Physical Therapy Glossary

A comprehensive evaluation approach that examines the interdependent relationship between body segments during movement...

Excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine creating a hunched or rounded back appearance.

Strategic modification of mechanical stress and activity demands to optimize tissue healing and adaptation.

A diagnostic and treatment planning technique used to identify lymphatic drainage patterns and guide manual lymphatic dr...

Chronic swelling caused by impaired lymphatic drainage, requiring specialized physical therapy intervention.

Standardized assessment technique using a 0-5 grading scale to evaluate muscle strength.

Hands-on treatment techniques including joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and manipulation.

Medial Collateral Ligament - a primary stabilizing structure of the knee joint commonly addressed in physical therapy re...

Treatment approach using mechanical forces and movement to promote tissue healing and adaptation.

The smallest change in score that can be detected by an outcome measure beyond measurement error.

A therapeutic agent or physical intervention used to achieve specific treatment goals, such as heat, cold, or electrical...

The ability to regulate and direct movement through the complex interaction of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Scientific framework explaining how individuals acquire, retain, and transfer movement skills.

A manual therapy technique using voluntary muscle contractions to improve joint mobility and muscle function.

Manual therapy technique targeting fascial restrictions to improve tissue mobility and function.

Evaluation of neural tissue mobility and sensitivity through specific movement tests and positions.

Skilled intervention to restore normal movement patterns and motor control following neurological impairment.

The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, fundamental to rehabilitation outcomes.

An external apparatus designed to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or improve function.

A standardized assessment tool used to quantify patient status and measure treatment effectiveness.

Scientific investigation of treatment effectiveness using functional and patient-reported measures.

Partial paralysis or weakness of voluntary muscle movement, typically resulting from nervous system damage.

Quality assurance mechanism where clinicians evaluate colleagues' treatment decisions and documentation.

A neurological phenomenon where amputees continue to feel sensations, including pain, in the missing limb portion.