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Activator
A form of treatment to stimulate muscles, move bones and correct
vertebral subluxations. It is applied by a mechanism called an
activator instrument. The activator instrument resembles a small,
gun-type, syringe-shaped object that is held in the practitioner's hand
and is squeezed to trigger a quick thrust with varying degrees of speed
and a specific line of correction to the musculature and bones of the
spine. A leg test is utilized within the treatment to determine the
presence of vertebral subluxations especially in the lumbosacral and
cervical regions of the spine.
Acupressure
A form of treatment with the fingers applied to those
specific areas of the body used in acupuncture to relieve the
discomfort associated with painful disorders and for therapeutic
purposes.
Acupuncture
Please see the Techniques link. The Chinese practice of
piercing specific peripheral nerves with needles to relieve the
discomfort associated with painful disorders and for therapeutic
purposes.
Adhesions
Fibrous bands or structures created by healing tissues.
These fibrous bands or structures and the stable joining of parts to
each other, which may occur abnormally, may be prevented with
appropriate treatment and therapy.
Adjustment
Manipulation of the spine, said to restore normal nerve
function and cure disease. It attempts to restore normal function of
the nerve system by manipulation and treatment of the structures of the
human body, especially those of the spinal column.
Chiropractic employs manipulation and adjustment of body structures,
such as the spinal column, so that pressure on nerves coming from the
spinal cord due to displacement (subluxation) of a vertebral body may
be relieved. Practitioners believe that misalignment and nerve pressure
can cause problems not only in the local area, but also at some
distance from it.
Applied Kinesiology
A specialized form of diagnosis that primarily
utilizes muscle testing, postural analysis, gait analysis, motion
analysis, range of motion analysis, static palpation, history,
examination and lab tests. When a muscle is found that is weak, the
practitioner determines why there is inadequate muscle function. Then,
appropriate treatment and therapy are applied to restore muscle
function and improve the patient's health.
Autonomic Nervous System
ANS: The portion of the nervous system
concerned with regulation of the activity of cardiac muscle, smooth
muscle, and glands. These portions of the body are self-controlling and
function independent of cognitive thought.
Biomechanics
The use and application of mechanical laws of the human
body and other living structures, especially the human body's locomotor
(movement) system.
Bones
The hard tissue of the skeleton; osseous tissue. The bone, which
is also hard tissue that is connective tissue, has components of
organic (cells and matrix structure of collagen fibers) and inorganic
(minerals within the collagen fibers). The minerals that give the
tissue its stiff, firm nature are calcium phosphate (85%) and calcium
carbonate (10%).
Cartilage
Fibrous connective tissue, which supports the body and
fastens structures of the body together. It exists in several types,
the most important of which are hyaline (glassy, filmy, transparent)
cartilage, elastic (stretchy, flexible, mostly yellow) cartilage, and
fibro (parallel thick bundles of mostly strong white fibers) cartilage.
CAT Scan
Computerized Axial Tomography; an image of a cross-section of
the body. A scan, in which a scintillation counter (an device that aids
in the identification of, concentration of and conversion of various
types of matter in the scan beam) measures a x-ray beam and a magnetic
disk records electronic impulses, which are then fed through a computer
for arrangement of an image of a cross-section of the body through a
cathode ray tube (a vacuum tube for accelerated cathode rays to form a
beam to create luminous spots on a fluorescent screen).
Caduceus
The chiropractic emblem symbolizing a doctor of chiropractic.
The insignia usually depicts a winged man and banner. The symbolic
representation originates from or is a variation of a winged man, man,
staff, or rod, and a banner or entwined snake. It relates to the winged
herald and the wand of Hermes or Mercury, the messengers of the gods
and Aesculapius, the mythical Greco-Roman god of healing.
Central Nervous System
CNS: That portion of the nervous system
consisting of the brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves. These portions
of the body are controlled by the individual and utilize cognitive
thought.
Cervical Spine
The 7 vertebrae in the neck and its surrounding
structures. This portion of the spinal column pertains to the neck
between the top of the shoulders and the base of the skull.
Cervicobrachial
Pertaining to the neck and arm.
Cervicobrachialgia
Pain in the neck radiating to the arm, due to
compression of nerve roots of the cervical spinal cord.
Chiropractic Neurologist
A chiropractor with additional post-graduate
courses and board certified as an expert in neurology, which is the
treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
Chiropractic Nutritionist
A chiropractor with additional post-graduate
courses and is credentialed as a specialist in food and nutrition.
Chiropractic Orthopedist
A chiropractor with additional post-graduate
courses and is board certified as an expert in orthopedics, which is
the treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal (muscles/skeleton)
system.
Chiropractic Pediatrician
A chiropractor with additional post-graduate
courses and is board certified as an expert in pediatrics, which is the
treatment of disorders of children, and understanding of proper child
development.
