Speaking our Language: Basic Physical Therapy Terms

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Common Abbreviations Used in Physical Therapy

Often we are asked about the various terms and abbreviations that are common in physical therapy.  Here are a list of the common terms and abbreviations:

  • PT – Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist
  • PTA – Physical Therapist Assistant
  • ATCAthletic Trainer Certified
  • OT– Occupational Therapist 
  • ROM– Range of Motion
  • AROM– Active Range of Motion ( movement created by the patient )
  • PROM– Passive Range of Motion ( movement created by treating therapist )
  • THA – Total Hip Arthroplasty ( aka Total Hip )
  • TKA – Total Knee Arthroplasty ( aka Total Knee )
  • TENS – Transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation ( used for pain management )
  • THEREX:  Therapeutic exercise


What is Physical Therapy?

image of a female physical therapist working with and older male patient. He is using a dumbbell to exercise the Right shoulder.Physical therapist working with a patient

The technical answer is thatPhysical Therapy is a medical practice that helps people improve their physical function.  PT helps people of all shapes, sizes, and ages develop, maintain, and restore maximum body function and movement patterns in a non-invasive form.  

Physical therapy professionals can help individuals recover from an injury, relieve pain from an injury, or prevent future damage from happening.  Physical therapy can be prescribed to all ages, from newborns to the golden years. Physical therapy is usually prescribed by a doctor, usually after a medical exam.  

What Happens at the First PT Visit?

The first physical therapy visit is the initial evaluation. This consists of medical history and a physical examination. After that, your physical therapist will prescribe a course of treatment. Treatments usually consist of exercises that pertain to:

  • strengthening
  • flexibility work
  • mobility work
  • functional activity
  • modalities

How Long is a Physical Therapy Session?

Treatments can generally last about an hour.   It is common to schedule sessions two or three times a week to about four to six weeks.  The frequency can vary depending on the issue.

Do Physical Therapists Hurt People?

The quick answer is that the goal in physical therapy is NOT to hurt you, but to get you back on your feet even though some activity may be difficult or even some pain may be present during the activity.  Treatment can be uncomfortable at times for some conditions but is should never be excruciating.

When Do You Need Physical Therapy?

Physical therapist pressing on the knee of a patientA physical therapist working on a patient’s knee

Most people think that the only reason you would need physical therapy would be because either you have suffered from an injury or just had major surgery.  But physical therapy is needed when you feel that you:

  • have lost function
  • lost strength
  • lost flexibility/mobility
  • you think you need a “tune-up” of your body

Physical therapy may be necessary for common acute or chronic issues that include normal wear and tear of the body.  Some signs that you might need physical therapy are:

  • pain with movement
  • pain with activity
  • pain with exercise
  • sudden injury/trauma, especially after a workout or sport
  • when the body does not feel right anymore.  

Do I Have to Go To the Doctor to see a Physical Therapist?

The quick answer is that it depends on the area.  In most states, you can go directly to a physical therapist for an evaluation.  But, for insurance companies to cover the cost, most of the time a doctor must refer you for PT. 

This is usually not an issue since most doctors and insurance companies realize that physical therapy is the most economical and effective way to treat many physical issues and limitations.  

It is important to start physical therapy quickly after most injuries. To Learn how JOI gets patients in to therapy quickly, watch this VIDEO on The JOI Rehab Fast Track Spine Program.

What Are Some Physical Therapy Terms that Patients May Need to Know?

Now that you are attending or planning on attending physical therapy, there are some terms that you may need to know.

  • Initial Evaluation: This is the visit with the physical therapist, which consists of the medical history and physical examination.
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): These are activities you do to care for yourself daily, such as bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and feeding.  
  • Cartilage: is the tissue that covers the ends of bones and acts as a cushion to absorb shock and a smooth surface to decrease friction between two or more bones in a joint.
  • Tendon: a flexible but inelastic cord of strong tissue that connects muscles to bones.
  • Ligaments: the soft tissues that hold two or more bones together.
  • Rotator Cuff: is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint.  These muscles keep your shoulder in place.  
  • ACL: The anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) is essential for maintaining the stability of the knee joint.

by Robert Lim, PTA

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Physical Therapy Centers Near Me

Image or quantum multi-station exercise machine in the physical therapy gym of JOI Rehab NassauImage of a PT gym

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