Physical Therapy Examination Procedures

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to physical therapy examination procedures, including definitions, measurements, and anatomical directional terms.

Physical Therapy Examination

The process to assess patients for impairments involving muscles, bones, and related structures.

Range of Motion (ROM)

The total amount of motion available at a joint.

Goniometry

A technique of measuring human joint angles, derived from Greek, meaning 'angle measure'.

Flexion

A decrease in the angle between two bones.

Extension

An increase in the angle between two bones.

Abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

Movement towards the midline of the body.

Pronation

Facing the palm of the hand down.

Supination

Facing the palm of the hand up.

Degrees of Freedom

The number of possible directions of movement at a joint.

End Feel

The sensation transmitted to the therapist’s hands at the extreme end of passive ROM.

Normal End Feel

Occurs when full ROM and normal anatomy of a joint stops movement.

Abnormal End Feel

Occurs when structures other than normal anatomy stop joint movement.

Anticipatory Postural Adjustments

Movements made to counteract external disturbances to maintain balance.

Active Range of Motion (AROM)

Range of motion that is initiated and controlled by the patient.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Range of motion that is performed by the therapist without assistance from the patient.

Validity

Refers to whether a measurement system accurately measures what it is supposed to measure.

Reliability

Refers to the consistency and repeatability of successive measurements.

Anterior

The front or in front of the body.

Posterior

The back or behind the body.

Superior

Above or over in position.

Inferior

Below or under in position.

Lateral

Away from the mid-line or center of the body.

Medial

Towards the mid-line or center of the body.