Home > Definitions

Assessment

the process of obtaining health history, completing an examination using specific test and measures, and interpreting and analyzing findings to classify the problems and determine the client's needs and prognosis (CPTA).

Bracing/Braces

a device use to control movement and support joints

Credentials

BPE - Bachelor of Physical Education
B.Sc. P.T. - Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
RCAMT - Resident of Canadian Association of Manual Therapy
FCAMT - Fellow of Canadian Association of Manual Therapy
CAFCI - Certified Acupuncturist with AFCI
MCPA - Member of Canadian Physiotherapy Association
MCTPA - Member of College of Physical Therapist of Alberta

Kinesthesia

Sensation and awareness of active and passive movement

Kinesiology

The study of the mechanics of the body

Manipulative Therapy

Equivalent to spinal and peripheral manipulation, however, can be confusing to public because like Manual Therapy - can include soft tissue manipulation.

Modalities

Includes treatment interventions that are applied to achieve a desired benefit. Such modalities include: moist heat packs, whirlpool, ice, ultrasound, interferential current, laser, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) or electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). Discuss with your physiotherapist how these interventions may be helpful in your situation.

Musculoskeletal

An adjective that relates to muscle and/or bone. The musculoskeletal system comprises the bones of the skeleton and the all the muscles attached to them.

Osteoarthritis

A disease of the cartilage in joints. Osteoarthritis causes progressive breakdown of cartilage until the bones, which were once separated by cartilage, rub against each other. This results in damage to the tissue and underlying bone, causing the painful joint symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is a major cause of pain and disability in older adults. It most often affects the joints of the fingers, hips, knees, feet, or spine. Osteoarthritis causes less inflammation than other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. (WebMD)

Pedorthotics

A pedorthist is an individual who is trained in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances and footwear for the purposes of alleviating painful or debilitating conditions and providing assistance for abnormalities or limited actions of the lower limb (see www.pedorthic.ca for more information).

Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy

Physical Therapy is a health care profession directed at evaluating, restoring, maximizing, and maintaining physical function. Physiotherapists, also called physical therapists, are university graduates who are widely considered to be mobility experts and assist people in attaining their goals of reaching the highest possible level of physical function and quality of life.

Peripheral Injuries

Injuries that do not include the spine or vertebral column.

Peripheral Manipulation

Same as spinal manipulation except joints being treated are those away from the spine.

Proprioception

Position sense and the awareness of the joints at rest.

Repetitive Strain/Stress Injuries

Those injuries that are the result of repeated trauma at a small level that overtime produces tissue irritation, inflammation, and damage. Common types of RSI include: carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis, iliotibial friction syndrome.

Spinal Manipulation

Involves the mobilization and/or manipulation of joints and soft tissue. Only physiotherapists who have the necessary competence as outlined by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta can perform spinal manipulation. Physical therapists who perform spinal manipulation as part of treatment must be on the spinal manipulation registry with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta.

Treatment

The performance of necessary and appropriate interventions to achieve the desired benefit for the client with minimal risk. Treatment methods/interventions may be either direct (e.g. manual techniques and exercise programs) or indirect (e.g. injury prevention education and the prescription of assistive devices).

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