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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Electrotherapy and Physical Agents

Contraindication

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/ˌkɑːntrəˌɪndɪˈkeɪʃən/nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, contraindication means: A medical reason why a particular treatment should not be used for a patient, because it could cause harm.

In Turkish: kontrendikasyon

How it is used

Physiotherapists check contraindications before electrotherapy, manipulation, heat and some exercise. They often separate absolute contraindications (never use) from relative contraindications or precautions (use with care). The adjective is contraindicated: 'heat is contraindicated over an acutely inflamed joint'.

Example sentences

  1. A cardiac pacemaker is a contraindication for some electrotherapy, so always ask first.

  2. Are there any contraindications to manipulation in this patient?

Common collocations

  • absolute contraindication
  • relative contraindication
  • check for contraindications
  • contraindicated in
  • electrotherapyTreatment that uses electrical energy or electrically powered devices, such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound or laser, to reduce pain, support healing or make muscles work.
  • TENSShort for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: a small battery-powered device that sends mild electrical pulses through pads on the skin to reduce pain.
  • manipulationA manual therapy technique in which a quick, small thrust is applied to a joint, often producing a popping or clicking sound.
  • red flagsSigns or symptoms that suggest a possibly serious medical problem, such as cancer, infection, fracture or nerve compression, which needs urgent medical review.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Electrotherapy and Physical Agents

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