Reference

Physiotherapy Glossary — Terms Explained Simply

Plain-language definitions of common physiotherapy terms. Click any term to learn more.

A major knee ligament that prevents the shin bone from sliding forward. ACL tears are the most common serious knee injur...

The ability of deep trunk muscles (transversus abdominis, multifidus, pelvic floor) to support the spine during movement...

A technique using thin needles inserted into muscle trigger points to release knots. Not the same as acupuncture — based...

Exercise where the muscle lengthens under load (like lowering a weight slowly). The gold standard treatment for tendon i...

The science of designing workspaces to fit the human body. Proper desk ergonomics prevents 60% of office-related musculo...

A condition where the tissue around the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, progressively restricting all movement. Ta...

A spinal disc that has bulged or ruptured, potentially pressing on nearby nerves. 85% heal without surgery through physi...

Exercise therapy performed in warm water (33-36°C). Water reduces body weight by 80%, allowing pain-free movement for jo...

A manual therapy technique where the physiotherapist applies graded pressure to a stiff joint to restore normal movement...

Hands-on treatment techniques where a physiotherapist uses their hands to mobilise stiff joints, release tight muscles, ...

A physiotherapy assessment and treatment approach for spinal pain using directional preference exercises. Identifies whi...

The brain's ability to reorganise and form new neural connections after injury. Highest in the first 3 months after stro...

Wear-and-tear joint disease where cartilage gradually breaks down. Most common in knees, hips, and hands. Physiotherapy ...

Treatment of pain, movement problems, and injuries using manual therapy, exercise, and education — without surgery or lo...

Physiotherapy done before surgery to strengthen muscles and optimise fitness. 4-6 weeks of prehab before ACL surgery imp...

How far a joint can move in each direction. Measured in degrees. Reduced ROM from injury or stiffness is one of the prim...

A group of 4 muscles and tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) that stabilise the shoulder ...

Pain radiating from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg, caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. 75%...

A pain relief device that sends mild electrical impulses through the skin to block pain signals from reaching the brain....

A hyperirritable knot within a taut band of muscle that causes local and referred pain. Treated with dry needling, manua...

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