Physical Therapy Glossary

Muscles that move a limb away from the center of the body; for example, those that move the thigh out to the side. At the hip, these are primarily the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, which physical therapists often assess and strengthen to treat pain in the hip or the front of the knee.

A substance produced by muscles during intense exercise. Contrary to popular belief, it does not cause muscle soreness—the pain that occurs the day after unusual physical exertion.

This refers to the joint at the top of the shoulder, between the collarbone and the acromion—the part of the shoulder blade that forms the roof of the shoulder. Falling directly onto the shoulder can cause a sprain there, which is an injury to the ligaments that hold these two bones together.

The part of the shoulder blade that extends above the shoulder and forms its roof. The tendons of the rotator cuff and a small sac of fluid, the bursa, slide beneath it when you raise your arm.

A group of five muscles on the inner thigh that pull the leg toward the center of the body, toward the other leg. They attach to the pelvis near the groin, and injuries to these muscles are common in sports that involve rapid changes of direction, such as soccer.

Used to describe pain or a problem that has recently developed—one that has been present for only a short time—and does not necessarily refer to intense pain. When it comes to back pain, we often refer to pain as acute if it lasts less than six weeks, subacute if it lasts between six and twelve weeks, and chronic if it lasts longer than that.

A technique, also known as dry needling, that involves inserting fine needles into a muscle without injecting any substance. Physioactif does not offer this treatment, as it is generally considered to primarily relieve symptoms.

Pain felt during contact that normally does not cause pain, such as the rubbing of clothing or a light touch. The physical therapist looks for this during an examination, particularly when the pain appears to be related to a nerve or a nervous system that has become more sensitive.

The outer part of a disc between two vertebrae, consisting of layers of strong fibers that surround and hold the soft center of the disc in place. A herniated disc occurs when part of this center protrudes through a tear in the annulus.

A thick, tough layer of fibrous tissue that surrounds muscles or serves as their attachment. Under the foot, the plantar fascia extends from the heel to the base of the toes and supports the arch; it is this structure that is affected in plantar fasciitis.

An approach to understanding and treating a health problem that takes into account the body, thoughts, and emotions, as well as life circumstances such as sleep and work. In physical therapy, this approach is primarily used to manage chronic pain by combining exercise, pain education, and activity modification.

Surgery that replaces part or all of a damaged joint with a prosthesis, that is, an artificial joint. The most common types are hip and knee replacements, and an exercise program often accompanies the recovery process.

Surgery performed through small incisions, using a small camera and instruments inserted into the joint. For certain age-related knee problems, such as a meniscus tear that occurred without a specific injury, studies have not found it to offer any advantage over non-surgical treatment.

A small joint at the back of each vertebra, on either side, that connects one vertebra to the next and guides the movement of the spine. Changes in this joint are common with age and often occur without pain, and there is no simple test to confirm that it causes back pain.

A joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull, just in front of each ear, and allows you to open your mouth, chew, and speak. It is often called the TMJ; problems with it can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, or difficulty opening the mouth.

A person’s confidence in their ability to do something difficult, such as staying active or doing exercises despite pain. Greater self-efficacy is associated with less pain and fewer limitations, and repeated small successes can reinforce it.

A thick band of fibrous tissue that runs down the outer side of the thigh, from the pelvis to the tibia (the leg bone), just below the knee. In runners, pain on the outer side of the knee may originate in the area beneath this band, but its exact cause remains unclear.

The study of the body’s forces and movements, such as how the foot absorbs shock or how the patella glides when the knee bends. In physical therapy, biomechanical analysis helps explain what places stress on tissue, though it does not, on its own, explain pain.

A small, thin sac filled with fluid, located between a bone and a tendon, muscle, or the skin to reduce friction during movement. They are found, in particular, under the bony prominence of the shoulder, on the side of the hip, and at the tip of the elbow.

The heel bone, the largest bone in the foot. The Achilles tendon attaches to its back, and the band of fibrous tissue that supports the arch of the foot attaches to its underside: these are two common sites of heel pain.

A calcium deposit that forms in soft tissue, such as a shoulder tendon, and is visible on an X-ray. It does not always cause pain and may go away on its own over time.

A narrow passageway at the front of the wrist, formed by the small bones of the wrist and a thick ligament, through which the median nerve and the tendons that bend the fingers pass. When the nerve is compressed there, the condition is called carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes numbness in the hand.

A tunnel formed by stacked vertebrae that houses and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. A narrowing of this tunnel is called stenosis; in the lower back, it can cause pain or numbness in the legs when walking.

A strong yet flexible membrane that surrounds a joint and contains the fluid that helps it move smoothly. It helps stabilize the joint; when it thickens and tightens, as in frozen shoulder, the joint becomes stiff.

A smooth, firm tissue that covers the ends of the bones in a joint and helps them glide over one another by distributing the load. It has neither nerves nor blood vessels; it is nourished by the joint fluid, and movement promotes this exchange.

