This glossary contains words physiotherapists can use in their workplace or these words are linked to this profession. Therefore, with this glossary, you will learn the meaning of these words thus you will have a better comprehension when your physio will talk to you.
A lot of my definition came form this website; https://palermophysio.ca/physiotherapy-terminology-glossary/
bursa
noun
A fluid-filled sac that helps minimize friction between different parts of the body. Common site of inflammation
Example: Bursitis is inflammation or irritation of a bursa.
en: Bursa
cryotherapy
noun
Ice therapy.The use of ice and ice water in the treatment of injury. Physiologically ice reduces metabolic activity within the tissues thus preventing secondary tissue damage; it also reduces pain signals to the central nervous system. Therapeutically ice therapy relieves pain and helps to reduce the development of swelling.
Example: The use of cryotherapy is absolutely contraindicated.
en: Cryothérapie
disc
noun
The circular fibrocartilage plates that separate the vertebrae of the spine.
Example: Lemieux's back injury progressed into a herniated disc, which subsequently developed an infection.
en: Disque
electromyography
noun
Diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders with the use of an electromyograph.
Example: Antecedent poliomyelitis was demonstrated in all patients by electromyography or muscle biopsy or both.
en: Électromyographie
electrotherapy
noun
The therapeutic application of electricity to the body (as in the treatment of various forms of paralysis).
Example: Electrotherapy treatment which helps in the alleviation of back pain especially in the acute phase.
en: Électrothérapie
epicondyle
noun
A raised prominence on a bone. An epicondyle is usually an attachment point for a muscle, tendon or ligament.
Example: Tennis Elbow is pain in the region where the forearm extensor muscles fasten to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
en: Épicondyle
exercise
noun
Activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.
Example: Walking is the best exercise.
en: Exercice
fibrocartilage
noun
A type of cartilage that is made of thick collagen bundles that are seperated by narrow clefts. This tough cartilage is ideal as a 'spacer' or shock absorber in a joint. Fibrocartilage makes up the knee meniscus and the labrum tissue of the hip and shoulder.
Example: The pubic symphysis has a fibrocartilage joint which may contain a fluid filled cavity and is avascular; it is supported by the superior and arcuate ligaments.
en: Fibrocartilage
inflammation
noun
The first stage of the healing process. It is often used as a negative word or implies a process which should not be happening. Without inflammation, we could never heal. It becomes a problem when it goes on too long, or doesn’t lead into the next stages of healing. As Physiotherapists, our job is to ensure you proceed into the next stages of healing. In most cases, inflammation should last anywhere from 48 hours to one week depending on the degree of injury and your body’s immune system.
Example: This resulted in an inflammation of the upper membrane of the brain, delirium and death.
en: Inflammation
ligament
noun
Structure connecting bone-to-bone. Partially responsible for for the stability of a joint.
Example: He's snapped a ligament in his knee.
en: Ligament
massage
noun
The therapeutic practice of manipulating the muscles and limbs to ease tension and reduce pain.
Example: I wouldn't mind a little massage therapy.
en: Massage
numbness/paresthesia
noun
Altered sensation, often described as tingly or heavy. Though the symptom varies between individuals, it should not be confused with anesthesia or the absence of sensation.
Example: Every muscle complained so painfully that she wished the numbness would return.
en: Engourdissement / paresthésie
radicular pain
noun
Pain caused by irritation of a nerve root and felt through its distribution. Sciatica is a symptom of Sciatic Nerve Radiculopathy.
Example: This is a key distinction between saphenous nerve neuropathy and lower back radiculopathy.
en: Douleur radiculaire
referred pain
noun
If you’ve ever taken the first aid class, you know that heart attacks can often lead to pain or numbness down the left arm – even though the left arm is fine. This is referred pain. Essentially it is a confusion in the interpretation of signals by the brain. Referred pain in our setting is usually caused by some sort of spinal issue and felt in either the arms or legs. It can often be confused with sciatica.
Example: Muscle spasm in the thoracic region can cause referred pain to radiate into the chest or abdomen.
en: Douleur référée
rehabilitation
noun
The process of helping a person who has suffered an illness or injury restores lost skills and so regain maximum self-sufficiency.
Example: After the child's condition has stabilized, rehabilitation is initiated.
en: Réhabilitation
sciatica
noun
A general term referring to symptoms arising from the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs out the low back and down the back of the leg into the lower leg and foot. It is often used as a catch-all term for ANY leg pain. However, several other types of back pain can lead to pain in the leg that doesn’t meet the definition of sciatica.
Example: Sciatica is another of the more common forms of neuralgia.
en: Sciatique
sprain
noun
Tearing of a ligament of some degree. Ranges from slight fraying all the way to complete rupture.
Example: The sprain made my ankle swell up.
en: Entorse
strain
noun
Tearing a tendon or muscle. Ranges just like a sprain.
Example: Tom has been under a lot of strain recently.
en: Claquage
tendon
noun
Structure connecting muscle-to-bone. Responsible for transmitting force from the muscle to the bone and therefore a common site of injury.
Example: She did all this tendon damage and it really disabled her.
en: Tendon
therapy
noun
Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
Example: Maybe, he needs a little shock therapy to bring him back.
