E Glossary of Terms for
Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

E

Eccentric Muscle Contraction:

An overall lengthening of the muscle as it develops tension and contracts to control motion performed by an outside force; oft times referred to a "negative" contraction in weight training.

Eccymosis:

Bleeding into the surface tissue below the skin, resulting in a "black and blue" effect.

Ectomy:

Suffix connoting surgical removal of the affected part (e.g. appendectomy).

Edema:

Accumulation of fluid, in organs and tissues of the body; swelling.

Efferent:

Away from, pushing toward the center.

Effusion:

Accumulation of fluid, or the fluid itself, in various spaces in the body. Commonly, the knee has an effusion after an injury.

Electrical Galvanic Stimulation (EGS):

An electrical therapeutic modality that send a current to the body at select voltages and frequencies in order to stimulate pain receptors, disperse edema, or neutralize muscle spasms among other functional applications.

Electrolyte:

Ionized salts in blood, tissue fluids and cells, including salts of sodium, potassium and chlorine.

Electrolyte Drink:

Fluid for replacing electrolytes, such as Gatorade Thirst Quencher.

Electromyogram (EMG):

Test to determine nerve function.

Epicondylitis:

Inflamation of the epicondyles of the bone.

Ethyl Chloride:

"Cold Spray" a chemical coolant sprayed onto an injury site to produce a local, mild anethesia.

Etiology:

Study of the causes of injury and disease.

Eversion:

Action of the ankle turning outward.

Extension:

Action of staightening of a joint as achieved by an extensor muscle.

Extensor:

A muscle that straightens a limb.

External Rotation:

Lateral movement of a joint or extremity to the outside.

Extrinsic:

From without.

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