pt tech - med term

Medical terminology

the language by which healthcare professionals speak and document their findings.

Medical terms are structured systematically to convey

precise meanings about the human body, conditions, and treatments

Prefixes

Found at the beginning of a word, prefixes modify the meaning of the term, often indicating location, time, number, or status.

Suffixes

Found at the end of the word, suffixes often indicate a procedure, condition, or disease

Roots

The core of the word that provides the primary meaning, often relating to a body part or system.

Combining Vowels

Typically, an "o," used between roots or a root and suffix to make the term easier to pronounce

Medical terms can be broken into

components to understand their meanings.

ROM

Range of Motion

WB

Weight Bearing

NWB

Non Weight Bearing

PWB

Partial Weight Bearing

TTWB

Toe-Touch Weight Bearing

PTA

Physical Therapy Aide

OT

Occupational therapist

Dx

Diagnosis

Tx

Treatment

Bradycardia

Slow heart rate

Tachycardia

Fast heart rate

Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of skin due to lack of oxygen

Hypertension

High blood pressure

Hypotension

Low blood pressure

Aphasia

Difficulty with speech

Paresthesia

Tingling or numbness sensation

Neuropathy

Nerve damage

Spasticity

Muscle stiffness or spasms

Syncope

Temporary loss of consciousness (fainting)

Ataxia

Lack of coordination

Hemiplegia

Paralysis on one side of the body

Osteoarthritis

Degeneration of joint cartilage

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Autoimmune joint inflammation

Osteoporosis

Weakening of bones

Scoliosis

Curvature ofWeakening of bones the spine

Herniated Disc

Displacement of spinal disc

Bursitis

Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in joints

Gait Training

Therapy to improve walking

Assistive Devices

Tools like canes, walkers, or crutches

Modalities

Treatment methods such as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation

Functional Mobility

Ability to move and perform daily activities

Isometric Exercises:

Strengthening exercises without joint movement

Orthosis

Device to support or correct body part alignment

Arthroplasty

Joint replacement surgery

ORIF

Open Reduction Internal Fixation (surgery for fractures)

TKA:

Total Knee Arthroplasty

THA

Total Hip Arthroplasty

Post-op

After surgery

Pre-op

Before surgery

Ambulation

Walking or moving around

Dependent

Requiring assistance

Independent

Performing tasks without assistance

Transfer

Moving from one position to another (e.g., bed to wheelchair)

Hoyer Lift

Device for transferring patients

ADL:

Activities of Daily Living

IADLs

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

BID:

Twice a day

PRN

As needed

QD

Every day

STAT

Immediately

CPM

Continuous Passive Motion (machine for joint rehab)

Rx

Prescription

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques to reduce pain

Stretching

Lengthening muscles and tendons

Strengthening Exercises

Increasing muscle strength

Balance Training

Improving stability

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Improving heart and lung function

Hydrotherapy

Using water for treatment

Tendinitis

Inflammation of a tendon

Fasciitis

Inflammation of connective tissue (fascia)

Myositis

Inflammation of muscle tissue

Synovitis

Inflammation of joint lining (synovium)

Epicondylitis:

Inflammation at tendons near elbow (e.g., tennis elbow)

Resistance Bands purpose

For strengthening exercises

Therapy Balls

For core stability and balance

Foam Rollers

: For myofascial release

Ultrasound Machine

For deep tissue healing

TENS Unit

Electrical stimulation for pain relief

Goniometer

For measuring joint angles

Pressure Ulcer

Skin breakdown due to prolonged pressure

Erythema

Redness of the skin

Debridement

Removal of dead tissue from a wound

Granulation

New tissue forming in a wound

Maceration

Skin softening due to excessive moisture

Contracture

Permanent tightening of muscles or skin

Compliance

Following treatment plans

Prognosis

Expected outcome of a condition

Contraindication

Reasons to avoid a treatment

Precaution

Measures taken to prevent harm

Pain Scale

Subjective measure of pain (e.g., 0-10)

Symptom vs. Sign

What the patient feels vs. observable evidence