A tendency to assume the worst when facing pain, to think about it constantly, and to feel helpless in the face of it. This is not a sign of weakness; it is associated with more intense pain and can be addressed through treatment.

Pain in an arm or leg that radiates toward the center of the body—that is, toward the neck or lower back—during repeated movements or when holding certain positions. Physical therapists use this as an indicator, as it is often associated with a favorable outcome.

The idea that the body’s parts are interconnected in movement, so that what happens at one joint affects the others—for example, the ankle, knee, and hip. In physical therapy, we therefore sometimes look beyond the painful area—such as the hip when treating knee pain.

Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs that occurs or worsens when walking or standing, and that improves when sitting or leaning forward. This is the typical symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the canal through which the nerves pass in the lower back.

Contraction de deux muscles en même temps, par exemple quand ceux qui entourent une articulation se contractent ensemble pour la raidir. Elle protège parfois une articulation blessée, et certains exercices l’entraînent pour mieux contrôler le tronc.

Refers to an approach that helps identify and adjust the thoughts, emotions, and habits that contribute to a problem, such as persistent pain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy; in physical therapy, some of its strategies are used in conjunction with exercise and pain education.

A group of four shoulder muscles—the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—whose tendons surround the head of the humerus, the upper arm bone. They help lift and rotate the arm and keep the joint centered during movement.

A protein that forms very strong fibers and makes up a large portion of tendons, ligaments, skin, and cartilage. After an injury, the body produces new collagen, and a gradual return to movement can help these fibers align themselves in the direction of the forces acting on them.

Another health condition present at the same time as the one being treated, such as diabetes in a patient seeking care for a knee injury. Certain comorbidities, such as diabetes or obesity, can slow recovery.

Refers to a contraction in which the muscle shortens as it works—for example, the biceps when you bend your elbow to lift a weight. This is the opposite of an eccentric contraction, in which the muscle slows down a movement by lengthening.

A rounded protrusion at the end of a bone that fits into or slides within a joint. For example, the tip of the jaw moves just in front of the ear, and the lateral condyle of the femur, the thigh bone, forms the bump on the outer side of the knee.

A muscle that remains contracted or shortened involuntarily. The term describes what one feels or observes, but it does not specify the nature of the injury or how long it will last.

A situation in which a treatment or technique is not recommended for a person because it could cause harm. The physical therapist assesses these factors before selecting techniques, such as before performing certain neck manipulations.

Which is on the opposite side of the body. For example, in a test for a herniated disc in the lower back, lifting the leg that doesn't hurt can trigger pain in the affected leg.

A small, hook-shaped projection of the scapula that extends forward from the shoulder beneath the clavicle. Ligaments connect it to the clavicle, and these ligaments are torn in severe sprains of the upper shoulder.

A medication in the cortisone family that reduces inflammation; it is administered as a tablet or as an injection into a joint or near a tendon. The injection often provides short-term relief, but its effect is temporary, and the risks should be discussed with your doctor.

Muscle soreness that follows unusual physical exertion; it often begins 12 to 24 hours afterward and is usually most intense between 24 and 72 hours later. It subsides within a few days and is not an indicator of the quality of the workout.

This refers to the junction between the skull and the upper neck. Cranio-cervical flexion involves tucking in the chin—as if to create a double chin—in order to strengthen the deep neck muscles.

A rounded curve in the upper back, which is normal at this part of the spine. When this curve becomes more pronounced, it is referred to as a rounded or hunched back, which can occur following vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis, a condition characterized by brittle bones.

Small substances that the body's immune cells use to communicate with one another. Some, such as interleukins, play a role in inflammation, the body's response to injury or infection.

A supine position, defined by the part of the body resting on the table or bed. The terms "dorsal decubitus" (on the back), "ventral decubitus" (on the stomach), and "lateral decubitus" (on the side) are used.

The amount of minerals in the bones, which provides an indication of their strength and is measured by a test called DEXA. Low bone density increases the risk of fracture, and strength-training exercises help maintain it.

A treatment that helps an area that has become overly sensitive—often the skin—to better tolerate touch. It involves applying gentle stimuli, which are then gradually increased.

A surgical procedure that removes the part of a disc that has slipped out of place and is pressing on a nerve. When performed through a small incision, it is called a microdiscectomy, and it can provide rapid relief for people whose symptoms warrant surgery.

A movement that brings the foot toward the tibia, the leg bone; the opposite is called plantar flexion. Physical therapists often measure this, for example, in cases of Achilles tendon issues or plantar fasciitis.

Pain caused by an injury or disease of the nervous system that transmits sensations, such as a compressed nerve, diabetes, shingles, or spinal cord damage. A burning sensation, electric shocks, or tingling may guide the evaluation but are not sufficient to confirm the diagnosis.

