Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Joint mobilization

    The movement of previously injured, frozen, or limited joints to improve ranges of motion and function. Joint mobilization is not synonymous with joint manipulation. Both are techniques used in manual therapy of diseased joints and limbs but joint manipulation involves high velocity thrusting, while joint mobilization does not.  

  • Early controlled mobilization

    A method of rehabilitating flexor and extensor injuries, using splinting and active exercises, beginning the first week after injury or surgical repair.  

  • Mobilization

    The process of making a fixed part movable or releasing stored substances, as in restoring motion to a joint, freeing an organ, or making available substances held in reserve in the body as glycogen or fat. A technique, used by chiropractors and other health care professionals, in which a joint is passively moved within its…

  • Mobility training

    Techniques and equipment provided to persons with functional deficits to assist them in moving safely from one location to another. For people with blindness or low vision, the term orientation and mobility (OM) training is used. Orientation involves knowing where in space one is located. Mobility involves enacting a plan to get to a desired…

  • Mobility device

    Any assistive technology that aids the movement of people with physical impairments. Examples include lift chairs, scooters, or wheelchairs.  

  • Powered mobility

    Assistive devices — such as adapted vehicles, electrically powered wheelchairs, and scooters — that enhance or improve the movement of functionally impaired persons.  

  • Impaired wheelchair mobility

    Limitation of independent operation of wheelchair within one’s environment.  

  • Impaired bed mobility

    Limitation of independent movement from one bed position to another.  

  • Functional mobility

    The ability to move from one place to another to complete an activity or task.  

  • Abnormal tooth mobility

    Excessive tooth movement within the bony socket due to degenerative changes in the supporting alveolar bone and periodontal ligament as a result of poor oral hygiene, hormone balance changes, or trauma.