Physiotherapy Glossary
An A-Z guide to common physiotherapy terms — explained in plain language so you can better understand your treatment.
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)
A major ligament in the knee that provides stability during rotational movements. ACL tears are one of the most common sports injuries, often requiring physiotherapy rehabilitation or surgical reconstruction followed by rehabilitation.
Atrophy
The wasting or loss of muscle tissue, typically caused by disuse, injury, or neurological conditions. Muscle atrophy commonly occurs after surgery or prolonged immobilisation and is reversed through progressive strengthening exercises in physiotherapy.
Concentric Contraction
A type of muscle contraction where the muscle shortens as it generates force, such as the upward phase of a bicep curl. Concentric exercises are a fundamental component of strengthening programmes in physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Core Stability
The ability of the deep trunk muscles — including the transversus abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor — to stabilise the spine during movement. Core stability training is essential for treating and preventing lower back pain.
Cryotherapy
The therapeutic use of cold (ice packs, cold compresses, or cold water immersion) to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Cryotherapy is commonly used in acute injury management and post-surgical recovery.
Dry Needling
A technique where thin filament needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points to release muscle tension, reduce pain, and improve range of motion. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles.
Eccentric Contraction
A type of muscle contraction where the muscle lengthens under load, such as lowering a weight slowly. Eccentric training is widely used in physiotherapy for treating tendinopathies and building functional strength.
Edema
Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues. Edema commonly occurs after injury, surgery, or due to poor circulation. Physiotherapy techniques such as elevation, compression, manual lymphatic drainage, and exercise help reduce edema.
Fascia
A continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles, bones, organs, and nerves throughout the body. Fascial restrictions can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, and are addressed through myofascial release techniques in physiotherapy.
Gait Analysis
A systematic assessment of how a person walks or runs, used to identify abnormalities in movement patterns that may contribute to pain or injury. Gait analysis is particularly useful for runners, post-surgical patients, and those with neurological conditions.
Hypertrophy
The increase in muscle size resulting from progressive resistance training. Building muscle hypertrophy is an important goal in rehabilitation to restore strength after injury, surgery, or prolonged inactivity.
Isometric Exercise
A type of exercise where the muscle contracts without changing length or moving the joint. Isometric exercises are often the first strengthening exercises prescribed after injury or surgery because they build strength without stressing healing tissues.
Manipulation
A high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust technique applied to a joint to restore mobility and reduce pain. Spinal manipulation is performed by qualified physiotherapists and is different from general mobilisation, which uses slower, graded movements.
Manual Therapy
Skilled, hands-on treatment techniques including joint mobilisation, manipulation, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release. Manual therapy is used to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and restore normal movement patterns.
Mobilisation
A gentle, graded manual therapy technique where a physiotherapist moves a joint through its range of motion to reduce stiffness, relieve pain, and restore normal joint mechanics. Mobilisation is graded from I to IV based on the amplitude and depth of movement.
Myofascial
Relating to the muscle (myo) and its surrounding connective tissue (fascia). Myofascial pain syndrome involves trigger points in muscles that refer pain to other areas of the body. Myofascial release is a hands-on technique used to treat these restrictions.
Neuroplasticity
The brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. Neuroplasticity is the scientific basis for stroke and brain injury rehabilitation — through repetitive, task-specific exercises, the brain can relearn lost motor functions.
Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
A branch of physiotherapy specialising in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It covers everything from sports injuries and post-surgical rehab to chronic pain management.
Proprioception
The body's ability to sense its position, movement, and balance without relying on vision. Proprioception is often impaired after joint injuries or surgery. Physiotherapy exercises such as single-leg balance and wobble board training are used to restore proprioceptive function.
RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
A first-aid protocol for acute soft tissue injuries. While traditionally recommended, current evidence suggests early, controlled movement (rather than prolonged rest) leads to better outcomes. The updated protocol POLICE (Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is now preferred.
ROM (Range of Motion)
The full extent of movement available at a joint. ROM can be measured as active (moved by the patient) or passive (moved by the therapist). Restoring normal range of motion is a primary goal in physiotherapy after injury, surgery, or conditions causing joint stiffness.
Sarcopenia
The progressive loss of muscle mass and strength associated with ageing. Sarcopenia increases the risk of falls, fractures, and loss of independence. It can be prevented and managed through structured resistance training and exercise programmes.
Spasticity
A condition characterised by involuntary muscle stiffness and tightness, commonly seen after stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury. Physiotherapy management includes stretching, positioning, strengthening, and functional exercises to improve movement control.
Subluxation
A partial dislocation where the joint surfaces are partially displaced but still in contact. Subluxation can occur in the shoulder, kneecap, or spine. Physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving joint stability to prevent recurrence.
Tendinitis / Tendinopathy
Tendinitis refers to acute inflammation of a tendon, while tendinopathy is the broader term encompassing chronic tendon degeneration. Common examples include Achilles tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tendinopathy. Treatment includes progressive loading exercises, manual therapy, and activity modification.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
A modality that uses low-voltage electrical currents delivered through electrodes on the skin to relieve pain. TENS works by stimulating sensory nerves to block pain signals and promote the release of endorphins. It is commonly used alongside other physiotherapy treatments.
Trigger Point
A hyperirritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle that is painful on compression and can refer pain to other areas. Trigger points are treated with manual pressure, dry needling, or stretching techniques to release the muscle tension.
Ultrasound Therapy
A therapeutic modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve deep tissue pain. Therapeutic ultrasound is different from diagnostic ultrasound and is commonly used for soft tissue injuries and chronic conditions.
VO2 Max
The maximum rate at which the body can consume oxygen during intense exercise. VO2 max is the single strongest predictor of all-cause mortality and a key marker of cardiovascular fitness. Improving VO2 max through structured training is a key part of longevity exercise programming.
Zone 2 Training
Low-intensity aerobic exercise performed at a heart rate where the body primarily burns fat for fuel. Zone 2 training improves mitochondrial function, metabolic health, and cardiovascular endurance. It is a key component of longevity exercise and is safe for most patients, including those recovering from injury.
Reviewed by Thurairaj Manoharan, Lead Physiotherapist
Last reviewed: March 2026
Need Help Understanding Your Condition?
Our physiotherapists explain everything in plain language. Book a consultation and we will walk you through your diagnosis and treatment plan.