Treatment Terms and Definitions

Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapy through Maitland Australian approach: Treatment of both spinal and peripheral conditions that uses assessment and treatment of the patient's signs and symptoms to develop an effective treatment plan.

Graston/Graston technique: Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization treatment for muscle tissue, scar tissue and fascial restrictions.

Kinesio taping: Taping technique designed to facilitate the body's natural healing process and provide stability when necessary.

McKenzie: A comprehensive assessment and treatment approach to the spine, using a well-defined algorithm that leads to the simple classification of spinal-related disorders.

Mulligan: A system with active exercise while the therapist applies passive physiological movements and accessory techniques.

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): OCS's are recognized by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties with clinical specialization in orthopedic physical therapy. An OCS has completed 2,000 hours of direct patient care in the area of orthopedics and successfully completed a rigorous written examination.

SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment): A comprehensive organizational method to rank the quality of functional motion through the integration of fundamental movement patterns to determine an adequate balance of mobility and stability.

FMS (Functional Movement Screen): A screening tool used to identify limitations or asymmetries in seven fundamental movement patterns that are key to functional movement quality in individuals with no current pain complaint or known musculoskeletal injury.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder/dysfunction) therapy: Treatment to restore the natural movement of the jaw and decrease pain.

Vestibular therapy: Used to address symptoms associated with dizziness, vertigo and balance problems.

Y Balance: A dynamic system used to determine functional symmetry and categorize injury/re-injury risk.