Abbreviations in physiotherapy: Difference between revisions

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'''Top Contributors''' - {{Special:Contributors/{{FULLPAGENAME}}}}    
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= Description<br>  =
= Introduction  =


Abbreviations assist healthcare professionals to make effective use of their time. These abbreviations should be recognised and agreed upon in order to ensure best practice.<br>
Abbreviations assist healthcare professionals to streamline documentation and make more effective use of their time. These abbreviations should be recognised and agreed upon in order to ensure clear communication and prevent avoidable errors in patient care.  


<br>  
== Abbreviations ==
Approved abbreviations may vary widely by facility, area of practice, and geographical location. Below is a list of commonly used abbreviations that are relevant to physiotherapy practice.<ref>Castin, Meredith. The most common physical therapy abbreviations. Available from:https://www.webpt.com/blog/post/the-most-common-physical-therapy-abbreviations/ (accessed 04/29/2020).</ref><ref>Health Service Executive.https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/qid/quality-and-patient-safety-documents/abbreviations.pdf. NHO Abbreviations booklet.Available from:  (accessed 29 April 2020)</ref><ref>Bottomley JM. Quick reference dictionary for physical therapy. Slack Incorporated; 2000.</ref>
 
It is important to note however, that there are some exceptions, where '''abbreviations should not be used'''. These include:
 
* Patient's name and resuscitation status
* Drug names
* Patient/Service user names
* 'Right' or 'Left' - Except when used as part of an approved abbreviation
* +++, > or < - Unless used as part of an official grading system


The following Abbreviations are taken from the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) Code of Practice for Healthcare Records Management Version 2.&nbsp;<ref>http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/services/Hospitals/NHO_Abbreviations_Booklet.pdf</ref> and from wikipedia <ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_medical_abbreviations</ref>.
Abbreviations should never be used on:  


= Abbreviations:  =
# A consent form or
# On an incident report


== Units:  ==
=== Units:  ===


{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|-
|-
| Centimeter<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>
| Centimeter  
| &nbsp;cm
| &nbsp;cm
|-
|-
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<br>  
<br>  


== Frequency and time:  ==
=== Frequency and time:  ===


{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|+
|-
|-
| b.d./b.i.d.  
| b.d./b.i.d.  
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| Minute
| Minute
|-
|-
| s  
|s
| Second
|second
| x/52
| x weeks
|-
| x/12
| x Months
|}
|}


<br>  
<br>  


== Routes of Administration  ==
=== Routes of Administration: ===


{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|-
|-
| IV  
| IV  
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| SL  
| SL  
| Sublingually
| Sublingually
|-
|
|
|}
|}


<br>  
<br>  


== Never abbreviate ==
=== A ===


{| width="560" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|-
| '''ABBREVIATION'''
| '''DEFINITION'''
|-
|-
| Patient's resuscitation status
| AAA
| Abdominal [[Aortic Aneurysm]]
|-
|AAROM
|active assist [[Range of Motion|range of motion]]
|-
|ABD
|abduction
|-
|ABG
|  
|  
[[Arterial Blood Gases|Arterial blood gas]]
|-
|ACDF
|anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
|-
|ACL
|[[Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)|anterior cruciate ligament]]
|-
|ACTH
|adrenocorticotropic hormone
|-
|ACJ
|[[Acromioclavicular Joint|acromioclavicular joint]]
|-
|ACS
|[[Acute Coronary Syndrome|Acute coronary syndrome]]
|-
|AD
|[[Assistive Devices|assistive device]]
|-
|ADD
|adduction
|-
|ADL
|[[Activities of Daily Living|activities of daily living]]
|-
|AFO
|ankle foot orthosis
|-
|AIDS
|acquired immune deficiency syndrome
|-
|ASIS
|Anterior superior iliac spine
|-
|AKA
|above knee amputation
|-
|ALS
|amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
|-
|AMS
|altered mental status
|-
|AMA
|against medical advice
|-
|Amb
|ambulation
|-
|-
| Drug names
|Ant
|  
|anterior
|-
|A/P
|anterior-posterior
|-
|-
| Right OR Left
|Ab
| Except when used as part of an approved abbreviation
|Antibody
|-
|-
| +++, &gt;, &lt;
|ACE
| Avoided unless used as part of an official grading system
|Angiotensin converting enzyme
|-
|-
| +ve, -ve
|ADH
| Can use Pos. and Neg. instead
|Anti-diuretic hormone
|-
|-
|  
|ADHD
Patient/Service users name
|Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
 
| <br>
|-
|-
|  
|AF, Afib
|  
|Atrial fibrillation
|-
|-
| No abbreviations on a consent form
|AR
|  
|acute rehabilitation
|-
|-
| No abbreviations on an incident report
|AROM
|  
|active range of motion
|}
|}
 
