Diagnostics
The removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination
Biopsy
Surgical repair of a muscle through plastic surgery.
myoplasty
A drug that relieves pain; includes nonprescription pain relievers, such as aspirin, and prescription pain relievers, such as hydrocodone.
analgesic
PT
physical therapy
What job serves as a leader and instructor in exercise programs and helps people achieve and maintain a healthful lifestyle.
Certified fitness trainer (CFT)
Evaluation of involuntary muscular responses with a reflex hammer. Patients under heavy sedation or in a deep coma do not show these reflexes.
deep tendon reflexes (DTR)
Treatment to rehabilitate a patient who has experienced an illness or injury. Common methods include exercise; hydrotherapy (water therapy), ultrasound; and diathermy (DIGH-uh-THER-mee), or deep heating of body tissues using a high-frequency electrical current.
physical therapy
A drug that reduces inflammation.
anti-inflammatory
OTC
over the counter
A sudden, abnormal, involuntary contraction (or series of contractions) of the muscles.
convulsion
A graphic recording of the contraction of a muscle as a result of electrical stimulation
electromyogram (EMG)
Exercises performed to improve or maintain joint mobility and flexibility. People can perform active ROM exercises on their own. Assisted ROM exercises require minor assistance due to mild weakness, pain, or stiffness. A physical therapist performs passive ROM exercises on a person who requires total assistance to do the exercises.
Range of motion (ROM) therapy
A group of drugs with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (AN-tee-pigh-RET-ik) (fever-reducing) properties. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are common over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs. This group of drugs is set apart from other drugs that have the same properties because they are nonsteroidal. (Steroidal drugs have narcotic effects and may lead to addiction.)
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
IM
Intramuscular
Excessive growth or abnormal enlargement of a muscle
Hypertrophy
The measurement of range of motion in a joint.
Goniometry
Most common first-aid treatment for muscular injuries; often referred to as “RICE.”
Rest Ice Compression Elevation
A drug prescribed to suppress smooth-muscle contractions of the bladder, stomach, or intestine.
antispasmodic or anticholinergic
ADL
activities of daily living
Muscle pain
myalgia
A noninvasive scanning test that involves use of an electromagnetic field and radio waves to visualize soft-tissue structures.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Incision to the tendon, usually to repair a deformity caused by a shortened muscle.
tenotomy
A drug that, in moderate doses, slows down the central nervous system, relieves pain, and induces sleep. Taken in excess, narcotics produce unconsciousness, stupor, coma, and possibly death.
narcotic
NMI
nuclear medicine imaging
What is the name of the muscle that is on the back of your thigh behind your quad.
Hamstring