Chiropractic
Sports Physician: A chiropractor with additional
post-graduate courses and is credentialed as a specialist in the
treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal (muscles/skeletal)
conditions, especially those arising from or similar to sports injuries.
Chiropractor
A practitioner of chiropractic who is board certified.
Coccygeal
Pertaining to or located in the region of the coccyx
(tailbone).
Coccyx
The tailbone; the small bode caudad (directed toward the tail)
to the sacrum (the bony area above the tailbone) in man, formed by the
union of three to five but usually four rudimentary vertebrae, and
forming the caudal extremity of the vertebral column.
Cold Packs
Application of packs containing cold gel or ice to lower
the temperature of an injured area of the body or an area that has
undergone stress. The temperature may serve to cool or numb the area to
halt or reduce inflammation, and aid in healing.
Conditioning Exercises
Train; to make a healthier, stronger, more
adaptable, injury resistant body. To subject to conditioning, which is
retraining the body to elicit an improved chemical and muscular
response to stimulus (work load or movement) that previously has been
presented and elicited an impaired response (painful, disabled,
inadequate, or weaker response) in conjunction with the stimulus
originally.
Cord Pressure
Pressure upon the spinal cord. Such pressure is
typically accompanied by nerve impingement, inflammation and loss of
function.
CT
Cathode Tube: A vacuum tube for accelerated cathode rays to form a
beam to create luminous spots on a fluorescent screen to make an image
of a part of the body.
Deep Tissue Massage
The systematic therapeutic slow deep pressure,
stroking, kneading, and compression applied to the body manually to
affect tissues far beneath the surface to break up toxins in tissues
that are resistant to cleansing and to circulate out these toxins.
Also, slow deep pressure, stroking, kneading and compression used to
reinstate or improve circulation to oxygenate the tissues, improve the
lymphatic cleansing of cellular debris, waste products and post-trauma
infiltrates, reduce inflammation, improve muscle elasticity and
flexibility, increase joint range of motion, increase intestinal
motility and aid in a variety of bodily functions.
Diathermy
Short wave diathermy: the therapeutic heating of the body
tissues by means of an oscillating electromagnetic field of high
frequency; the frequency varies from 10 million to 100 million cycles
per second and the wavelength from 30 to 3 meters. Ultra-short-wave
diathermy uses wavelengths less than 10 meters. Heating of the body
tissues is due to their resistance to the passage of high-frequency
electromagnetic radiation, electric currents, or ultrasonic waves.
Diathermy heats at deeper level, removes waste products, circulation,
like massage only deeper. Mild sedation effect.
Disc Bulge
An intervertebral disc, which has become swollen or
protuberant with varying degrees of tearing of the annulus fibrosus,
the fibrous ring of the disc, therefore causing disc angulation (one
side of the disc has collapsed and is lower than the other side,
creating the shape of an angle) and decreasing disc height between
vertebrae and decreasing the intervertebral foramen (openings and
passages between vertebrae) for nerves and blood vessels.
Disease
A departure from good health. It includes signs showing any
combination of body parts, organs, or systems manifesting indications
of deviation of structures for normal function or the interruption of
normal function. Disease classically has a characteristic set
of symptoms and signs and whose etiology, pathology, and prognosis may
be
known or unknown.
Effleurage Massage
The systematic therapeutic long stroking, rubbing
and kneading movements applied to the body manually to promote
increased circulation to oxygenate the tissues, loosen toxins from the
surface to moderate depth of muscle tissues, aid in cleansing the
lymphatic system, reduce inflammation, improve muscle elasticity and
flexibility, increase joint range of motion, and aid in a variety of
bodily functions.
Electroacupuncture
Acupuncture treatment with the use of electrically
stimulated needles.
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapeutics; treatment of disease by means of
electricity.
EMS
Electrical Muscle Stimulation: Electrostimulation; electrical
stimulation of tissues, as for therapeutic purposes.
Ethyl chloride
A colorless, mobile liquid chemical sprayed onto intact
skin as a local mild anesthetic often used while therapeutic stretching
is performed to reduce muscle spasms and/or adhesions and increase the
flexibility of normal range of motion.
Fomentation Heat Therapy
Treatment by warm and moist applications with
packs or pads; also a substance to act as a poultice applied with or
without a warm, moist delivery system.
Gait Analysis
An examination of the manner or style of walking into
its component elements to detect varied body movements of leaning,
dragging, swinging, swaying, flexion, oscillation, balance,
progression, advancement acceleration, hesitations and exaggerations so
that conditions of disease and ill health may be detected.
