Physiotherapy Licensing key terms

The standard reference posture with the body upright, face forward, arms at the sides, palms facing forward, and feet parallel. All directional terms such as medial, lateral, proximal, and distal are described relative to this posture.

Imaginary flat surfaces used to describe joint movement: sagittal (flexion and extension), frontal (abduction and adduction), and transverse (rotation). Naming the plane helps a clinician choose the correct axis and test position.

The visible movement of bones at a joint, described in degrees of flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. It is measured with a goniometer and differs from the small internal accessory motions of joint surfaces.

The small accessory motions of joint surfaces during movement, classified as roll, glide, and spin. Loss of normal glide often limits range of motion and guides mobilization direction during treatment.

Isometric contraction generates force without changing muscle length; concentric shortens while producing force; eccentric lengthens under load. Eccentric work is associated with greater force capacity and with delayed-onset muscle soreness after unaccustomed exercise.

The principle that a muscle produces the greatest active tension at an optimal resting length, with force declining when the muscle is overly shortened or lengthened. It explains why position affects strength testing and exercise prescription.

Damage to the brain or spinal cord pathways above the anterior horn cell, producing increased tone, hyperreflexia, spasticity, and often a Babinski sign. It contrasts with flaccid weakness seen after peripheral nerve injury.

Injury to the anterior horn cell or peripheral nerve, causing flaccid paralysis, reduced reflexes, muscle atrophy, and fasciculations. Sensation may also be lost in the distribution of the affected nerve.

The area of skin supplied by sensory fibers from a single spinal nerve root. Testing key points helps localize a nerve root level, such as C6 at the thumb or L5 at the dorsum of the foot.

The group of muscles innervated by a single spinal nerve root. Manual testing of key muscles, such as L4 for ankle dorsiflexion, helps identify the level of a nerve root problem.

A graded assessment of voluntary strength using resistance and gravity, scored from 0 (no contraction) to 5 (normal) on the Medical Research Council scale. Reliability improves with consistent positioning and stabilization.

The arc through which a joint moves, measured actively by the patient or passively by the examiner. Comparing active and passive values helps distinguish contractile from non-contractile restrictions.

Measurement of joint angles with a goniometer, typically reported in degrees with the axis placed over the joint and arms aligned to bony landmarks. Consistent landmarking improves repeatability between sessions.

The quality of resistance felt by the examiner at the end of passive range of motion, such as soft, firm, or hard. Abnormal end-feels, including spasm, capsular, or empty, suggest specific tissue problems.

Provocative or positional maneuvers used to support or rule out a diagnosis, such as the Lachman test for the anterior cruciate ligament. Results are interpreted alongside history because most tests have limited sensitivity and specificity.

Sensitivity is the proportion of people with a condition who test positive; specificity is the proportion without it who test negative. Both guide whether a test is useful for screening or confirmation.

A ratio comparing the probability of a test result in people with a condition to that in people without it. Values far from 1 meaningfully shift post-test probability and are more useful than a single accuracy figure.

A ranking of study designs by their ability to answer clinical questions, from systematic reviews and randomized trials down to case reports and expert opinion. The best available design depends on the question being asked.

A structured synthesis that uses a predefined search strategy and explicit criteria to identify, appraise, and combine studies on one question. Meta-analysis is the statistical pooling step that may follow.

A study in which participants are randomly assigned to intervention or comparison groups to reduce selection bias. Blinding, allocation concealment, and intention-to-treat analysis strengthen its conclusions.

A standardized tool used to quantify change in symptoms, function, or quality of life, such as a disability index or numeric pain scale. Good measures are valid, reliable, and responsive to clinically important change.

The smallest change in an outcome score that a patient would perceive as beneficial. It helps distinguish statistically significant results from changes that matter in practice.

A strengthening method in which load, repetitions, or volume is increased over time as tissue adapts. The overload principle and adequate recovery are essential for gains in strength and muscle endurance.

Skilled passive movement of joint surfaces, graded from small-amplitude oscillations to sustained stretch, used to reduce pain and restore mobility. Direction is chosen based on the restricted arthrokinematic glide.

A hands-on approach for people with neurological conditions that uses handling, weight shifting, and task practice to improve postural control and movement quality. Evidence supports task-specific practice more strongly than handling alone.

A velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone caused by hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex after central nervous system injury. It can interfere with function, hygiene, or positioning and is managed with stretching, medication, or injections.

Instruction and practice to improve walking, including use of assistive devices, weight shifting, and step symmetry. Progression considers safety, endurance, and the specific gait deviation being addressed.

Equipment such as a cane, walker, or crutch that improves stability or reduces load on a limb. Correct height and fit are essential for safety and efficient use.

The likelihood that a person will experience an unplanned descent to the floor, assessed through history, balance, strength, medication, and environment. Screening leads to prevention plans such as supervision and hazard removal.

A patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving information about the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives. It must be obtained by a qualified provider and documented before care begins.

The duty to protect private health information and share it only with authorized people or as required by law. Breaches can occur through conversations, records, or electronic communication.

The range of activities a clinician is legally and professionally permitted to perform based on licensure, training, and jurisdiction. Practicing outside it risks harm and legal action.

The ability of patients to consult a physiotherapist without a physician referral, as permitted by jurisdiction. Limits and referral requirements vary, so clinicians must know local rules.

The written record of assessment findings, interventions, progress, and communication, often organized by subjective, objective, assessment, and plan. It supports continuity of care and serves as legal evidence.

A sign or symptom suggesting serious pathology, such as unexplained weight loss, night pain, or neurological deficit, that warrants medical referral rather than routine therapy. Screening for red flags is part of every initial examination.

Adjunct physical agents such as heat, cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation used to manage pain or tissue healing. They support but rarely replace active exercise and education.