Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people move better and reduce pain. Physical therapists use exercises, hands-on treatment, and education to restore strength, balance, and function after injury or illness, helping people return to their daily activities safely.
balance
noun
An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
Example: I need to work on my balance in order to be a better skier.
fr: équilibre
blood pressure
group of words
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls, with normal readings typically below 120/80 mmHg.
Example: My blood pressure is at an all time high today.
fr: pression artérielle
electrode
noun
A small piece of rubber or other substance that is used to take an electric current to or from a source of power, a piece of equipment, or a living body.
Example: I will wash the electrodes before I put it on my patient.
fr: électrode
fascia
noun
A thin sheath of fibrous tissue enclosing a muscle or other organ.
Example: I really need a massage because my fascia is tense.
fr: fascia
hallux
noun
A person's big toe.
Example: The doctor said that I tored my hallux which is my big toe.
fr: hallux
home exercise program (HEP)
phrase
A personalized, prescribed set of therapeutic exercises, stretches, and activities developed by a healthcare professional—typically a physical therapist—for a patient to perform independently outside a clinical setting.
Example: I just receive my HEP from the physiotherapist.
fr: programme d'exercices à domicile (PED)
joint
noun
A structure in the human or animal body at which two parts of the skeleton are fitted together.
Example: I dislocated my shoulder, there's no more joint.
fr: articulation
ligaments
noun
Short band of tough, flexible fibrous connective tissue which connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.
Example: I slightly tore the ligaments in my ankle.
fr: ligaments
lower limbs
group of words
The lower limbs, or lower extremities, are specialized anatomical structures designed for weight-bearing, stability, and locomotion, extending from the hip to the foot.
Example: I need to train my lower limbs.
fr: membres inférieurs
oximeter
noun
An instrument for measuring the proportion of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.
Example: Can you bring me the oximeter, so I can measure the proportion of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood of my patient please?
fr: saturomètre
patella
noun
The kneecap.
Example: I went to the doctor and, they withdraw my patella. My knee does not hurt ever since.
fr: patella
rotator cuff
noun
A group of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable arm rotation and lifting.
Example: I just ripped my rotator cuff.
fr: coiffe des rotateurs
sacrum
noun
A triangular bone in the lower back formed from fused vertebrae and situated between the two hipbones of the pelvis.
Example: I did fracture my sacrum last summer while I was skateboarding.
fr: sacrum
skin
noun
The thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal.
Example: The doctor checked my skin to see if there was no wound.
fr: peau
sternum
noun
A flat, vertical bone at the center of your chest that protects your organs and muscles.
Example: My sternum hurt since you punched me in my chest.
fr: sternum
tandem
noun
Having two things arranged one in front of the other.
Example: With my older patients, I often practice the tandem position which is putting one foot in front of the other.
fr: tandem
tendon
noun
A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.
Example: I ripped my quadriceps tendon.
fr: tendon
ulna
noun
The thinner and longer of the two bones in the human forearm, on the side opposite to the thumb.
Example: I fractured my ulna last week when I fell on concrete.
fr: ulna
upper limbs
noun
The upper limb (or extremity) is a highly mobile functional unit of the body, extending from the shoulder girdle (scapula and clavicle) to the fingertips.
Example: I need to train my upper limbs in order to get stronger and faster with my arms.
fr: membres supérieurs
wound
noun
An injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact, typically one in which the skin is cut or broken.