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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Exercise Therapy

Strengthening

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCore term

In physiotherapy, strengthening means: Exercise that makes muscles stronger by asking them to work against a load, such as body weight, an elastic band or weights.

In Turkish: kuvvetlendirme, güçlendirme

How it is used

Mostly used before another noun: strengthening exercises, a strengthening programme, quadriceps strengthening. Physiotherapists start, progress and increase the load of strengthening work, and often explain to patients that strength takes several weeks to build.

Example sentences

  1. We'll start some gentle strengthening for your hip next week.

  2. Quadriceps strengthening is a key part of managing knee osteoarthritis.

Common collocations

  • strengthening exercises
  • strengthening programme
  • quadriceps strengthening
  • progressive strengthening
  • resistance bandA long, stretchy rubber band used to add load to exercises; different colours usually show different levels of resistance.
  • isometric exerciseExercise in which a muscle works and tightens but the joint does not move, for example pushing against a wall.
  • progressionThe step-by-step increase in the difficulty or load of an exercise programme as the patient improves.
  • repetitionOne complete performance of an exercise movement, for example bending and straightening the knee once.

More terms: Exercise Therapy

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