Physical Therapy Key Concepts Review

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions relevant to physical therapy concepts, conditions, and specific therapeutic interventions.

Figure-Ground Discrimination Dysfunction

Difficulty recognizing an object from its background, affecting tasks like picking items from disorganized spaces.

Anterior Capsule Stress Modification

Ensuring the bar does not contact the chest during bench press exercises.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to many antibiotics.

Facet Joint Arthropathy

Medical condition characterized by pain exacerbated by spinal extension and relieved by flexion.

Hook Grip

A type of grasp that is not affected by the inability to perform thumb opposition.

Adaptive Shortening of Latissimus Dorsi

Condition indicated by increased lumbar lordosis during shoulder movement.

Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

Method used to measure exercise intensity based on the patient's self-assessment.

Seizures

Neurophysiological events requiring close monitoring of respiratory rate during an episode.

Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex

A reflex assessed to confirm diagnosis of vestibular hypofunction.

Subscapularis

Muscle that would be stretched during specific shoulder movement.

Pan Splint

An intervention aimed at reducing spasticity in wrist flexors by positioning the wrist in extension.

Myocardial Infarction

A condition characterized by chest pain and nausea, often mistakenly attributed to indigestion.

Multiple Myeloma

Blood cancer requiring focus on fatigue reduction and fall prevention during therapy.

Fibrillation Potentials

Brief contractions of muscle fibers at rest characterized in electromyography.

Stair Navigation Difficulty

Increased difficulty due to steps that are 8.5 inches high.

Neutropenia

Low level of neutrophils in the blood, increasing the risk of infections.

Skin Breakdown

Increased risk in elderly populations due to decreased subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Amplitude (Electric Stimulation)

Pulse characteristic that can be increased by manipulating intensity on a neuromuscular stimulator.

Vascularity

A key factor influencing temperature readings in tissue assessments.

Joint Mobilizations

Therapeutic technique that may cause mild discomfort post-session, usually manageable and expected.

Unna Boot

A compression device used to promote healing in certain injuries.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

An x-linked inherited disorder presenting as toe walking and muscle pseudohypertrophy.

Ventilator Alarm

Low pressure alarms are often caused by leaks in the ventilator circuit.

Windlass Test

Assessment for plantar fasciitis resulting in pain at the medial calcaneal tubercle.

Swelling from Lymphedema

Localized swelling in the right limb due to blockages in lymphatic vessels.

Contralateral Hip Drop

Gait abnormality associated with gluteus medius weakness post hip arthroplasty.

Footwear Recommendations

Suggested changes for patients with Morton’s neuroma to reduce pain.

Patient Communication

Expressing seriousness to a patient regarding inappropriate comments and their consequences.

Graft Candidate

A deep partial-thickness wound that has healed 25% in 30 days is suitable for grafting.

Core Strengthening Exercise

Assessment to determine proper difficulty level for an infant using a therapeutic ball.

90-90 Straight Leg Raising Test

Assessment procedure beginning with patient positioning before knee extension.

Airborne Precautions

Safety measures for patients diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Range of Motion Limitation

Firm end-feel indicating restriction likely due to inferior glenohumeral ligament.

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex

Persistent reflex challenging an infant's ability to achieve upper extremity reaching.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Risk Factors

Total hip arthroplasty increases risk for developing a DVT.

Neer Impingement Test

Was positive indicating pain due to compression of greater tuberosity against acromion.

Raimiste's Phenomenon

Observed response during hip abductor resistance in patients post-CVA.

Head Lifts Exercise

Recommended exercise for a patient with a rectus abdominis separation.

Fluid Overload

Common symptom associated with congestive heart failure and related history.

Cadence in Gait

Increased cadence noted in patients with festinating gait pattern.

Balance Activities

Physical therapy intervention affected by side effects from Parkinson's medications.

Counting Technique

A strategy to help patients resume walking after freezing episodes.

Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation

A technique used to improve gait activities and assist in returning home.