Physical Therapy Cheat Sheet

The core ideas of Physical Therapy distilled into a single, scannable reference — perfect for review or quick lookup.

PiqCue — piqcue.com/physical-therapy/cheatsheet

Quick Reference

Therapeutic Exercise

Systematic, planned physical movements and activities prescribed to correct impairments, restore muscular and skeletal function, and maintain optimal health. Includes stretching, strengthening, endurance training, and functional movement patterns.

Manual Therapy

Skilled, hands-on techniques applied to joints and soft tissues to modulate pain, increase range of motion, reduce tissue inflammation, and improve tissue extensibility. Includes joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue mobilization.

Neuromuscular Re-education

Training techniques designed to restore normal movement patterns by retraining the nervous system's control of muscles. Addresses proprioception, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, and postural control.

Range of Motion (ROM)

The full movement potential of a joint, measured in degrees. Can be classified as active (patient-generated), passive (therapist-assisted), or active-assisted. ROM assessment is fundamental to physical therapy evaluation.

Gait Analysis

The systematic study of human walking patterns, examining the kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity involved in locomotion. Used to identify deviations and guide interventions for improving walking efficiency and safety.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

The integration of the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to guide clinical decision-making. A foundational principle in modern physical therapy ensuring treatments are scientifically supported.

Biopsychosocial Model

A framework for understanding health and illness that considers the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. In physical therapy, it addresses how pain beliefs, emotional states, and social support influence rehabilitation outcomes.

Proprioception

The body's ability to sense its position, movement, and force in space without visual input. Mediated by mechanoreceptors in joints, muscles, and tendons. Essential for balance, coordination, and injury prevention.

Functional Capacity Evaluation

A comprehensive battery of tests measuring an individual's ability to perform work-related and daily tasks. Assesses lifting, carrying, standing tolerance, positional tolerances, and overall physical demand levels.

Pain Neuroscience Education

An educational approach that teaches patients about the neurobiology and neurophysiology of pain, aiming to reconceptualize pain as a product of the nervous system rather than purely a sign of tissue damage. Reduces fear-avoidance and catastrophizing.

Key Terms at a Glance

Active Range of Motion (AROM):The range of motion a patient can achieve independently through their own muscle contraction.

Biomechanics:The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement and structure of living organisms.

Central Sensitization:An amplification of neural signaling within the central nervous system that produces pain hypersensitivity.

Cryotherapy:The therapeutic application of cold to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.

Dynamometer:A device used to measure muscle strength or force production, commonly handheld or isokinetic.

Edema:Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues, often a focus of physical therapy treatment.

Electromyography (EMG):A diagnostic technique that records the electrical activity of muscles to assess neuromuscular function.

Evidence-Based Practice:The integration of best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values in clinical decision-making.

Gait:The pattern of movement of the limbs during locomotion, primarily walking.

Goniometry:The measurement of joint angles using a goniometer to assess range of motion.

Hypertonia:Abnormally increased muscle tone or resistance to passive stretch, often seen in neurological conditions.

Isokinetic Exercise:Exercise performed at a constant speed with variable resistance throughout the range of motion, typically using specialized equipment.

Kinesiology:The scientific study of human body movement, encompassing biomechanics, anatomy, and physiology.

Manual Therapy:Skilled hands-on techniques including mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue work used to treat musculoskeletal conditions.

Modality:A physical agent or device used therapeutically, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat, or cold.

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