Real pain associated with a nervous system that has become more sensitive, without any tissue damage or lesion or disease of the nervous system that clearly explains it. It is seen in certain types of pain that have lasted for more than three months, such as fibromyalgia, and a normal examination is not sufficient to confirm it.

Pain felt in a location other than the area where the problem is located. For example, a problem in the hip or lower back may be felt in the thigh.

Rare symptoms that may indicate a serious problem and require prompt medical evaluation. For example, severe pain that does not subside with rest or weakness that worsens rapidly.

Changes in scapular movement when moving the arm. This is common even in the absence of pain: a review found it in 48% of people without symptoms and in 60% of people with symptoms.

Recurrent or persistent pain during sexual intercourse, regardless of the cause. A physical therapy evaluation of the pelvic floor—the muscles at the base of the pelvis—may be one of the treatment options.

A part of the body that has developed abnormally during growth. For example, a hip that does not fit properly at birth, or a shallow groove at the front of the knee—where the kneecap slides—a condition known as trochlear dysplasia.

A lack of coordination among muscles that are supposed to work together. In defecation dyssynergy, the muscles at the bottom of the pelvis contract or fail to relax during a bowel movement, which can cause constipation.

A tool used to self-report the level of exertion felt during an activity, on a scale ranging from very light to maximum exertion. The physical therapist uses it to adjust the intensity of the exercises based on how you feel, without the need for measuring devices.

An educational program that explains how the nervous system and the brain contribute to pain, and why pain intensity alone does not accurately reflect the condition of the tissues. In physical therapy, it is typically combined with exercise and a gradual return to activities to help patients better understand and manage chronic pain.

A set of tests that examine the functioning of nerves and muscles using electricity. They include nerve conduction studies, which involve passing a weak current through the nerves, and electromyography, which measures the electrical activity of muscles.

A test, often abbreviated as EMG, that measures the electrical activity of muscles using small sensors or thin needles. It helps doctors diagnose certain nerve or muscle disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treatments using devices that send a low-voltage electrical current into the body via small pads attached to the skin; the best-known example is TENS. Physioactif does not use any electrotherapy devices, including those for the pelvic floor, because their benefits remain unproven by research.

A muscle’s ability to work for a long time or to repeat an effort without tiring too quickly, such as when walking for a long time or climbing several flights of stairs. Physical therapists often work on this toward the end of rehabilitation, in addition to strength training, to prepare patients for a return to work or sports.

A bony protrusion on either side of the elbow, at the end of the humerus, the arm bone. The tendons of the muscles that move the wrist and fingers attach here, and this is where epicondylitis occurs—a condition affecting these tendons that is sometimes associated with repetitive strain.

A small space beneath the acromion—the part of the shoulder blade that forms the roof of the shoulder—where the shoulder tendons and a bursa (a small sac of fluid) glide. Changes in this space, as seen on imaging, are common, even in people who have no pain.

The contraction of a muscle that lengthens as it works to slow down a movement, such as the thighs when going down stairs. Eccentric exercises are used in the rehabilitation of certain tendons and muscle injuries, such as a hamstring strain.

A method that involves gradually resuming an activity or movement that you find frightening or tend to avoid, starting with a version you can comfortably handle. The physical therapist works with you to gradually increase the difficulty based on your symptoms, so you can regain confidence and resume the activity.

A thin layer of tissue that envelops and connects the muscles and other structures of the body, forming layers that allow the tissues to glide over one another. Under the foot, the plantar fascia supports the arch; at Physioactif, treatments are not based on the idea of releasing the fascia.

This refers to the hip joint, between the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum, the socket in the pelvis into which it fits. Femoroacetabular impingement involves a specific shape of these bones and causes pain, often in the groin, and can be treated with exercises or, in some cases, surgery.

This refers to the joint between the patella and the femur, the thigh bone. Patellofemoral pain, which occurs around or behind the patella, depends on several factors, including the stress placed on the knee, and often worsens when climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for long periods.

A group of three muscles in the buttocks and hip area: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. They pull the thigh backward, move it away from the body, and keep the pelvis stable when you walk or stand on one leg.

Long, thin cells that make up muscles and can contract—that is, shorten—to produce movement. Some are more resistant to fatigue, while others generate more force quickly; a muscle strain is a tear in a portion of these fibers.

A cell that produces the body's supportive tissue, primarily collagen, a protein that forms strong fibers. After an injury—such as to a ligament—fibroblasts produce the tissue needed for repair, which gradually organizes itself over the course of several weeks.

Cartilage reinforced with strong fibers, which is more durable than the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of bones. It is found, in particular, in the knee menisci, the jaw disc, and the front of the pelvis, where it helps bear the load.

An accumulation of fibrous tissue, similar to scar tissue, that causes tissue to become thicker or less flexible. It is observed, for example, in the shoulder capsule during capsulitis; cystic fibrosis, on the other hand, is a distinct hereditary disease, despite its name.

