care

Professional Technical IVT

Professional therapy services requiring specialized knowledge and training that cannot be safely performed by non-profes...

Technical Term Full entry →

Skilled Nursing Facility

Intermediate Formal IVT

A healthcare facility providing 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, for patien...

Healthcare Setting Full entry →

SOAP Note

Intermediate Technical IVT

A structured documentation format using Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan sections to organize patient informa...

Document Type Full entry →

Spasticity

Advanced Technical IVT

Velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone causing stiffness and involuntary contractions.

Medical Condition Full entry →

TENS Unit

Intermediate Technical IVT

Portable device that delivers electrical impulses to relieve pain through nerve stimulation.

Medical Device Full entry →

Therapeutic Exercise

Intermediate Technical IVT

Skilled physical therapy intervention designed to improve strength, endurance, mobility, or function.

Technical Term Full entry →

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Intermediate Technical IVT

A deep heating modality using high-frequency sound waves to promote tissue healing.

Technical Term Full entry →

Timed Up and Go Test

Intermediate Technical IVT

Standardized assessment measuring the time required to rise from sitting, walk, turn, and return to sitting.

Assessment Tool Full entry →

Torticollis

Intermediate Technical IVT

A condition characterized by involuntary neck muscle contractions causing abnormal head and neck positioning.

Technical Term Full entry →

Transfer Training

Intermediate Technical IVT

Therapeutic intervention focused on teaching safe movement between surfaces such as bed to chair or car transfers.

Technical Term Full entry →

Trendelenburg Gait

Intermediate Technical IVT

An abnormal gait pattern where the pelvis drops on the unsupported side during walking.

Technical Term Full entry →
Showing 73–96 of 100

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