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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Exercise Therapy

Stretch

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/strɛtʃ/verbCore term

In physiotherapy, stretch means: To lengthen a muscle or other soft tissue by moving a part of the body into a position where it feels pulled, usually holding it there for some seconds.

In Turkish: germek, esnetmek, germe egzersizi

How it is used

Used as a verb and a noun: 'stretch your calf', 'a hamstring stretch'. Physiotherapists teach, demonstrate and prescribe stretches and tell patients what they should feel: 'a gentle stretch, not pain'. Static stretches are held still; dynamic stretches move in and out of the position.

Example sentences

  1. You should feel a stretch at the back of your thigh, but no pain.

  2. Stretch your calf against the wall and hold it for thirty seconds.

Common collocations

  • hamstring stretch
  • calf stretch
  • hold a stretch
  • gentle stretch
  • stretching exercises
  • range of motionHow far a joint can move in each direction, usually measured in degrees from a starting position.
  • holdTo keep a part of the body still in one position for a set time during an exercise or stretch, before relaxing.
  • home exercise programmeA set of exercises a patient is taught in clinic and then does alone at home, usually with written or illustrated instructions.
  • stiffnessA feeling that a joint or muscle is tight and hard to move, often worse after rest or first thing in the morning.

This word in other fields

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

More terms: Exercise Therapy

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