A movement in which the foot and toes point downward, as if standing on tiptoes; the opposite is called dorsiflexion. The calf muscles produce this movement via the Achilles tendon, which helps propel the body forward while walking, running, and jumping.

An opening in a bone through which nerves or blood vessels pass. In the spine, the intervertebral foramen is the lateral opening between two vertebrae through which the nerve roots—the part of the nerves closest to the spine—emerge.

The most superficial muscle of the calf—the one you see when you stand on your tiptoes—is also called the "calf muscle." It attaches to the heel via the Achilles tendon, just like the soleus, which lies deeper, and it is often the muscle affected in a calf strain.

This refers to the main shoulder joint, between the head of the humerus (the upper arm bone) and the glenoid cavity, a shallow socket in the shoulder blade. This is the joint that allows for the arm’s major movements, and the one that becomes stiff in frozen shoulder.

Grosse bosse osseuse du haut du fémur, l’os de la cuisse, que l’on sent sur le côté de la hanche. Plusieurs tendons des Glutes s’y attachent, et une douleur à cet endroit peut impliquer ces tendons ou, parfois, une bourse, un petit coussin de liquide.

A medical term referring to the big toe, which is made up of two small bones called phalanges. It is most commonly found in the term “hallux valgus,” a deviation of the big toe toward the other toes—often called a bunion—which may be painless.

A muscle that remains overly active or tense, even at rest, and has difficulty relaxing. In the pelvic floor—the muscles at the base of the pelvis—this condition is also referred to as hypertonicity; treatment may therefore focus primarily on relaxation and coordination rather than strengthening.

Pain that is more intense than expected when exposed to a stimulus that normally causes only mild discomfort, such as a needle prick or firm pressure. The physical therapist looks for this during an examination, as it may indicate that the nervous system has become more sensitive.

Greater-than-normal sensitivity to touch, pressure, movement, heat, or cold. It may accompany nerve-related pain or persistent pain, when the nervous system reacts more strongly than before—much like an alarm that has become overly sensitive.

Excessive muscle tension at rest: the muscle offers greater resistance when the limb is moved, or remains too tense. In children or following damage to the nervous system, this is a sign that should be evaluated, not a diagnosis; in the pelvic floor, it indicates muscles that are too tense and do not relax properly.

Intense, anxious focus on bodily sensations or movements, such as constantly monitoring one’s pain. The physical therapist can discuss this with you, as well as the fear of moving and the avoidance of certain activities when pain persists.

Less pain than expected when exposed to a pinch, pressure, or heat that would normally cause pain. In physical therapy, the term often refers to the decrease in sensitivity measured immediately after an exercise or a manual technique; its extent varies from one study to another, and its mechanisms remain unclear.

Low muscle tone at rest: The muscle offers less resistance when the limb is moved, and a baby may appear floppy. This is a sign that should be evaluated, not a diagnosis, and decreased muscle tone does not automatically mean a loss of strength.

Surgery to remove the uterus—the organ where a pregnancy develops—performed by a gynecologist. Studies have observed a link to urinary incontinence, though they do not prove that the surgery causes it; physical therapy for the pelvic floor—the muscles at the base of the pelvis—can help afterward.

Used to describe a health problem for which no cause has been found, after ruling out other possible explanations. For example, frozen shoulder or walking on tiptoes in children can be described as idiopathic.

A muscle located at the back of the shoulder, in the hollow beneath the edge of the shoulder blade; also known as the infraspinatus. It is part of the rotator cuff, along with the supraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis, and its primary function is to rotate the arm outward.

The presence of nerves in tissue, such as a muscle, a joint, or the fascia—the thin layer that surrounds the muscles. Some nerves control muscles; others sense touch, stretching, or body position, or transmit danger signals that can lead to pain.

A sensation that a joint is loose, moves too much, or lacks support, sometimes following a sprain or dislocation. This can result from loosening of the ligaments—the strong bands that connect bones—but also from less precise muscular control of movement.

A lack of blood flow to a part of the body that occurs when a blood vessel is blocked or compressed, depriving the tissues of oxygen. For example, in an ischemic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain is blocked, requiring emergency medical care.

A group of three muscles at the back of the thigh, which originate at the bone you sit on and attach below the knee. They bend the knee and pull the thigh backward, and they are often affected by muscle strains—tears in muscle fibers—during a sprint.

A contraction of a muscle that works without changing its length or moving the joint, such as pressing your head against your hand or holding a wall squat position. These exercises are often used early in rehabilitation; some people experience less pain afterward, but the effect varies from person to person.

This term refers to an exercise in which the muscle works by moving the joint, shortening or lengthening to resist force, as in a squat or a lunge. In rehabilitation, therapists often transition from isometric exercises—which involve no movement—to isotonic exercises once the patient can tolerate movement better.

