Physiotherapy Glossary
Definitions and explanations of common physiotherapy terms.
Anatomy
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)
One of four major ligaments in the knee that connects the thighbone to the shinbone and helps stabilize the knee joint. ACL injuries are common in sports involving pivoting, cutting, and sudden stops.
IT Band (Iliotibial Band)
A thick band of connective tissue that runs from the hip to the shin along the outside of the thigh. IT band syndrome is a common overuse injury in runners.
Meniscus
C-shaped pieces of cartilage in the knee that act as shock absorbers between the thighbone and shinbone. Meniscus tears are common knee injuries.
Rotator Cuff
A group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling arm rotation and lifting. Rotator cuff injuries are common shoulder problems.
Conditions
Arthritis
Inflammation of one or more joints causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Common types include osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune).
Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Commonly affects the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
Cervical Radiculopathy
A condition where a nerve root in the cervical spine (neck) is compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Contracture
Permanent shortening of a muscle or joint due to prolonged immobility, spasticity, or scar tissue formation, resulting in restricted range of motion.
Disc Bulge
A condition where the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes outward against the outer ring, causing the disc to protrude beyond its normal boundary. Unlike a herniation, the outer ring remains intact.
Disc Herniation
A condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc ruptures through the outer layer, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Frozen Shoulder
Also known as adhesive capsulitis, a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint that progresses through freezing, frozen, and thawing stages over 12-18 months.
Kyphosis
An excessive outward curvature of the upper spine, causing a rounded or hunched back. Can be postural (reversible) or structural (related to spinal deformity).
Lordosis
An excessive inward curvature of the lower spine. While some lordosis is normal, excessive curvature can cause lower back pain and postural issues.
Osteoarthritis
A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Commonly affects knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Osteoporosis
A condition where bones become weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures due to decreased bone density. Physiotherapy helps through safe weight-bearing exercises.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Also known as runner's knee, pain around or behind the kneecap caused by poor tracking of the patella in the femoral groove, often due to muscle imbalances.
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. Causes heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning.
Sciatica
Pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates along the sciatic nerve from the lower back down the leg, typically caused by compression of nerve roots in the lumbar spine.
Scoliosis
A sideways curvature of the spine that typically develops during adolescence. Physiotherapy helps manage pain, improve posture, and maintain function.
Spinal Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, and weakness, often in the legs or arms.
Tendinopathy
A general term for tendon disorders including tendinitis (inflammation) and tendinosis (degeneration). Common sites include the Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff tendons.
Whiplash
A neck injury caused by sudden acceleration-deceleration forces, most commonly from rear-end vehicle collisions. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Treatments
Chiropractic
A healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine. Differs from physiotherapy in scope and approach.
Dry Needling
A technique used by physiotherapists involving insertion of thin monofilament needles into myofascial trigger points to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve range of motion.
Eccentric Exercise
Exercise that involves lengthening a muscle while it is under tension. Eccentric strengthening is considered the gold standard treatment for tendinopathy.
Electrotherapy
The use of electrical energy for therapeutic purposes, including TENS, ultrasound, interferential therapy, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to reduce pain and promote healing.
Hydrotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment performed in a heated pool, using water's buoyancy to reduce joint stress while allowing resistance training. Beneficial for arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and neurological conditions.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques used by physiotherapists including joint mobilization, manipulation, soft tissue massage, and stretching to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function.
McKenzie Method
A classification-based assessment and treatment system for spinal conditions that uses repeated movements to centralize (reduce) radiating pain and improve function.
Myofascial Release
A manual therapy technique that applies gentle sustained pressure to the fascia (connective tissue) to release tension, reduce pain, and improve movement.
Orthotics
Custom-made shoe inserts that support the foot, correct biomechanical issues, and reduce stress on the lower limbs. Often prescribed by physiotherapists for foot and leg conditions.
Postural Correction
A therapeutic approach that identifies and addresses faulty posture through stretching tight muscles, strengthening weak muscles, and ergonomic modifications.
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in chronic tendon conditions, particularly effective for plantar fasciitis and tendinopathy.
Spinal Manipulation
A technique involving application of controlled force to a spinal joint to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and restore function. Often used for back pain and neck pain.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
A method of pain relief using low-voltage electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed on the skin. Used for both acute and chronic pain management.
Concepts
Ergonomics
The science of designing workspaces and equipment to fit the user's body and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Ergonomic assessments are a key part of workplace physiotherapy.
Neuroplasticity
The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This principle underlies stroke rehabilitation and neurological physiotherapy.
Proprioception
The body's ability to sense its position, movement, and orientation in space. Proprioceptive training is essential for injury prevention and rehabilitation after joint injuries.
Trigger Point
A hypersensitive spot within a taut band of muscle that is painful on compression and can refer pain to other areas of the body. Treated with dry needling, massage, or manual therapy.
Assessments
Gait Analysis
The systematic study of human walking patterns to identify biomechanical abnormalities that may contribute to pain or injury, used to guide treatment and rehabilitation.
Goniometer
A tool used by physiotherapists to measure the range of motion of joints. Accurate measurements help track progress and guide treatment planning.
Specialties
Sports Physiotherapy
A specialized branch of physiotherapy focused on prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries and performance optimization.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
A specialized form of physiotherapy for treating balance disorders and dizziness, including BPPV, vestibular neuritis, and post-concussion syndrome.