A Glossary of Terms for
Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

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Abdomen:

The part of the body that contains the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, appendix, gallbladder, and bladder.

Abduct:

Movement of any extremity away from the midline of the body. This action is achieved by an abductor muscle

Abrasion:

Any injury which rubs off the surface of the skin.

Abscess:

An infection which produces pus; can be the result of a blister, callus, penetrating wound or laceration.

AC Joint:

Acromioclavicular joint; joint of the shoulder where acromion process of the scapula and the distal end of the clavicle meet; most shoulder separations occur at this point.

Achilles Tendinitis:

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

Achilles Tendon:

One of the longest tendons in the body, it attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Acute:

Sharp, severe. Having rapid onset, severe symptoms, and a short course; not chronic.

Adduct:

Movement of an extremeity toward the midline of the body. This action is achieved by an adductor muscle.

Adhesion:

abnormal adherence of collagen fibers to parts that are usually serperated. This is usually associated with wound healing – especially following surgery.

Aerobic:

Exercise in which energy needed is supplied by oxygen inspired and is required for sustained periods of vigorous exercise with a continually high pulse rate.

Anabolic Steroids:

Steroids that promote tissue growth by creating protein in an attempt to enhance muscle growth. The main anabolic steroid is testosterone (male sex hormone).

Anaerobic:

Exercise without the use of oxygen as an energy source; short bursts of vigorous exercise.

Anaphylactic Shock:

Shock that is caused by an allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis:

Severe allergic response to a substance. Symptoms include wheezing, itching, nasal congestion, hives, immediate intense burning of hands and feet, collapse with severe drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.

Anatomy:

The study of the structure and parts of the body.

Androgen:

A hormone such as testosterone responsible for the development of male characteristics.

Anemia:

A condition where the blood is low in iron, in red blood cells, or in total volume. Athletes, especially women, should make sure to eat iron-rich foods.

Arteriogram:

A film demonstrating arteries after the injection of a dye.

Anterior:

In front of; the front surface of.

Anterior Compartment Syndrome:

Condition in which swelling within the anterior compartment of the lower leg jeopardizes the viability of muscles, nerves and arteries that serve the foot. In severe cases, emergency surgery is necessary to relieve the swelling and presure.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL):

A primary stabilizing ligament within the center of the knee joint that prevents hyperextension and excessive rotation of the joint. A complete tear of the ACL necessitating reconstruction could require up to 6 months of rehabilitation.

Anterior Talofibular Ligament:

A ligament of the ankle that connects the fibula (lateral ankle bone) to the talus. This ligament is oft times subject to sprain.

Arthritis:

Inflammation of joints.

Arthrogram:

X-ray technique for joints using air and/or dye injected into the affected area; useful in diagnosing meiscus tears of the knee and rotator cuff tears of the shoulder.

Arthroscope:

An instrument used to visualize the interior of a joint cavity.

Arthroscopy:

A surgical examination of the internal structures of a joint by means of viewing through an arthroscope. An arthroscopic procedure can be used to remove or repair damaged tissue or as a dagnostic procedure in order to inspect the extent of any damage or confirm a diagnosis.

Anti-Inflammatory:

Any agent which prevents inflammation, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Aspiration:

The withdrawal of fluid from a body cavity by means of a suction or siphonage apparatus, such as a syringe.

Asymptomatic:

Without symptoms.

A.T.C.:

Athletic Trainer Certified; one who has certification from the National Athletic Trainers' Association (N.A.T.A.).

Atrophy:

To shrivel or shrink form disuse, as in mucular atropy.

Avascular

Lacking in blood vessels or having a poor blood supply.

Avasular Necrosis:

Death of a part due to lack of cirulation.

Avascularity:

When controlling bleeding.

Avulsion:

The tearing away, forcibly, of a part or structure.

Axilla:

The armpit.

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