Significant fear of moving or engaging in an activity due to concern about getting injured or worsening pain. This fear can lead to avoiding movement and perpetuating limitations; pain education and a gradual return to activities can help reduce it.

A solid ring of cartilage that lines the joint socket, in both the hip and shoulder. It contributes to joint stability, and changes in the labrum can also be seen on imaging in people who have no pain.

Chirurgie de la colonne vertébrale qui retire en entier ou en partie une ou plusieurs lames, les plaques d’os à l’arrière des vertèbres, pour donner plus d’espace aux nerfs. Le chirurgien la propose surtout pour une sténose spinale qui limite beaucoup la marche, et un programme d’exercices peut accompagner la récupération.

More-than-normal looseness in a joint, caused by ligaments—the strong tissues that connect bones—being more flexible or loose. This condition may be present from birth or result from an injury, and a physical therapist evaluates it by assessing the strength and control of the muscles surrounding the joint.

This involves both the lower back and the pelvis. For example, the term “lumbopelvic pain” is used when pain is felt in both of these areas, which is sometimes accompanied by problems with the pelvic floor muscles at the base of the pelvis.

The natural forward curvature of the spine in the neck and lower back. Its shape varies greatly from person to person and is not a defect; furthermore, the shape of the curvature alone is not sufficient to explain pain.

Bony protrusions on either side of the ankle: the medial malleolus is the end of the tibia, the leg bone, and the lateral malleolus is the end of the fibula, the thin leg bone. After an ankle sprain, pain and swelling often occur around the lateral malleolus.

A manual therapy technique in which the physical therapist performs a brief, rapid movement with a small range of motion on a spinal joint, sometimes accompanied by a cracking sound. This sound does not mean that a bone has been realigned, and the technique is used only when indicated, in conjunction with exercises.

A supportive structure that surrounds the cells of a tissue, composed mainly of collagen fibers and other substances. After an injury, cells gradually rebuild it, and the healing tissue does not immediately regain its full function.

Surgery to remove part or all of a meniscus, one of the two cartilage pads between the bones of the knee. For a meniscus tear that occurred without a specific injury, supervised exercises are often recommended first, and surgery is reserved for certain situations, such as a knee that locks up.

Bones located in the front part of the foot, between the midfoot and the toes; each foot has five of them. Their rounded ends, called metatarsal heads, rest on the ground beneath the front of the foot, where a type of pain known as metatarsalgia may be felt.

A very small tear involving a few fibers of a muscle, tendon, or ligament. The term is often used to describe muscle soreness or a mild sprain, but research has not confirmed that these minor injuries alone account for the pain.

A minor, repetitive strain on a tissue—such as a single movement performed frequently or prolonged exertion—that does not cause injury on its own. The accumulation of such strains is associated with certain problems, such as those that occur at work, but their occurrence also depends on the intensity of the tasks and the recovery time.

A manual therapy technique in which the physical therapist moves a joint with his or her hands using repeated, controlled movements, adjusting the force and range of motion to your tolerance level. It aims to reduce pain and stiffness in the short term and is usually combined with exercises.

A manual therapy technique developed by physical therapist Brian Mulligan, in which the physical therapist applies a gliding motion to a joint while you perform the movement yourself. The movement should remain pain-free and can sometimes make the movement less painful right away, although there is no single mechanism to explain this.

The way the nervous system amplifies or attenuates danger signals before pain is felt, depending on the context, emotions, and the body’s condition. In physical therapy, the term also refers to methods aimed at reducing pain, such as exercise, pain education, or heat therapy.

A bundle of nerve tissue located within the spinal canal, which extends from the brain and transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The nerves of the trunk and limbs branch off from it via nerve roots.

Small, deep muscles in the back, located very close to the vertebrae on either side of the spine. They help control movement between the vertebrae, along with the other trunk muscles, and are often included in lower-back stabilization exercises.

This refers to the muscles and fascia—the thin layer of tissue that surrounds and connects the muscles. The term “myofascial pain” is used when pain appears to originate in a muscle and at points that are tender to the touch; this diagnosis and its underlying mechanisms remain a subject of debate.

A protein found in muscle fibers that enables them to contract. It binds to another protein, actin, and the two slide past each other to shorten the muscle when a nerve sends a signal to it.

The formation of new small blood vessels in tissue, such as during healing after an injury or around a herniated disc. In a painful tendon, these vessels are often visible on an ultrasound, but their presence alone is not enough to explain the pain.

A set of techniques, also known as neural mobilization, that move nerves relative to surrounding tissues using movements of the arm, leg, or spine. The physical therapist adapts these techniques based on the nerve’s sensitivity; they may reduce certain symptoms, but their exact mechanism of action remains unclear.

A proposed model for describing the brain networks that, together, contribute to the experience of the body and pain. According to this model, pain encompasses sensations, emotions, and thoughts, and does not originate from a single pain center in the brain.