Galvanic Electrical Stimulation
The therapeutic use of galvanic
electricity; unidirectional electrical current. Galvanism is a
continuous, waveless, unidirectional current of low voltage,
commercially spoken of a direct current. Galvanic current is decidedly
chemical in action and, as it passes through the body, breaks up some
of the molecules that it encounters into their component atoms or ions
as they are more properly called. All ions have either a positive or
negative electric charge and attract or repel each other with like
charges repelling and unlike charges attracting. When two dissimilar
ions unite, a neutral molecule is formed, but when the galvanic current
breaks this union, the original positive and negative ions are
liberated. Actions produced by galvanic content with positive current:
attracts acids, repels alkali, hardens tissue, contracts tissue, strops
hemorrhage, diminishes congestion, sedative, relieves pain in acute
conditions due to reduction of congestion - if scar is formed, it is
hard and firm. Actions produced by galvanic content with negative
current: attracts alkali, repels acid, softens tissue, dilates tissues,
increases hemorrhage, increases congestion, stimulating, reduces pain
in chronic conditions to softening of tissues and increase of
circulation.
Hard Tissue
Bony tissue and bone, whether normal or of a soft tissue,
which has become ossified (hardened as bone).
Heat Therapy
Therapy, whether by use of heated water, heating pads,
fomentation heating pads, chemicals (lotions, ointments, preparations),
packs, electrical devices or devices that use sound waves, to heat the
affected area and increase circulation and healing. Heat therapy
induces the sensation of a gradient increase in temperature. It exists
in the form of molecular or atomic vibration (thermal agitation) and
may be transferred by conduction through a substance (usually water or
chemical), by convection (heated delivery) by a substance, and by
radiation as electromagnetic waves.
Herniated Disc
The abnormal protrusion of an intervertebral disc
(cushioning disc in between the vertebrae) through an injury defect
opening in the annulus fibrosus (fibrous ring) covering tissue, causing
the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus (pulpy center) or annulus
fibrosus (fibrous ring) of the disc, either of which may impinge on
nerve roots.
Ice Massage
Medium to large pieced of ice therapeutically used for
direct application to an injured area of the body or an area that has
undergone stress. Application usually includes rubbing, stroking, and
circular movements of the ice upon the skin to numb the affected area
as well as causing movement in the area to loosen cellular debris,
waste products and post-trauma infiltrates, aid in cleansing the
lymphatic chain around the affected area, reduce inflammation, improve
flexibility of the affected area and to aid in healing.
Ice Therapy
Medium to large pieces of ice used for direct application,
packs containing cold gel or ice, or use of containers filled with ice
and water to lower the temperature of an injured area of the body or an
area that has undergone stress. The temperature may serve to cool or
numb the area to halt or reduce inflammation, and aid in healing.
Imaging
The production of clarity, contrast, and detail in images,
especially in radiological, ultrasound and magnetic resonance images by
use of methods of visualizing deep structures of the body, in which a
x-ray beam, sound wave or electron beam, is passed through the patient
and the emerging beam strikes a plate or is read by a device; a record
of such information (e.g., a film) is made from the plate or device.
Inflammation
Swelling in tissues after stress or trauma such as injury
or overuse. The swelling is a protective action the body takes to
splint or immobilize the affected area and to wall off or segregate the
affected tissue while the body tries to repair the damage. Sudden onset
inflammation, especially in the first 72 hours, includes classical
signs of pain, heat, puffiness, redness, restricted range of motion and
restricted function. Chronic inflammation from a continued acute
(sudden onset) phase or a prolonged minimal inflammation from a
continual stress or condition usually causes permanent tissue damage
due to the slow progressive formation of new connective tissue it adds
to the affected area.
Innate Intelligence
The body's inborn ability to heal itself. The
inherent natural factors that exist within an individual from birth
that address the essential nature of the body and its processes of
healing, repair and renewal. The existence of knowledge the body has to
heal itself that did not need to be learned through experience. Also,
the application of these abilities the body makes to heal, without the
need of adding to the body that which it did not already have, but by
letting the processes flow unencumbered.
Intersegmental Traction
The therapeutic slow pulling, drawing, and
holding apart of the structures of the body. The drawing apart of the
portions of the spine for repeated short periods to relieve pressure
placed on intervertebral discs to aid in the restoration of the fluid
within the discs and reduce inflammation in the surrounding tissues
especially around spinal nerves. Done by means of an appliance,
harness, or device that exerts the needed degrees of force to draw the
vertebrae slightly apart.
Intervertebral disc
The rounded, circular object that acts as a
cushion in between vertebrae. The outer layer of the disc is composed
of layers of fibrocartilage called the annulus fibrosus (fibrous ring),
which surrounds the nucleus pulposus (pulpy center).
Joint
An articulation between two or more bones, which typically allows for
motion of the connected bones.