=== B ===
<br>
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
 
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
== # ==
|'''DEFINITION'''
 
|-
{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|B
|bilateral
|-
|-
| 5Ds
|BEA
| Dizziness, diplopia, drop<br>attacks, dysorthria, dysphagia
|below elbow amputation
|-
|-
| 9HPT
|BKA
| Nine Hole&nbsp;
|below knee amputation
|-
|-
|  
|BOS
|  
|base of support
|-
|-
|  
|BP
|  
|blood pressure
|-
|-
|  
|bpm
|  
|beats per minute
|}
|}


<br>
=== C ===
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
== A ==
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
 
|'''DEFINITION'''
{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|-
|c (with a line over it)
|with
|-
|C0/C1
|Atlanto-axial joint
|-
|C1-7
|Cervical vertebrae 1-7
|-
|CABG
|Coronary artery bypass graft
|-
|CAD
|Coronary artery disease
|-
|Cal
|Calorie
|-
|CBC
|Complete blood count
|-
|CC
|chief complaint, current complaint
|-
|CCA
|Common carotid artery
|-
|CCU
|Coronary care unit
|-
|CES
|Cauda equina syndrome
|-
|CFS
|Chronic fatigue syndrome
|-
|CGA
|Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment or Contact Guard Assist
|-
|CHF
|Congestive heart failure
|-
|c/o
|Complains of
|-
|CO
|Cardiac output
|-
|CO2
|Carbon dioxide
|-
|COTA
|Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
|-
|CN
|cranial nerve
|-
|COPD
|Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
|-
|CPAP
|Continuous positive airway pressure
|-
|CPM
|continuous passive motion machine
|-
|CPR
|Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
|-
|creps
|Crepitations
|-
|CRF
|Chronic renal failure
|-
|CSF
|Cerebrospinal fluid
|-
|CT
|Computerised tomography
|-
|CTO
|cervicothoracic orthosis
|-
|-
| '''ABBREVIATION'''
|CTS
| '''DEFINITION'''
|Carpal tunnel syndrome
|-
|-
| A&amp;A
|CTx
| Aids and Appliances
|cervical traction
|-
|-
| AAA
|CVA
| Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
|Cerebrovascular accident
|-
|-
| <br>
|CVP
|  
|Central venous pressure
<br>
 
|}
|}
ABG- Arterial blood gas<br>ACL – anterior cruciate ligament <br>ACTH – adrenocorticotropic hormone<br>ADL – activities of daily living<br>AFO – ankle foot orthosis<br>AIDS – acquired immune deficiency syndrome<br>ASIS- Anterior superior iliacspine<br>AJ – ankle jerk<br>AK – above knee<br>ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
ANS – autonomic nervous system<br>AMA – against medical advice<br>Ant. – anterior<br>AP – anterior-posterior<br>AAV AIDS-associated virus<br>AAL Anterior axillary line<br>Ab Antibody<br>AB Apex beat<br>ACE Angiotensin converting enzyme<br>Add Adduction (physio)<br>Abd Abduction (physio)<br>ACS Acute coronary syndrome<br>ADH Anti-diuretic hormone<br>ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder<br>AF Atrial fibrillation<br>AFB Acid fast bacilli<br><br>
== B  ==
BE – below elbow<br>
BK – below knee<br>BOS – base of support<br>BP – blood pressure<br>bpm – beats per minute
== C  ==
C1-7 &nbsp; - Cervical vertebrae 1-7<br>CABG -Coronary artery bypass graft<br>CAD -Coronary artery disease<br>Cal. -Calorie<br>CBC -Complete blood count<br>CCA -Common carotid artery<br>CCU -Coronary care unit<br>CES -Cauda equina syndrome<br>CFS -Chronic fatigue syndrome<br>CHB -Complete heart block<br>CHD -Congenital heart disease<br>Chol. -Cholesterol<br>CHF -Congestive heart failure<br>CMV -Cytomegalovirus
c/o -Complains of<br>CO -Cardiac output<br>CO2- Carbon dioxide<br>COAD -Chronic ostructive airways disease<br>COB -Chronic obstructive bronchitis<br>CO/C1- Atlanto-axial joint <br>COPD- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease<br>CPAP- Continuous positive airway pressure<br>CPB/CPBP -Cardiopulmonary bypass<br>CPD -Cephalopelvic disproportion<br>CPR -Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation<br>creps.- Crepitations<br>CREST(syndrome) -abbreviation for calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasis<br>CRF -Chronic renal failure<br>CRHD- Chronic rheumatic heart disease<br>CSF- Cerebrospinal fluid<br>CT -Computerised tomography<br>CTS- Carpal tunnel syndrome<br>CVP- Central venous pressure<br>CVS -Cardiovascular system<br><br>
== D  ==
== D  ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|DASH
|Disability of arm, shoulder, hand
|-
|D/C
|Discharge
|-
|DBP
|diastolic blood pressure
|-
|DDx
|Differential diagnosis
|-
|DDD
|Degenerative disc disorder
|-
|Dec
|Decreased
|-
|DF
|Dorsiflexion
|-
|DHS
|Dynamic hip screw
|-
|DI
|Diabetes Insipidus
|-
|DJD
|Degenerative joint disease
|-
|DM
|Diabetes mellitus
|-
|DOB
|Date of birth
|-
|DOE
|Dyspnoea on exertion
|}
== E  ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|ECG
|electrocardiogram
|-
|ED
|emergency department
|-
|EEG
|electroencephalogram, electroencephalograph
|-
|EMG
|electromyogram, electromyography
|-
|EOB
|edge of bed
|-
|ER
|external rotation
|-
|EVD
|extraventricular drain
|-
|Ext
|extension
|-
|Ev
|eversion
|}


