Dunham Sports Medicine Terminology

Abduction

the movement of a limb or other part away from the body

Active Range of Motion

how much a joint can move due to muscle use without any outside assistance

Adduction

The movement of a limb or other part towards the body

Dorsiflexion

the backward movement or upward bending of the foot at the ankle, where the toes and the top of the foot move towards the shin

Eversion

the act of turning inside out

Flexion

the action of bending or the condition of being bent, especially the bending of a limb or joint

Inversion

turning in towards the midline of the body

Passive Range of Motion

a method of moving a joint through its available range of motion using an external force, such as a physical therapist, a machine, or gravity, while the person remains completely relaxed and does not use their own muscles for movement

Mobility

the ability to move or be moved freely and easily

Resistive Range of Motion

a clinical assessment where a person moves a joint against an external force or resistance provided by another person (like a physical therapist) or an object

Range of Motion

the full degree of movement possible at a joint, extending from full flexion (bending) to full extension (straightening)

Plantar Flexion

a movement of the foot that involves bending the ankle joint up and down

Pronation

the rotational movement of the hand and forearm so the palm faces downward or backward, and a similar inward rotation of the foot

Proprioception

perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body

Aerobic Exercise

rhythmic and continuous physical activity that uses large muscle groups, increases heart rate and breathing, and relies on oxygen to meet energy demands

Anaerobic Exercise

high-intensity activity involving short, powerful bursts of movement that doesn't require oxygen for energy

Treatment

anything that alleviates pain, helps with injury or sickness

Rehabilitation

the action of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness

Strength

the quality or state of being physically strong

Cryotherapy

the use of extreme cold in surgery or other medical treatment

Anterior

the front part of the body or a structure positioned toward the fron

Distal

a body part that is farther from the center of the body or the point of attachment of a limb or appendage

Dorsal

a position towards the back or spinal column of the body, or the upper surface of an animal or part

Medial

closer to the body's midline

Inferior

a body part is located below another part of the body, or toward the feet

Proximal

closer to the center of the body or point of attachment

Lateral

a position or structure located to the side of the body, away from the midline

Posterior

the back or rear part of the body or an anatomical structure

Superior

a position that is above or higher than another part of the body

Supine

when a person or animal lies flat on their back, with their face turned upwards

Hypertrophy

the enlargement of an organ or tissue from the increase in size of its cells

Inflammation

The body's response to an injury(swelling)

Irritation

inflammation or other discomfort in a body part caused by reaction to an irritant substance

Isometric Muscle Contraction

when a muscle generates force and increases tension without changing its length or causing movement at the joint

Ligament

a strong band of connective tissue that connects the bones

Muscle

a band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body

Nerve

(in the body) a whitish fiber or bundle of fibers that transmits impulses of sensation to the brain or spinal cord, and impulses from these to the muscles and organs

Plantar

the sole or the bottom of the foot

Tendon

a flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone

Vein

a blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart

Artery

any of the muscular-walled tubes forming part of the circulation system by which blood is conveyed from the heart to all parts of the body

Biomechanics

the study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms

Kinesiology

the study of the mechanics of body movements

Physiology

the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts

Eccentric Muscle Contraction

a type of isotonic contraction where the muscle lengthens under tension, acting as a "brake" or controlling force to resist an external load

Extension

a part that is added to something to enlarge or prolong it; a continuation

Symptoms

a physical or mental feature which is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient

Sprain

a soft tissue injury that occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn

Grade 1 Sprain / Strain

the mildest form of an injury to ligaments (sprain) or muscles/tendons (strain), characterized by overstretching with minimal or no tissue tearing, resulting in mild pain, slight swelling, and usually the joint or limb remaining stable and functional

Grade 1 Sprain

Takes 1-3 Weeks to heal

Grade 2 Sprain / Strain

involves a partial tear of ligaments, tendons, or muscle fibers, causing moderate pain, swelling, bruising, and some joint instability or weakness

Grade 2 Sprain

Takes 3-6 Weeks to heal

Grade 3 Sprain / Strain

involves a complete tear of a ligament, tendon, or muscle, leading to severe pain, significant swelling, bruising, and instability

Grade 3 Sprain

Takes 6-12 weeks to heal

Contusion

An area with ruptured blood capillaries; a bruise

Concussion

a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull, leading to chemical changes and stretching/damage to brain cells

Tendonitis

the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is the fibrous cord that connects a muscle to the bone

Laceration

a tear or ragged cut in skin or flesh

Sprain

a soft tissue injury that occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn

Strain

excessive pressure or physical injury to muscles or tendons

Superficial

existing or occurring at or on the surface

Supination

the rotation of the forearm or leg such that the palm or sole faces upward or forward and outward

Puncture

Make a hole in something

Abrasion

The process of scraping or wearing something away

Atrophy

waste away, especially as a result of the degeneration of cells, or become vestigial during evolution

Concentric Muscle Contraction

occurs when a muscle shortens as it generates force, typically to overcome external resistance and cause joint movement

Eccentric Muscle Contraction

a type of isotonic contraction where the muscle lengthens under tension, acting as a "brake" or controlling force to resist an external load