Kyphosis
Kyphotic curvature of the spine: the excessive abnormal curve
of the thoracic spine. The convex curve in the back where the shoulders
push forward while the mid back pushes too far backward; hunchback.
Ligament
A connecting tissue that connects bones, cartilage, or
organs. A band of fibrous tissue, acting as a support and which also
strengthens a joint and additional ligament(s).
Lordosis
Lordotic curvature of the spine: the normal and also the
excessive abnormal forward curve of the lumbar or lower back and
cervical spine (neck). The normal curvature for the lower back or the
neck is called lordosis or expressly called normal lordosis. Excessive
abnormal lower back curvature is called hyperlordosis, sway back,
hollow back or saddle back.
Lumbago
Pain in the lumbar (lower back) region.
Lumbar Spine
The 5 but sometimes 6 spinal vertebrae and surrounding
structures in the lower back. This portion of the spinal column
pertains to the lower back between the thorax and the pelvis.
Magnetic Resonance Image
An image similar to a x-ray but produced
without the radiation emitted by a x-ray beam. MRI's utilize a magnetic
field to align hydrogen ions in the body and then feed this scanned
information into a computer, which generates an image. MRI's are
superior to x-rays in that soft (muscle, tendons, ligaments, fat, etc.
can be visualized as well as the typical bony hard tissue seen in
standard x-rays.
Massage
The systematic therapeutic slow to rapid rhythmic friction,
stroking, compression, pressure, percussion, kneading, traction and/or
vibration of the body applied manually or mechanically to reinstate or
improve circulation to oxygenate the tissues, improve the lymphatic
cleansing of cellular debris, waste products and post-trauma
infiltrates (substances in excess amounts or foreign to the tissue.)
Also, reduce inflammation, improve muscle elasticity and flexibility,
increase joint range of motion, increase intestinal motility, and aid
in a variety of bodily functions.
Migraine Headaches
An often familial symptom complex of periodic
attacks of vascular headache, usually temporal and unilateral in onset,
commonly associated with irritability, nausea, vomiting, constipation
or diarrhea, and often photophobia; attacks are preceded by
constriction of the cranial arteries, usually with resultant prodromal
(premonitory; indicating the onset of a state of disease) sensory
(especially ocular) symptoms, and commence with the vasodilatation that
follows. Visual disturbances vary in gradual to abrupt onset. Pain in
one side of the head. Condition marked by recurrent severe headache
often with nausea and vomiting.
Muscles
An organ, which by contraction produces the movements of an
animal organism. Muscles are of two varieties: striated, or striped
including all the muscles in which contraction is voluntary and the
heart muscle; unstriated, nonstriated, smooth, or organic, including
all the involuntary muscles except the heart, such as the muscular
layer of the intestines, bladder, blood vessels, etc. Striated muscles
are covered with a thin layer of connective tissue (epimysium) from
which septa (perimysium) pass, dividing the muscle into bundles of
fibers, or fasciculi. Each fasciculus contains a number of parallel
fibers separated by connective tissue septa (endomysium). Each fiber
consists of sarcoplasm, which is cross-striated or composed of
alternate light and dark portions (whence the name striated muscle);
each contains embedded in it the myofibrils and each is surrounded by
sarcolemma. Smooth muscles are composed of elongated, spindle-shaped,
nucleated cells arranged parallel to one another and to the long axis
of the muscle, and these cells are often grouped into bundles of
varying size. The muscles, bundles, and cells are enclosed in an
indifferent connective tissue material much as is found in striated
muscles. A body tissue consisting of long cells that contract when
stimulated and produce motion. An organ that is essentially a mass of
muscle tissue attached at either end to a fixed point and that by
contracting moves or checks the movement of a body part.
Musculoskeletal
Pertaining to or comprising the skeleton and the
muscles, as musculoskeletal system. All the skeletal bones and muscles
of the body considered collectively. Of, relating to, or involving both
the musculature and skeleton.
Muscle Spindle Fibers
A mechanoreceptor found between skeletal muscle
fibers; the muscle spindles are arranged in parallel with muscle
fibers, and respond to passive stretch of the muscles but cease to
discharge if the muscle contracts isotonically, thus signaling muscle
length. The muscle spindle is the receptor responsible for the stretch
or myotatic reflex. A sensory end organ in a muscle that is sensitive
to stretch in the muscle, consists of small striated muscle fibers
richly supplied with nerve fibers, and is enclosed in a connective
tissue sheath; called also stretch receptor.