DASH -Disability of arm, shoulder, hand<br>D/C- Discharge <br>DDx -Differential diagnosis<br>DD -Dangerous drugs<br>DDD -Degenerative disc disorder<br>Dec. -Decreased <br>DF -Dorsiflexion (physio)<br>DHS -Dynamic hip screw<br>DI -Diabetes Insipidus<br>DIU -Death in-utero<br>DJD --Degenerative joint disease<br>DM -Diabetes mellitus<br>DOB --Date of birth<br>DOE --Dyspnoea on exertion<br><br>
===  F ===
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
== E<br>  ==
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
 
|'''DEFINITION'''
ECG Electrocardiogram<br>EEG – electroencephalogram, electroencephalograph<br>EMG – electromyogram, electromyography<br>Ex's – exercises<br>EOR End of range<br>Exp. Expiratory<br>Ext. Extension
|-
 
|Fx
== F  ==
|Fracture
 
|-
FBS – fasting blood sugar<br>FH – family history<br>FES -Functional electrical stimulation<br>FET -Forced expiratory technique (physio)<br>FEV -Forced expiratory volume (physio)<br>FEV1 -Forced expiratory volume in one second<br>FFA -Free fatty acids<br>FHR -Foetal heart rate<br>FHS- Foetal heart sounds<br>FIM -Functional independence measure <br>Flex. -Flexion<br>FRC- Functional residual capacity<br>FSH -Follicle stimulating hormone<br>FTD -Full term delivery<br>F/U- Follow up<br>FVC -Forced vital capacity<br>FWB -Full weight bearing <br>Fx -Fracture
|FFH
 
|fall from height
<br>
|-
|FVC
|Forced vital capacity
|-
|FWB
|Full weight bearing
|-
|F/U
|Follow up
|-
|FSH
|Follicle stimulating hormone
|-
|FRC
|Functional residual capacity
|-
|Flex
|Flexion
|-
|FIM
|Functional independence measure
|-
|FHS
|Foetal heart sounds
|-
|FHR
|Foetal heart rate
|-
|FEV  
|Forced expiratory volume
|-
|FEV1  
|Forced expiratory volume in one second
|-
|FET
|Forced expiratory technique
|-
|FES
|Functional electrical stimulation
|-
|FAS
|fetal alcohol syndrome
|-
|FWW
|front-wheeled walker
|}


== G  ==
== G  ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
GA -General anaesthetic<br>GCS-Glasgow coma scale<br>GDM -Gestational diabetes mellitus<br>GFR -Glomerular filtration rate<br>GFSH -Growth factor stimulating hormone<br>GH -Growth hormone<br>GIT -Gastrointestinal tract<br>GMFCS -Gross Motor Function Classification Scale<br>GRF -Ground reaction force<br>GRH -Growth releasing hormone<br>GTT -Glucose tolerance test<br>GSW – gunshot wound  
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|GCS
|Glasgow coma scale
|-
|GBS
|Guilllain-Barré Syndrome
|-
|GDM
|Gestational diabetes mellitus
|-
|GFR
|Glomerular filtration rate
|-
|GFSH
|Growth factor stimulating hormone
|-
|GH
|Growth hormone
|-
|GHJ
|glenohumeral joint
|-
|GMFCS
|Gross Motor Function Classification Scale
|-
|GRH
|Growth releasing hormone
|-
|GTT
|Glucose tolerance test
|-
|GSW
|gunshot wound
|}


