Like every profession, we have our “lingo.” Here’s a guide to help you speak our language.

Assessment
A process where we gather information about your health history, use specific tests and measures to examine, interpret and analyze the problems. This information guides your treatment needs and prognosis.

Bracing/Braces
A device used to control movement and support joints

Credentials
BPE – Bachelor of Physical Education
B.Sc. P.T. – Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
BMR PT – Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy
MCISc.PT – Master of Clinical Science in Physiotherapy
MPhty – Master of Physiotherapy (Australia)
MCPA – Member of Canadian Physiotherapy Association
FCAMPT – Fellow of Canadian Association of Manipulative Physiotherapy
CGIMS – Intramuscular Stimulation technique developed by Dr. C. Chan Gunn
CAFCI – Certified Acupuncturist with AFCI
IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation
FDN – Functional Dry Needling
TPI Certified – Titleist Performance Institute Certified
CCFP – Certification in the College of Family Physicians
RD – Registered Dietitian
RMT – Registered Massage Therapist
C.Ped Tech (C) – Certified Pedorthic Technician Canada
C.Ped (C) – Certified Pedorthist Canada
MCSP – Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Dry Needling
A general term for a therapeutic treatment of multiple insertion of a filament needle into a muscle that typically contains a trigger point.

Kinesthesia
The sensation and awareness of active or passive movement.

Kinesiology
The study of the mechanics of the body.

Manipulative Therapy
The technique is equivalent to spinal and peripheral manipulation. The term can be confusing because like manual therapy, manipulative therapy can include soft tissue manipulation.

Modalities
Treatment interventions that are applied to achieve a desired benefit, such as heat packs, whirlpool, ice, ultrasound, interferential current, laser, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).

Musculoskeletal
The musculoskeletal system is the bones of the skeleton and the all the muscles attached to them.

Osteoarthritis
A disease of the cartilage in joints. Osteoarthritis causes progressive breakdown of cartilage until the bones, which were once separated by cartilage, rub against each other. The damage to the tissue and underlying bone causes the painful joint symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is a major cause of pain and disability in older adults. It most often affects the joints of the fingers, hips, knees, feet, and spine. Osteoarthritis causes less inflammation than other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (WebMD).

Pedorthists/Pedorthotics
A pedorthist is trained in the assessment, design, manufacture, fit and modification of foot appliances and footwear to alleviate painful or debilitating conditions.

Learn more about Pedorthists/Pedorthotics.

Physical Therapy/ Physiotherapy
Physical Therapy, or Physiotherapy, is dedicated to evaluating, restoring, maximizing, and maintaining physical function of the musculoskeletal system.

Peripheral Injuries
Injuries that do not include the spine or vertebral column.

Peripheral Manipulation
The same technique as spinal manipulation, however the joints being treated are away from the spine.

Proprioception
The sense of position and the awareness of the joints at rest. The ability to sense stimuli within the body regarding position, motion and equilibrium.

Repetitive Strain/Stress Injuries

Repeated trauma produces tissue irritation, inflammation, and damage over time. Common types of RSI include: carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis, iliotibial band friction syndrome.

Spinal Manipulation
The mobilization and/or manipulation of joints and soft tissue. Only physiotherapists who have the necessary competence, as outlined by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta, can perform spinal manipulation.

Physical therapists who perform spinal manipulation as part of treatment must be on the Spinal Manipulation Registry with the Physiotherapy Alberta College + Association.

Read about the Spinal Manipulation Registry with the Physiotherapy Alberta College + Association.

Treatment
Interventions to achieve the maximum benefit for you, with minimal risk. Treatment methods/interventions are either direct, including manual techniques and exercise programs, or indirect, including injury prevention education and the prescription of assistive devices.

Questions? Send us an email