Nerve
A cordlike structure, visible to the naked eye, comprising a
collection of nerve fibers, which convey impulses between a part of the
central nervous system and some other region of the body. A nerve
consists of a connective tissue sheath (epineurium) enclosing bundles
(funiculi or fasciculi) of nerve fibers, each bundle being surrounded
by its own sheath of connective tissue (perineurium), the inner surface
of which if formed by a membrane of flattened mesothelial cells. Very
small nerves may consist of only one funiculus derived from the parent
nerve. Within each such bundle, the individual nerve fibers, which are
microscopic in size, are surrounded by interstitial connective tissue
(endoneurium). An individual nerve fiber (an axon with its covering
sheath) consists of formed elements in a matrix of protoplasm
(axoplasm), the entire structure being enclosed in a thin membrane
(axolemma). Each nerve fiber is enclosed by a cellular sheath
(neurilemma), from which it may or may not be separated by a lipid
layer (myelin sheath) derived from neurilemmal cells.
Nerve stimulation
Serves to transmit impulses (progressive
physiochemical change in the membrane of a nerve fiber that follows
stimulation and serves to transmit a record of sensation from a
receptor or an instruction to act to an effector) of the afferent
nerves from the periphery toward the central nervous system as sensory
nerves or of the efferent nerves from the central nervous system toward
the periphery as motor nerves. Nerves carry impulses that promote
processes, function and motion of the body. Any of the
filamentous bands of nervous tissue that connect parts of the nervous
system with the other organs, conduct nervous impulses, and are made up
on axons and dendrites together with protective and supportive
structures. The nervous system: the bodily system that in vertebrates
is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of
the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and
transmits impulses to the effector organs.
Nerve Impingement
To strike or dash esp. with a sharp collision. To
cause to strike. To have an effect: make an impression. Encroach (To
enter by gradual steps or by stealth into the possession or rights of
another to advance beyond the usual or proper
limits.
Neuromuscular Re-education
Pertaining to muscles and nerves. The
training of a disabled person (or person with a disabling disorder) in
the endeavor to restore his lost competence. Of or relating to nerves
and muscles; especially jointly involving nervous and muscular elements
<a neuromuscular junction>. To train again, especially to
rehabilitate through education. (Education: the action or process of
education or of being educated, a stage for such process or the
knowledge and development resulting from an educational process.)
Neuromuscular Stimulation
The act or process of stimulating; (to
excite to functional activity by a stimulus [stimulus: any agent, act,
or influence that produces functional or trophic {trophic: of or
pertaining to nutrition} reaction in a receptor or in an irritable
tissue.] ); the condition of being stimulated. Stimulator: any agent
that excites functional activity. Electronic stimulator: a device for
applying electronic pulses or signals to activate muscles, to identify
nerves, to treat muscular disorders, etc. Electric stimulus: a
galvanic, induced, or other electric current or shock as applied to a
responsive tissue. Mechanical stimulus: a stimulant application of
mechanical force, as in friction or pinching. Thermal stimulus:
application of heat. To excite to activity or growth or to greater
activity.
Nutritional Counseling
Information and advice given as therapy
regarding the taking in and processing of nutriments (nutritious
foods), assimilation, utilization, and supplementation to balance
nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins), and
improve digestion, absorption, and healing toward good health and
vitality.
Occiput
The back part of the cranium or head just above the neck.
Osseous
Of the nature or quality of bone. Consisting of bone,
resembling bone.
Percussion Massage
The act of striking a part with short, sharp blows
as an aid in (therapeutic massage) Percussion by striking the body by
the four fingers one after the other, beginning with the little finger.
Percussion which starts from above (or one point) and progresses
downward (or to another point), thus covering a "strip" of the chest
wall (or affected body part needing therapy)
-Tapotement: A tapping or percussion movement in massage.
Percussor
An instrument for use in performing percussion (manually
---repetitive quick striking movements to the affected body area
needing therapy typically done with the little finger side of the hand.
Peripheral Nervous System
PNS: That portion of the nervous system
consisting of the cranial nerves, nerves and ganglia throughout the
body excluding the brain, optic nerve, spinal cord, spinal nerves,
autonomic nervous system and central nervous system. These portions of
the body, which house the cranial nerves, PNS nerves and ganglia,
respond to stimulus and cognitive thought.
Physical Therapy
The treatment of disease by physical agent and
methods to assist in rehabilitation and restoration of normal bodily
function after illness or injury, including the use of massage and
manipulation, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy and various forms of
energy (electrotherapy, actinotherapy, and ultrasound); physiotherapy.
A physical aspect or quality. Bodily functions and condition
perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of
nature - use of weight, motion, resistance and material things. Of or
relating to natural science or physics. Characterized or produced by
the forces and operations of physics. Concerned or preoccupied with the
body and its needs.
Physiotherapy
See Physical therapy.
