1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Understanding Physical Therapy Exercises

From , former About.com Guide

Updated October 20, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Exercises in physical therapy often use words to describe the movements that are not well known to the patient population. If you do not understand the meaning of these terms, it can be difficult to follow the exercise technique. For this reason, it is important to learn the meaning behind these words.

A few of the most common terms used in rehabilitation include:
Abduction
Adduction
Flexion
Extension

Flip through these pictures to better understand the meaning behind these terms:
Flexion and Extension:
Neck Flexion and Extension Stretches

Adduction:
By crossing the front leg infront of the back leg, you are performing adduction of the hip. Hamstring Stretch

Abduction:
By bringing the leg out to the side, you are performing abduction of the hip. Hamstring Stretch

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.