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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Musculoskeletal Conditions

Atrophy

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/ˈætrəfi/nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, atrophy means: A loss of muscle size and strength, most often because a muscle has not been used, for example after time in a cast or in bed.

In Turkish: atrofi, kas erimesi

How it is used

Physiotherapists talk about disuse atrophy, quadriceps atrophy after a knee injury and muscle wasting in some neurological conditions. Patients more often say 'my leg has got thinner'. Measuring the circumference of both limbs and comparing the sides helps to show it.

Example sentences

  1. Six weeks in a cast has left some atrophy in his calf.

  2. We'll work on the quadriceps atrophy with strengthening and electrical stimulation.

Common collocations

  • muscle atrophy
  • disuse atrophy
  • quadriceps atrophy
  • muscle wasting
  • strengtheningExercise that makes muscles stronger by asking them to work against a load, such as body weight, an elastic band or weights.
  • neuromuscular electrical stimulationThe use of electrical pulses through pads on the skin to make muscles contract, often to help strengthen weak muscles.
  • fractureA break or crack in a bone, caused by an injury or, when bones are weak, by a smaller force than usual.
  • manual muscle testingA way of grading muscle strength by asking the patient to move or hold against gravity and against the physiotherapist's resistance, usually scored from 0 to 5.

More terms: Musculoskeletal Conditions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.