Polarity [therapy]
The fact or condition of having poles. The
exhibition of opposite effects at the two extremities. The presence of
an axial gradient and exhibition by a nerve of both anelectrotonus and
catelectrotonus. The orientation of intracellular structures to the
tissue as a whole. Dynamic polarity: the specialization of a nerve cell
with reference to the flow of impulses. Polarization: the production of
that condition in light by virtue of which its vibrations take place
all in one plane or else in circles and ellipses the accumulation of
bubbles of hydrogen gas on the negative plate of a galvanic battery, so
that the generation of electricity is impeded. Circular polarization:
that which causes the vibration in ellipses. Plane polarization: the
production of polarization such that the light vibrations are all in
one plane. Rotatory polarization: circular or elliptical polarization,
as distinguished from plane polarization. The quality or condition
inherent in a body that exhibits opposite properties or powers in
opposite parts or directions or that exhibits contrasted properties or
powers in contrasted parts or directions. Attraction toward a
particular object or in a specific direction. The particular state
either positive or negative with reference to the two poles or to
electrification… diametrical opposition…an
instance of
such opposition. Polarization: the action of polarizing or state of
being or becoming polarized as the action or process of affecting
radiation and especially light so that the vibrations of the wave
assume a definite form… the state of radiation affected by
this process… the deposition of gas on one or both
electrodes of
an electrolytic cell increasing the resistance and setting up a counter
electromotive force… magnetization. Division into two
opposites.
Concentration about opposing extremes of groups or interest. Formerly
ranged on a continuum. Polarize: to cause (as light waves) to vibrate
in a definite pattern.
Postural Analysis
Pertaining to posture or position; the attitude of
the body. Of relating to or involving posture. The position or bearing
of the body whether characteristic or assumed for a special propose.
The pose of the body's figure, state, or condition at a given time
especially with respect to capability in particular circumstances. The
study of the motor activity, skeletal and motor relationship used in
posture systematic investigation of traits ascertaining the specifics,
estimating, interpreting criteria developed that which a patient
presents with as viewed by the posture. Intensive therapeutic study of
the ways in which the body attempts to compensate by degrees due to
muscular weakness or loss of function constituents of a disorder
measurements of specific elements of biomechanical variants.
Quantitative study by measuring degrees of magnitude and direction of
deviation of normal posture.
Prolapsed Disc
The abnormal protrusion of intervertebral disc through
an injury defect opening in the annulus fibrosus (fibrous ring)
covering tissue causing rupture or prolapse of he nucleus pulposus
(pulpy center) of the disc into the spinal canal impinging on nerve
roots.
Radiculitis
Inflammation of the root of a spinal nerve, especially of
that portion of the root, which lies between the spinal cord and the
intervertebral canal. Of, relating to or involving a nerve root.
Radiographs
A film produced by radiography which is the making of film
records of internal structures of the body by passage of x-rays or
gamma rays through the body to act on specially sensitized film. A
picture produced on a sensitive surface by a form of radiation other
than light; specifically an x-ray or gamma ray photograph.
Radiology
The science of radiant energy (x-rays, etc.) and radiant
(radioactive) substances, especially that branch of health sciences
which deals with the use of radiant energy (x-rays, etc.) in the
diagnosis and treatment of disease. The science of radioactive
substances and high energy radiation; also, the use of radiant energy
(as x-rays and radium) in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Rehabilitation
The restoration of normal form and function after
injury or illness. The restoration of an ill or injured patient to
self-sufficiency or to gainful employment at his highest attainable
skill in the shortest possible time. To restore to a former capacity;
reinstate To restore to good repute, [health], reestablish, restore to
a former state (as of efficiency) to restore or bring to a condition of
health or useful and constructive activity.
Rehabilitation Exercises
rehab plus the performance of physical
exertion for improvement of health or the correction of physical
deformity [or dysfunction]. The act of bringing into play or realizing
in action; use, regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ;
bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical
fitness. Something performed or practiced in order to strengthen,
train, develop, improve, or display a specific power, maneuver,
performance, discipline, or skill.
-Active exercises: motion imparted to a part by voluntary contraction
and relaxation of he muscles controlling the part.
-Active assisted exercises: motion imparted to a part of the body by
voluntary contraction of muscles controlling the part, assisted by a
therapist or by some other means.
-Active resistive exercises: that performed voluntarily by the patient
against resistance. Corrective exercises: The scientific use of bodily
movement to maintain or restore normal function in disease or injured
tissues.
-Free exercise: active exercise in which no aid is derived from
external forces.
-Isometric exercises: active exercise performed against stable
resistance, without change in the length of the muscle.
-Isotonic exercise: Active exercise without appreciable change in the
force of muscular contraction, with shortening of the muscle.
-Muscle-setting exercise: Voluntary contraction and relaxation of
skeletal muscles without movement of the associated part of the body;
called also static exercise.
-Passive exercise: motion imparted to a segment of the body by another
individual, machine, or other outside force, or produced by voluntary
effort of another segment of the patient's own body.
