Commonly Used Terms

In sports physical therapy, several commonly used terms are essential for understanding the field. Here are some of these terms:

• Acute Injury: An injury that occurs suddenly, such as a sprain, strain, or fracture.
• Active Recovery: Low-intensity exercises used to aid recovery after intense physical activity.
• Biomechanics: The study of movement mechanics in the human body, crucial for assessing and improving athletic performance.
• Chronic Injury: An injury that develops over time due to repetitive stress, like tendinitis or stress fractures.
• Functional Training: Exercises that mimic specific sports movements to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
• Gait Analysis: The assessment of walking or running patterns to identify abnormalities or issues.
• Inflammation: The body's response to injury, often causing redness, swelling, and pain.
• Kinesiology Tape: Elastic therapeutic tape used to support and stabilize muscles and joints without restricting movement.
• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques used to manipulate muscles and joints to decrease pain and improve mobility.
• Modalities: Tools or machines used in physical therapy, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and ice/heat therapy.
• Plyometrics: Explosive exercises used to improve power and speed, often involving jumping and rapid changes in direction.
• Proprioception: The body's ability to sense its position and movement in space, crucial for coordination and balance.
• Range of Motion (ROM): The full movement potential of a joint, usually its range of flexion and extension.
• Rehabilitation (Rehab): The process of restoring function and strength after an injury.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization: Techniques used to treat muscle and fascia tightness, including massage and myofascial release.
• Strengthening Exercises: Exercises designed to improve muscle strength.
• Stretching: Exercises aimed at improving flexibility and range of motion.
• Therapeutic Exercise: Exercises prescribed by a physical therapist to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.