abbreviations

approximately

About or around a certain amount or number.

with

Accompanied by; in the company of.

post, after

Indicating something that occurs following an event.

every

Each individual or all members of a given group, without exception.

without

In absence of; not having.

parallel bars

Two bars arranged parallel to each other, used for gymnastics or rehabilitation.

per

For each; used to express a rate or ratio.

equals

Indicates equivalence between two values.

less than

A term used to indicate that one number is smaller than another.

greater than

A term used to indicate that one number is larger than another.

primary

First in order, importance, or development.

secondary

Second in order, importance, or development.

assist

To help or aid.

active assistive range of motion

A therapeutic exercise where a person helps move a joint through its range.

abduction/adduction

Movement of a limb away from or towards the midline of the body.

acromioclavicular joint

The joint where the acromion and the clavicle meet.

anterior cerebral artery

An artery supplying blood to the anterior part of the brain.

anterior cruciate ligament

A ligament in the knee that stabilizes the joint.

activities of daily living

Routine tasks performed for self-care.

atrial fibrillation

An irregular and often rapid heart rate.

ankle foot orthosis

A brace used to support the ankle and foot.

anterior inferior iliac spine

A bony prominence on the ilium of the pelvis.

above knee amputation

Surgical removal of a limb above the knee.

ankle knee foot orthosis

A device that supports the ankle, knee, and foot.

arterial line

A catheter placed in the artery to monitor blood pressure.

ambulation

The ability to walk or move from one place to another.

autonomic nervous system

Part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions.

anterior

Situated in front; near the front of the body.

anterior-posterior

Refers to a direction or plane that divides the body into front and back.

American Physical Therapy Association

A national organization representing physical therapists.

active range of motion

The range of motion achieved by an individual's muscle activity.

anterior superior iliac spine

A bony landmark on the ilium of the pelvis.

asymmetrical tonic neck reflex

A primitive reflex that can affect movement and posture.

bilateral

Relating to or affecting both sides.

because

For the reason that; since.

bedside

Referring to the area beside a bed, often a medical setting.

bundle branch block

A condition in which there's a delay or blockage along the pathway that electrical impulses travel to make your heart beat.

twice a day

Indicates a schedule for medication or treatment.

bilateral

Involving two sides.

below knee

Referring to anything situated below the knee.

below knee amputation

Surgical removal of a limb below the knee.

bilateral lower extremities

Referring to both legs.

base of support

The area beneath an object or person that includes every point of contact with the ground.

blood pressure

The pressure of circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.

beats per minute

A unit of measurement for heart rate.

bedrest

A recommendation to stay in bed for recovery.

bilateral upper extremities

Referring to both arms.

blood urea nitrogen

A medical test that measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood.

complains of

To express dissatisfaction or pain regarding health.

consistent with

In agreement; conforming to.

coronary artery bypass graft

Surgery that improves blood flow to the heart.

coronary artery disease

A disease caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries.

complete blood count

A test that evaluates overall health and detects a variety of disorders.

coronary care unit

A specialized hospital unit that cares for patients with heart conditions.

cystic fibrosis

A genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems.

contact guard assist

A level of assistance where the caregiver is close and ready to assist if needed.

congestive heart failure

A chronic condition that affects the pumping power of the heart.

cranial nerve

Any of the twelve pairs of nerves that originate in the brain.

central nervous system

Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

cardiac output

The amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in a minute.

continue

To persist in an activity or process.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of lung airflow.

continuous positive airway pressure

A treatment that uses mild air pressure to keep airways open.

continuous passive motion machine

A device used in rehabilitation to move joints through a controlled range of motion.

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

An emergency procedure to revive a person whose heart has stopped.

cerebral spinal fluid

Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

computerized axial tomography

A medical imaging technique that uses x-rays to create detailed images of the body.

cerebral vascular accident

Commonly known as a stroke, it occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.

cancel

To annul or call off an event or action.

discharged, discontinued

To let someone leave a hospital or to stop an ongoing treatment.

dorsiflexion

The action of raising the foot towards the shin.

distal interphalangeal joint

The joint in the fingers or toes farthest from the body.

degenerative joint disease

Joint disease characterized by the degeneration of cartilage.

diabetes mellitus

A group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood.

do not resuscitate

A medical order to not attempt resuscitation in case of cardiac arrest.

date of birth

The day on which a person was born.

deep tendon reflex

A reflex that is elicited by tapping a tendon.

deep venous thrombosis

A condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein.

diagnosis

The identification of the nature of an illness.

electrical stimulation

Therapeutic use of electrical currents to promote healing.

electrocardiogram

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

electroencephalogram

A test that detects electrical activity in the brain.

electromyogram

A diagnostic procedure that measures the electrical activity of muscles.

edge of bed

The outermost part of a bed.

emergency room

A medical treatment facility specializing in emergency medicine.

endotracheal tube

A tube inserted into the trachea to maintain an open airway.

eversion

The turning of an organ or structure inside out.

evaluation

The assessment of the nature or quality of something after consideration.

exercise

Physical activity intended to improve strength, fitness, or health.

extension

The act of straightening a joint.

follow up

Subsequent assessment following an initial treatment.

full arc quads

Exercises to strengthen the quadriceps muscle through its full range.

functional electrical stimulation

Therapy that uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions.

functional independence measure

A scale used to assess a person's level of independence.

flexion

The action of bending a joint.

forced vital capacity

The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after taking a deep breath.

full weight-bearing

Indicating that a person is allowed to put full weight on an injured limb.

front wheeled walker

A mobility aid with two front wheels and two back legs.

fracture(d)

A break in the continuity of a bone.

good

Satisfactory or acceptable quality.