-Therapeutic exercises: Corrective exercise.
-Underwater exercise : Exercise performed in a pool, large tub, or
Hubbard tank (large tank).
Rolfing
A method of systematically massaging the deep muscles that is
intended to serve as both physical and emotional therapy. The
therapeutic massage developed in 1972 by the American biochemist and
physiotherapist Ida Rolf.
Sciatic Nerve
The nerve located near the ischium (low part of the
pelvis). The largest nerve of the body originating in the sacral plexus
from the 4th lumbar vertebrae to the 3 sacral segment. The nerve path
is from the pelvis, through the greater sciatic foramen (opening),
through the back of the thigh, and divides into the tibial and common
peroneal nerves (nerves is the leg). Either of the pair of largest
nerves in the body that arise one on each side from the nerve plexus
supplying the posterior limb and pelvic region and that pass out of the
pelvis and down the back of the thigh.
Sciatica
A syndrome characterized by pain radiating from the
back into the buttock and into the lower extremity along its posterior
or lateral aspect, and most commonly caused by prolapse of the
intervertebral disc; the term is also used to refer to pain anywhere
along the course of the sciatic nerve. Pain that runs along the path of
a sciatic nerve. Sciatic pain may be felt in the lower back, buttocks,
hips, backs of the thighs, or adjacent parts.
Scoliosis
A notable lateral deviation in the curvature of the spine
from what is usually viewed as a straight vertical line of the spine.
It is often due to muscular imbalance, improper posture, imbalance in
leg lengths, inflammatory processes, vertebral disease, hip disease,
muscle paralysis, rheumatism of back muscles, and/or a tilting away
from the affected side of a bodily condition.
Sequestered Disc
The abnormal protrusion and further detachment of a
small portion from the whole of an intervetebral disc through an injury
defect opening in the annulus fibrosus (fibrous ring) covering tissue
causing the nucleus pulposus (pulpy center) of the disc to impinge on
nerve roots.
Shiatsu Massage
A massage with the fingers applied to those specific
areas of the body used in acupuncture.
Slipped Disc
The abnormal protrusion of an intervertebral disc
(cushioning disc in between the vertebrae) through an injury defect
opening in the annulus fibrosus (fibrous ring) covering tissue, causing
the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus (pulpy center) or annulus
fibrosus (fibrous ring) of the disc, either of which may impinge on
nerve roots.
Soft Tissue
The total of tissues in the body excluding hard tissue.
All tissue in the body is considered soft tissue if it is not bone and
is not soft tissue, which has become ossified or hardened like bone.
Spinal Column
The axial skeleton of the trunk and tail of a vertebrate
consisting of an articulated series of vertebrae and protecting the
spinal cord; backbone.
Spinal Cord
That part of the central nervous system which is lodged in
the vertebral canal; it extends from the foramen magnum, where it is
continuous with the medulla oblongata, to the upper part of the lumbar
region. It ends between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar
vertebrae, often at or adjacent to the disc between the first and
second lumbar vertebrae. It is composed of an inner core of gray
substance in which nerve cells predominate, and an outer layer of white
substance in which myelinated nerve fibers predominate, and is enclosed
in three protective membranes, or meninges: the dura mater, the
arachnoid, and the pia mater. Thirty-one spinal nerves originate from
the spinal cord: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1
coccygeal. The spinal cord conducts impulses to and from the brain, and
controls many automatic muscular activities (reflexes). The cord of
nervous tissue that extends from the brain lengthwise along the back in
the spinal canal, gives off the pairs of spinal nerves, carries
impulses to and from the brain, and serves as a center for initiating
and coordinating many reflex acts.
Spine
Something resembling a spinal column or constituting a central
axis or chief support. The backbone.
Sports Massage
Massage, stimulation, circulation, stretching, and
joint mobility for muscles and joints in preparation for athletic
games, recreation, and activities where continued use of muscles, speed
or agility is necessary.
Strapping
The application of long narrow strips of high tensile
strength fabric or other flexible material with or without adhesive or
a pressure-sensitive semi-sticky adhesive coating on one side, one
strip overlapping the other, to cover and exert pressure upon an
extremity or other area of the body. Strap: a band or slip, as of
adhesive plaster, used in attaching parts to each other. To bind down
tightly. To secure with or attach by means of a strap. To support (as a
sprained joint) with overlapping strips of adhesive plaster…
bind, constrict… binding …for clamping an object
in position. Securing, holding together, or wrapping. Used for the
application of dressings and sometimes to produce immobilization.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening + Exercises: the performance of
physical exertion for improvement of health or the correction of
physical deformity [or dysfunction]. The act of bringing into play or
realizing in action; use. Regular or repeated use of a faculty or
bodily organ; bodily exertion for the sake of developing and
maintaining physical fitness. Something performed or practiced in order
to strengthen, train, develop, improve, or display a specific power,
maneuver, performance, discipline, or skill.