This involves both the nerves and muscles, and how they work together. Neuromuscular control refers to this coordination during a movement, such as landing from a jump, and exercises that train it are often part of knee or shoulder rehabilitation.

The nervous system’s ability to change its connections and functioning through experience, practice, and following an injury. These changes can make the nervous system more sensitive to pain, but they can also support recovery, which is one of the foundations of rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation for people with nervous system disorders, such as stroke, concussion, Parkinson’s disease, or developmental delays in children. It uses movement exercises, balance exercises, and activities of daily living, selected based on the individual’s goals.

A treatment that sends small electrical currents to nerves to reduce pain, either through patches applied to the skin, such as TENS, or through a small device placed near a nerve by a doctor. Physioactif does not use any electrotherapy devices, including TENS, because their benefits remain uncertain based on research.

Pain associated with the greater occipital nerve—a nerve at the back of the head—is also known as occipital neuralgia. It is often felt from the nape of the neck up to the top of the skull, sometimes as sharp, stabbing pains, and is distinct from headaches caused by neck problems.

Nerve pain that persists after shingles, a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes a painful rash on the skin. The risk increases with age; medical treatment may include medication, and physical therapy can help improve tolerance to touch once the skin has healed.

A warning signal that the nervous system detects and transmits when tissue is exposed to pressure, heat, or a substance that could damage it. Nociception is not the same as pain: the brain processes this signal along with other information, and the signal alone does not determine the pain experienced.

The soft, gelatinous center of a disc between two vertebrae, rich in water, also known as the nucleus pulposus. It helps the disc distribute the forces that compress it; with age, it loses some of its water, and in the case of a herniated disc, part of this center protrudes through a tear in the ring that surrounds it.

A treatment that uses a device placed on the skin to direct sound waves toward a specific area, often a painful tendon. Its effects on persistent tendon pain vary from one study to another, and Physioactif does not offer this treatment.

An insole placed inside a shoe—either pre-molded or custom-made—that supports the foot or alters the way it contacts the ground. It can complement exercises and other treatments if it improves comfort or gait; its effectiveness depends on each person’s symptoms.

A layer of bone located just beneath the cartilage at the ends of the bones in a joint, which supports the cartilage. With osteoarthritis, this bone may thicken or develop small pockets of fluid, called cysts, which can be seen on imaging tests.

A small bony growth that forms at the edge of a joint, often associated with osteoarthritis, and is sometimes called a “parrot’s beak.” It is common with aging and is often asymptomatic; in the spine, it can sometimes narrow the space through which the spinal cord or nerves pass.

An unusual sensation in the skin, such as a tingling or prickling sensation, or the feeling that a limb has gone numb. It may be caused by irritation or compression of a nerve, for example, in the fingers due to carpal tunnel syndrome or in the leg due to a herniated disc in the lower back.

Physical therapy for the lower pelvic muscles, for both women and men, that combines contraction and relaxation exercises, hands-on techniques, and guidance. It is particularly helpful for urinary incontinence, organ prolapse, and certain types of pelvic pain; Physioactif does not use any electrical stimulation devices in this treatment.

Physical therapy that treats certain types of vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders related to the balance organs in the inner ear and their connections to the brain. It includes maneuvers that guide the head and body for certain types of vertigo, as well as exercises to stabilize vision and balance.

A group of muscles and tissues that forms a hammock-like structure at the bottom of the pelvis. It supports the bladder, the intestines, and, in women, the uterus; helps control urine and bowel movements; plays a role in sexual function; and must also be able to relax.

A network of nerves that converge, diverge, and interweave before traveling to a specific region of the body. The best-known example in physical therapy is the brachial plexus, which originates in the neck and upper back and extends to the arm, forearm, and hand.

Jumping, leaping, or throwing exercises that quickly alternate between stopping and restarting, such as landing and then taking off immediately. These exercises train the body to generate force quickly and control landings, and are often incorporated at the end of a rehabilitation program, before a return to sports.

A small area that is very sensitive to touch, sometimes called a muscle knot, found in a tense part of a muscle. Pressing on it can cause pain in a distant part of the body, but the definition and mechanisms of these points remain a subject of debate in research.

Damage to multiple nerves at the same time; in its most common form, it affects both sides of the body, starting with the feet and sometimes spreading to the hands. Diabetes is a common cause, and it can cause a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling.

Inward rotational movement: in the forearm, it turns the palm of the hand downward; in the foot, it causes the foot to roll inward during the push-off phase. The opposite movement is called supination, and foot pronation alone is not sufficient for choosing shoes.

The body's ability to sense the position and movement of its joints without looking at them, thanks to sensors in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. After a sprain, balance and movement control exercises help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Surgery to remove the prostate, a gland located below the bladder in men. It can cause urinary incontinence, and physical therapy for the pelvic floor—the muscles at the base of the pelvis—is often part of the recovery process after surgery.

