Provimi i Shtetit - Fizioterapeut key terms

The standard reference posture in which a person stands upright, faces forward, with arms at the sides and palms facing forward. Body directions and movement descriptions are defined relative to this position.

The three imaginary flat surfaces (sagittal, frontal, transverse) through which joint motion is described. Each plane has a perpendicular axis around which the movement occurs.

The description of visible bone movement at a joint, such as flexion, extension, abduction and rotation, without considering the forces that produce it.

The description of the small accessory motions occurring between joint surfaces, namely rolling, gliding and spinning, which accompany normal joint movement.

The small passive accessory movement available between joint surfaces that cannot be produced actively by the patient. Its assessment helps identify joint restriction or hypermobility.

The principle that a muscle generates greatest active force at an optimal resting length and less force when over-shortened or over-lengthened. It guides exercise positioning and stretching decisions.

The categories of muscle action: isometric (no change in length), concentric (muscle shortens) and eccentric (muscle lengthens under load). Each produces different force and tissue-loading effects.

The observation that concentric force decreases as movement speed increases, while eccentric actions can generate greater force. It informs the selection of training speed and load.

The extent of movement available at a joint, measured actively by the patient or passively by the examiner. It is recorded in degrees using a goniometer or other standardized method.

The standardized measurement of joint angles using a goniometer, with documented landmarks and starting position. Reliable technique allows comparison over time and between clinicians.

A clinical scale, commonly the 0 to 5 Medical Research Council or Oxford scale, describing the force a muscle can generate against gravity and resistance. Grade 3 indicates movement against gravity only.

A hands-on assessment in which the clinician positions the limb, asks for a maximal contraction and applies resistance to grade muscle strength. Reliability improves with standardized positioning and stabilization.

A validated, standardized tool used to quantify a patient's status or change over time, such as a pain scale or functional questionnaire. It supports objective monitoring and evidence-based decisions.

The cognitive process by which a clinician gathers and interprets findings, forms hypotheses, and selects and revises a management plan. It integrates patient values, evidence and clinical experience.

The step in clinical reasoning in which possible explanations for a patient's presentation are proposed and then tested through history, examination and response to treatment.

The process of listing and comparing conditions that could explain a patient's symptoms, then using findings to rule them in or out. It helps identify when referral is needed.

A sign or symptom suggesting serious underlying pathology, such as unexplained weight loss, night pain or neurological deficit, that requires medical referral rather than routine physiotherapy.

The body's protective response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, pain and loss of function. Its phases influence tissue healing and the timing of physiotherapy.

The overlapping stages of repair after injury: haemostasis and inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Loading must be matched to the phase to promote recovery without re-injury.

A training method in which load is gradually increased as tissue tolerance improves, using controlled repetitions and rest. It is a cornerstone of strengthening and functional rehabilitation.

Hands-on techniques such as mobilization, manipulation and soft tissue work applied to joints or muscles. It is used to reduce pain and improve movement, usually combined with exercise.

The nervous system's capacity to reorganize its structure and function in response to experience, training or injury. It underpins recovery in neurological rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation that practises real, meaningful activities rather than isolated movements, to promote transfer to daily life. It is a key principle in neurological and functional recovery.

Exercise designed around activities a patient needs in daily life, such as walking, transfers or stair climbing. It links impairment-based work to real-world participation goals.

A structured programme for people with disorders of the nervous system, aiming to restore function, reduce disability and promote independence through assessment, training and education.

A velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone caused by altered central nervous system control, producing resistance to passive stretch. It can impair movement and requires careful assessment.

The therapeutic use of electrical currents, such as TENS, NMES or interferential current, to modulate pain or stimulate muscle. Parameters and contraindications must be carefully selected.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, a modality delivering low-level current through surface electrodes to reduce pain. Settings differ between conventional high-frequency and low-frequency modes.

The application of high-frequency sound waves to deep tissues via a transducer and coupling gel, used for thermal or non-thermal effects. Dosage depends on tissue depth and treatment aim.

A condition or circumstance in which a treatment should not be used because it may cause harm, such as applying electrotherapy over a pacemaker or pregnant abdomen.

A condition in which a treatment may still be used but requires extra care, reduced dosage or closer monitoring, such as impaired sensation or fragile skin.

The set of practices and systems that prevent avoidable harm during care, including correct patient identification, safe equipment use, falls prevention and clear communication.

The formal recording of adverse events, near misses or unsafe conditions so that causes can be investigated and systems improved. It is a professional duty and supports learning.

Measures that prevent the spread of infection, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, cleaning of equipment and safe waste disposal in clinical settings.

Routine infection-prevention practices applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis, such as hand hygiene, gloves and safe handling of sharps and body fluids.

Clinical decision-making that integrates the best available research evidence, the clinician's expertise and the patient's values and preferences. It aims to improve outcomes and justify care.

A patient's voluntary agreement to assessment or treatment after receiving understandable information about its nature, benefits, risks and alternatives. It is an ethical and legal requirement.

The professional obligation to protect a patient's personal and health information from unauthorized disclosure, sharing it only with those involved in care or as required by law.

The boundaries of the knowledge, skills and activities a physiotherapist is trained and authorized to perform. Working outside them may endanger patients and breach professional standards.

The collaborative process of defining measurable, time-bound targets with the patient, often using the SMART framework, to guide and evaluate rehabilitation.