-Active exercises: motion imparted to a part by voluntary contraction
and relaxation of he muscles controlling the part.
-Active assisted exercises: motion imparted to a part of the body by
voluntary contraction of muscles controlling the part, assisted by a
therapist or by some other means.
-Active resistive exercises: that performed voluntarily by the patient
against resistance.
-Corrective exercises: The scientific use of bodily movement to
maintain or restore normal function in disease or injured tissues.
-Free exercise: active exercise in which no aid is derived from
external forces.
-Isometric exercises: active exercise performed against stable
resistance, without change in the length of the muscle.
-Isotonic exercise: Active exercise without appreciable change in the
force of muscular contraction, with shortening of the muscle.
-Muscle-setting exercise: Voluntary contraction and relaxation of
skeletal muscles without movement of the associated part of the body;
called also static exercise.
-Passive exercise: motion imparted to a segment of the body by another
individual, machine, or other outside force, or produced by voluntary
effort of another segment of the patient's own body.
-Therapeutic exercises: Corrective exercise.
-Underwater exercise: Exercise performed in a pool, large tub, or
Hubbard tank (large tank).
Stretches
To extend as one's limbs or body to a point of resistance.
Subluxation
Incomplete or partial dislocation. Partial dislocation (as
of one of the bones in a joint)
Taping
The use of tape to splint or support weak or injured joints or
to protect a normal joint from possible injury.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
Pertaining to the temporal bones and the
mandible. Relating to, being, or affecting the joint between the
temporal bone and the mandible.
Tendons
A fibrous cord by which a muscle is attached. A common tendon
is a tendon that serves more than one muscle. Tough cord or band of
dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some
other part and transmits the force which the muscle exerts.
-Pulled tendon: disruption of the fibers attaching a muscle to its
point of origin, occurring as the result of unusual muscular effort.
-Tendonitis or tendinitis: inflammation of tendons and of tendon-muscle
attachments. Calcific tendonitis: inflammation and calcification of the
subacromial or subdeltoid bursa, resulting in pain, tenderness and
limitation of motion in the shoulder. Called also calcific bursitis and
scapulohumeral bursitis. Due to strain, wrenching, trauma, etc. causing
all of the above and lameness, stenosing around tendon, ossification,
etc.
Therapy
The treatment of disease and the science and art of healing;
treatment of the body or mind with a remedy proven to be helpful.
Treatment may be physically or verbally performed and be administered
externally or internally.
Thoracic Spine
The 12 vertebrae and surrounding structures in the
mid-back. This portion of the spinal column pertains to the 12
vertebrae that are in conjunction with the 12 ribs and is between the
neck and the lower back.
Thoracolumbar
Pertaining to the area of the twelfth thoracic (mid
back) vertebrae and the first lumbar (lower back) vertebrae.
Torticollis
Wryneck: a contracted (and shortened) state of the
cervical muscles, producing twisting of the neck and an unnatural
position of the head producing deviation of the head. A more-or-less
fixed twisting of the neck resulting in an abnormal carriage of the
head - called also Wryneck. (wry: twist, writhe, to pull out of or as
if out of proper shape: make awry.
Traction
The act of drawing or exerting a pulling force, as along the
long axis of a structure. Traction by an elastic force or by means of
an elastic appliance. Pelvic traction: traction applied to the spine by
means of two metal hoops, one (the halo) applied to the skull and the
other to the pelvis, connected by four extension rods which can be
lengthened by turn screws. Traction for the spine or joint by means of
a cuff or belt apparatus applied just below the joint or at the waist
and hips. Sometimes another cuff, belt or apparatus is applied just
above the area of the body to traction.
Ultrasound
Mechanical radiant energy with a frequency greater than
20,000 cycles per second. That part of science of acoustics dealing
with the frequency range beyond the upper limit of perception by the
human ear (beyond 20 kilocycles per second), but usually restricted to
frequencies above 500 kilocycles per second. Ultrasonic radiation is
injurious to tissues because of its thermal effects when absorbed by
living matter, but in controlled doses it is used therapeutically to
selectively break down pathologic tissues, as in treatment of arthritis
and lesions of the nervous system.
Vibratory Massage
A form of therapeutic massage application done with
high-speed oscillation produced by an oscillating vibrating machine,
which delivers rapidly repeated light percussion and or rubbing
movement to the body.
Whiplash
Acute cervical strain and sprain resulting from injury to the
neck and head from a whipping sudden sharp acceleration extension
movement of the cervical spine. This is often caused by a vehicular
accident where the injured party's vehicle is struck head-on or from
the rear.
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