This glossary explains important physiotherapy terms to help students and readers better understand concepts related to injuries, rehabilitation, and treatment.
balance
noun
The ability to maintain stability and control of body position while standing or moving.
Example: Example: Older adults often perform exercises to improve BALANCE and reduce the risk of falls.
en: fr: équilibre
cold pack
noun
A cold compress applied to reduce swelling and pain after an injury.
Example: Example: The therapist applied a COLD PACK to the swollen ankle.
en: fr: compresse froide
electrotherapy unit
noun
A device that uses electrical currents to stimulate muscles or reduce pain.
Example: Example: The physiotherapist used an ELECTROTHERAPY UNIT to relieve the patient’s back pain.
en: fr: appareil d’électrothérapie
exercise
noun
Physical activity performed to improve health, strength, flexibility, or endurance.
Example: Example: The physiotherapist gave the patient daily EXERCISES to strengthen the back muscles.
en: fr: exercice
exercise ball
noun
A large inflatable ball used for balance, strengthening, and rehabilitation exercises.
Example: Example: The patient performed core exercises on the EXERCISE BALL to improve stability
en: fr: ballon d’exercice
foam roller
noun
A cylindrical tool used to massage muscles and improve flexibility.
Example: Example: The athlete used a FOAM ROLLER to reduce muscle tightness after training.
en: fr: rouleau en mousse
goniometer
noun
An instrument used to measure the angle or range of motion of a joint.
Example: Example: The physiotherapist used a GONIOMETER to measure the patient’s knee flexion.
en: fr: goniomètre
hot pack
noun
A heated pack applied to the body to relax muscles and reduce stiffness.
Example: Example: A HOT PACK was placed on the patient’s neck before stretching exercises.
en: fr: compresse chaude
joint
noun
A place in the body where two or more bones are connected and allow movement
Example: Example: The physiotherapist assessed the patient's JOINT mobility during the examination
en: fr: articulation
muscle
noun
A band or bundle of fibrous tissue in the body that has the ability to contract and produce movement.
Example: Example: Strengthening the MUSCLES around the knee can help reduce pain and improve stability.
en: fr: muscle
pain
noun
An unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury.
Example: Example: The patient reported increased PAIN when walking up the stairs.
en: fr: douleur
parallel bars
noun
Two horizontal bars used to support patients during walking or balance training
Example: Example: The patient practiced walking between the PARALLEL BARS after surgery.
en: fr: barres parallèles
physiotherapy
noun
The treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as exercise, massage, heat treatment, and movement rather than by drugs or surgery.
Example: Example: After his knee surgery, he needed several weeks of PHYSIOTHERAPY to regain strength and mobility.
en: fr: physiothérapie
range of motion
noun
The full movement potential of a joint, usually measured in degrees of a circle.
Example: Example: The therapist measured the patient’s knee RANGE OF MOTION after the injury.
en: fr: amplitude de mouvement
rehabilitation
noun
The process of helping a person return to normal life through therapy and training after an injury or illness.
Example: Example: Stroke patients often require long-term REHABILITATION to recover movement and independence.
en: fr: réadaptation
resistance band
noun
An elastic band used for strength training and rehabilitation exercises.
Example: Example: The therapist gave the patient a RESISTANCE BAND to strengthen the shoulder muscles.
en: fr: bande de résistance
strength
noun
The quality or state of being physically strong, especially the ability of muscles to produce force.
Example: Example: Resistance exercises are used to improve muscle STRENGTH during physiotherapy sessions
en: fr: force
treadmill
noun
A machine used for walking or running exercise while staying in the same place.
Example: Example: The patient practiced walking on the TREADMILL during rehabilitation.
en: fr: tapis roulant
treatment table
noun
A padded table used by physiotherapists to examine and treat patients.
Example: Example: The patient lay on the TREATMENT TABLE during the manual therapy session.
en: fr: table de traitement
ultrasound therapy device
noun
A machine that uses sound waves to help reduce pain and promote tissue healing
Example: Example: The therapist applied an ULTRASOUND THERAPY DEVICE to the injured tendon.