Two pairs of deep muscles located inside the jaw that help open and close the mouth and move the jaw forward or to the sides. They may be tender in cases of jaw disorders, but tenderness alone does not prove that a muscle remains contracted.

A group of four muscles at the front of the thigh that extend the knee and control its flexion, such as when stepping down a stair. Its force is transmitted through the patella and the patellar tendon to the tibia, the bone in the lower leg.

Another name for the spine, the stack of vertebrae that runs from the skull to the coccyx, the small bone at the very bottom of the back. For example, we refer to the cervical spine for the neck, the lumbar spine for the lower back, and the erector spinae muscles that run along the spine.

A procedure performed by a doctor that uses heat to block signals from small nerves, such as those in the small joints at the back of the spine. It is considered after test injections have provided pain relief; its effectiveness varies, the nerves may regrow, and it is not a substitute for exercise.

Automatic movements present in newborns that occur without conscious control, such as the grasp reflex, which causes the baby to clench a finger placed in its hand. Many of these movements diminish in the first few months as the nervous system matures, and the physical therapist observes them in relation to the child’s age to monitor the child’s development.

A phase in the healing process of an injury, following inflammation and the formation of new tissue, during which this tissue gradually reorganizes and strengthens. It can last several months, and the tissue’s strength continues to develop even after the pain has subsided.

Éviter ce qui fait très mal, tout en continuant à bouger. Une douleur est acceptée si elle n’est pas handicapante.

Muscles in the upper back, between the shoulder blades, that connect the spine to the inner edge of each shoulder blade. They pull the shoulder blades toward each other and help control their position when you move your arm; they are often strengthened in shoulder exercises.

This refers to the joint between the sacrum—the bone at the base of the spine—and the iliac bone—the pelvic bone—on either side of the lower back. It can become inflamed in certain conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease of the spine, and the pain may then be felt in one buttock.

A triangular bone at the base of the spine, formed of fused vertebrae, that connects the spine to the pelvis between the two hips. The coccyx is located just below it, and several pelvic nerves, such as the pudendal nerve, originate near it.

A small bone in the wrist located on the thumb side, which is often fractured when a person falls on their hand. An initial normal X-ray does not always rule out this fracture; therefore, persistent pain on that side after a fall warrants prompt evaluation, as a fracture detected too late may heal improperly.

An increase in the response of certain nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain to the signals they receive, similar to an alarm that goes off more easily. It may contribute to increased sensitivity, but it cannot be confirmed based on a single symptom or a single test.

A change in which the pain receptors in tissues—called nociceptors—become more sensitive. They are then activated by weaker stimuli or respond more strongly to the same stimulus—for example, during inflammation—and even light pressure can then cause more pain than before.

The level of pressure, heat, or other stimulation at which a person begins to perceive it as painful. In research, this is measured by applying increasingly strong pressure to a specific point; however, this result alone does not describe a person’s everyday pain or activities.

A test in which the healthcare professional lifts the straight leg of a person lying on their back to put tension on the nerves. Pain that radiates below the knee suggests irritation of a nerve root—the part of the nerve near the spine—but this finding alone is not sufficient to confirm compression.

A test that involves tapping along the course of a nerve—for example, at the wrist or behind the inner bump of the ankle—to see if this reproduces a tingling sensation or pain. A positive result guides the evaluation, but this test alone is not sufficient to confirm that a nerve is compressed.

A deep, flat muscle in the calf, located beneath the gastrocnemius—the muscle you see when you stand on your tiptoes. It attaches to the Achilles tendon and crosses only the ankle, which is why it’s primarily worked with the knee bent.

A group of small, deep muscles located at the back of the neck, just below the base of the skull, that connect the skull to the first vertebrae. They are involved in small head movements and may be sensitive to touch in some people who experience headaches.

A rotator cuff muscle located at the front of the shoulder blade, between the shoulder blade and the ribs, whose tendon attaches to the front of the humerus, the upper arm bone. It rotates the arm inward—for example, to place the hand behind the back—and helps keep the shoulder stable.

Muscle stiffness that causes the muscle to resist more when stretched rapidly, because a stretch reflex has become too easy to trigger following damage to the brain or spinal cord. It is seen, for example, after a stroke or in cerebral palsy, and it can interfere with certain movements.

A ring-shaped muscle that closes off a passage in the body when it contracts, such as those that control the flow of urine or stool. The urethral and anal sphincters work together with the pelvic floor, and a loss of control over them accompanied by back pain requires urgent medical attention.

A term used to describe the changes in the discs and joints of the spine that occur with age, often referred to as osteoarthritis of the neck or back. These changes are common, and an imaging result showing them is not, on its own, sufficient to explain pain.

