Hi, I'm Xavier, and next semester I will study physical rehabilitation. But what is this? It’s a physiotherapy program that teaches students how to assess and treat physical injuries so people can move and feel better. This glossary is designed to help readers understand specific terms related to muscular well‑being that can be difficult to learn because they are not commonly used.
balance
noun
The ability to maintain stability during movement or standing.
Example: Is bad balance the cause of his injuries?
en: équilibre
coordination
noun
How smoothly and accurately the body performs movements.
Example: Athletes often have good coordination.
en: coordination
endurance
noun
The capacity to sustain physical activity over time.
Example: Endurance is one of the most important things an athlete can have.
en: endurance
flexibility
noun
The ability of muscles to lengthen and allow movement.
Example: Having good flexibility helps prevent injuries.
en: flexibilité
foam roller
noun
Cylindrical tool used to apply pressure on soft tissues to reduce tension and improve mobility.
Example: Foam rollers are a good tool to use with your patients.
en: rouleau en mousse
functional movement
noun
Movement patterns used in everyday tasks or sport activities.
Example: Functional movement is very important when you workout.
en: mouvement fonctionnel
functional training
noun phrase
Exercises that mimic real‑life activities to improve daily performance.
Example: To help him with his knee pain, I told him to do some functional training.
en: travail fonctionnel
gait
noun
The way a person walks, including rhythm and pattern.
Example: Her gait improved after several weeks of therapy.
en: démarche
load management
noun
Adjustment of physical stress to promote healing and prevent overload.
Example: I do load management when I workout to prevent injuries.
en: gestion de la charge
mobilization
noun
Mobilization is a manual therapy technique in which a therapist applies controlled, passive movements to a joint or soft tissue in order to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore normal function.
Example: The therapist performed joint mobilization to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
en: mobilisation
palpation
noun
Clinical technique where the therapist uses touch to assess tissues.
Example: Palpation is a useful technique to assess injuries in patients
en: palpation
posture
noun
The alignment of the body when sitting, standing, or moving.
Example: Good posture reduces stress on the spine.
en: posture
proprioception
noun
The body’s ability to sense its position and movement in space.
Example: In general, human have good proprioception.
en: proprioception
quadriceps
noun
Group of four muscles on the front of the thigh responsible for knee extension.
Example: The quadriceps are among the largest muscles in the body.
en: quadriceps
range of motion
noun phrase
Range of motion is the amount of movement a joint can perform in each direction, measured from is minimum to its maximum position.
Example: Improving range of motion helps restore normal joint movement.
en: amplitude de mouvement
resistance band
noun
Elastic training tool used to provide adjustable external resistance during exercises.
Example: Resistance bands are useful tools to use with your patients.
en: bande de résistance
rotator cuff
noun
Group of shoulder muscles and tendons that stabilize the glenohumeral joint.
Example: I have to stretch my rotator cuff before working out.
en: coiffe des rotateurs
strengthening
noun\gerund
Strengthening is the process of making a muscle or body part stronger through specific exercises or activities.
Example: Strengthening exercises help improve muscle function after an injury.
en: renforcement
stretching
noun
Technique used to lengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
Example: I'm stretching my legs to relieve tension.
en: étirement
trigger point
noun
Localized, sensitive spot in a tight muscle that can cause referred pain.
Example: My trigger point is located in the upper part of my left arm.
