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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Movement and Range of Motion

Rotation

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/roʊˈteɪʃən/nounCore term

In physiotherapy, rotation means: A turning movement of a part of the body around its own long axis, such as turning the head or turning the arm inwards or outwards.

In Turkish: rotasyon, dönme

How it is used

Physiotherapists usually say which direction: internal (medial) or external (lateral) rotation for the shoulder and hip, and rotation to the left or right for the neck and trunk. A typical note is 'cervical rotation to the right is limited and painful'.

Example sentences

  1. In frozen shoulder, external rotation is usually the most limited movement.

  2. Turn your head to the right as far as you can. Good, rotation looks normal.

Common collocations

  • internal rotation
  • external rotation
  • neck rotation
  • trunk rotation
  • flexionA bending movement that makes the angle between two parts of the body smaller, such as bending the elbow or the knee.
  • abductionA movement that takes a limb away from the midline of the body, such as lifting the arm out to the side.
  • frozen shoulderA condition in which the shoulder capsule becomes thick and tight, causing pain and a gradual, severe loss of movement, especially rotation.
  • range of motionHow far a joint can move in each direction, usually measured in degrees from a starting position.

More terms: Movement and Range of Motion

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