A long muscle on the side of the neck that runs from behind the ear to the sternum—the bone in the center of the chest—and to the clavicle. It tilts the head to one side and turns it toward the other; in infants, stiffness or shortening of this muscle is a cause of congenital torticollis.

Refers to pain or a problem that has lasted for several weeks, falling between the initial acute phase and the chronic phase. For back pain, the term “subacute” is often used to describe pain lasting between six and twelve weeks, but these time frames vary depending on the source.

Partial displacement of a joint, in which the bone surfaces partially shift out of position without separating completely, such as at the kneecap or shoulder. It should not be confused with dislocation, which is a complete dislocation, nor with the subluxation referred to in traditional chiropractic practice.

A rotational movement of the forearm that turns the palm of the hand upward, as if holding a bowl of soup. When applied to the foot, the term refers to the movement that causes the foot to roll toward its outer edge, as opposed to pronation.

A muscle of the rotator cuff located on the top of the shoulder blade, also known as the supraspinatus. Its tendon passes under the acromion—the bony roof of the shoulder—and attaches to the upper end of the humerus, the arm bone, and helps lift the arm out to the side.

Severe compression of the nerve roots at the base of the spine, where the nerves form a bundle resembling a ponytail. New difficulty urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the genitals require immediate medical attention at the emergency room.

A set of symptoms that may result from compression of nerves or blood vessels in the area between the lower neck and upper chest. The form that affects the nerves can cause pain, tingling, or weakness in the arm and hand.

A thick, slippery fluid found in movable joints, such as the knee or shoulder, also known as synovial fluid. It helps the surfaces glide against one another and nourishes the cartilage, and movement promotes these processes.

The part of the nervous system that automatically regulates functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and body temperature. It consists of two parts: one that prepares the body for physical exertion or stress, and the other that promotes rest and digestion.

A technique that involves applying an elastic or rigid adhesive tape to the skin. Rigid *taping* restricts movement, for example, after an ankle sprain; elastic taping is intended to reduce pain, though its effectiveness remains uncertain, and it is used to complement exercises.

An older term referring to changes in the structure of a tendon—such as less well-organized collagen fibers—as seen under a microscope in chronic conditions. Today, the term “tendinopathy” is more commonly used, and these changes may coexist with signs of inflammation.

A large tendon at the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscles—the gastrocnemius and soleus—to the heel bone. It transmits the force from the calf to push the foot downward during walking, running, and jumping.

A test in which the wrist is bent forward for a moment to see if this position reproduces the usual numbness or tingling in the hand. It helps assess carpal tunnel syndrome, but is not sufficient on its own to make a diagnosis.

A test in which the physical therapist has the patient assume a certain position, perform a movement, or apply a load to see if it triggers the usual pain. It helps identify the movements that trigger symptoms and determine the appropriate intensity of exercises; the results are interpreted in conjunction with the rest of the examination.

A test in which the pelvis is observed while the person stands on one leg, to see if it tilts toward the side of the raised leg. This sign provides information about the gluteal muscles’ control of the pelvis on the supporting side, but does not, on its own, measure their strength or the condition of a tendon.

A test in which the person, while seated, rounds their back, tilts their head forward, and extends one leg to see if this position reproduces their symptoms. It helps determine whether a nerve in the leg is more sensitive to stretching, and the same position, when adapted, also serves as an exercise.

A blood clot that forms in a vein or artery and impedes blood flow. Pain in the calf accompanied by swelling on one side, redness, and warmth may indicate deep vein thrombosis and requires prompt medical attention.

A tissue that supports, envelops, and connects other parts of the body; it is rich in collagen, a protein that gives it its strength. Tendons, ligaments, and fascia are made of this tissue, and certain disorders affecting it—such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome—are often accompanied by excessive joint flexibility.

The deepest muscle in the abdomen, which wraps around it like a belt, from the ribs to the pelvis. It works with other core muscles to support the spine, and your physical therapist may incorporate it into back exercises based on your evaluation.

A bump on a bone where a tendon or ligament attaches. The best-known example in physical therapy is the tibial tuberosity—the bump below the knee where the patellar tendon attaches—which can become tender in growing, athletic adolescents.

Traitement qui envoie dans les tissus des ondes sonores que l’oreille humaine n’entend pas, ce qui peut les réchauffer. Physioactif n’utilise pas les Therapeutic Ultrasound, dont les bienfaits restent incertains dans la recherche.

Refers to a bone or limb in which the part farthest from the trunk deviates outward, away from the center of the body. A valgus knee turns inward, forming an X, and in hallux valgus, the big toe deviates toward the other toes.

Refers to a bone or limb in which the part farthest from the trunk deviates inward, toward the center of the body. Varus knees splay outward, like bow legs; this is the opposite of valgus.

An outbreak of small, painful blisters on the skin, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which had remained dormant in nerve cells. The pain may sometimes persist along the nerve pathway even after the skin has healed; this is known as postherpetic neuralgia.