== H  ==
== H  ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
Hb -Haemoglobin<br>HAD -Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale<br>HBB- Hand behind back<br>HBH -Hand behind head<br>HBV- Hepatitis B Virus<br>H&amp;C -Huff and cough <br>HCV -Hepatitis C virus<br>HCVD -Hypertensive cardiovascular disease<br>HDL -High density lipoprotein<br>HEP -Home exercise program (physio)<br>Hep A, B, C -Hepatitis A, B, C etc..<br>HGH -Human growth hormone<br>HI -Head injury<br>HIV -Human immunodeficiency virus<br>HIVD -Herniated intervertebral disc<br>HMD -Hyaline membrane disease<br>H/O, HO -History of<br>HR -Heart rate<br>HPV- Human papilloma virus<br>HRT-Hormone replacement therapy<br>HS -Heart sounds<br>H Sit. -High sitting<br>HSV -Herpes simplex virus<br>Ht -Height<br>HTLV -Human T-cell lymphotropic virus<br>HTN- Hypertension<br>Hx- History
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|Hb
|Haemoglobin
|-
|HIV  
|Human immunodeficiency virus
|-
|HIVD  
|Herniated intervertebral disc
|-
|H/O  
|History of
|-
|HO
|heterotrophic ossification
|-
|HOB
|head of bed
|-
|HR  
|Heart rate
|-
|HRT
|Hormone replacement therapy
|-
|HS  
|Heart sounds
|-
|H Sit.  
|High sitting
|-
|Ht  
|Height
|-
|HTN
|Hypertension
|-
|Hx
|History
|-
|HGH
|Human growth hormone
|-
|Hep A, B, C
|Hepatitis A, B, C
|-
|HEP
|Home exercise program
|-
|HDL
|High density lipoprotein
|-
|HCV
|Hepatitis C virus
|-
|HKFO
|hip-knee-ankle-foot arthosis
|-
|H&amp;C
|Huff and cough
|-
|HH
|home health
|-
|HI
|Head injury
|-
|HBV
|Hepatitis B Virus
|-
|HBH
|hand behind head
|-
|HBB
|Hand behind back
|}


== I  ==
== I  ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
IC— Informed consent<br>ICA&nbsp;-Internal carotid artery<br>ICD -ntercostal drain<br>ICP -Intracranial pressure<br>ICS -Intercostal space<br>ICU- Intensive Care Unit<br>IE -Inspiratory:expiratory (ratio) <br>IFT -Interferential therapy<br>Ig -Immunoglobulin<br>IHD -Ischaemic heart disease<br>IMT -Isometric muscle testing<br>IMV -Intermittent mandatory ventilation<br>Inf. -Inferior<br>Insp. -Inspiratory&nbsp;<br>Int. -Internal&nbsp;<br>Inv. -Inversion&nbsp;<br>IOP -Intraocular pressure<br>IPPB -Intermittent positive pressure breathing&nbsp;<br>IPPR -Intermittent positive pressure respiration<br>IPPV -Intermittent positive pressure ventilation&nbsp;<br>IQ -Intelligence quotient<br>IR -Internal rotation&nbsp;<br>IRDS -Infant respiratory distress syndrome<br>IRQ -Inner range quadriceps&nbsp;<br>IRV -Inspiratory reserve volume<br>ISC -Intermittent self catheterisation<br>IST -Infraspinatus tendon&nbsp;<br>ISWT -Incremental Shuttle Walk Test <br>I/T -Intermittent&nbsp;<br>I/T C Tx -Intermittent cervical traction<br>I/T L Tx -Intermittent lumbar traction<br>IUCD -Intrauterine contraceptive device<br>IUD -Intrauterine death<br>IUFD -Intrauterine foetal death<br>IUGR -Intrauterine growth retardation<br>IVC -Inferior vena cava<br>IVD -Intervertebral disc<br>IVSD -Interventricular septal defect<br>IFC – interferential current
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|I
|Independence
|-
|Ig
|Immunoglobulin
|-
|I:E
|Inspiratory:expiratory (ratio)
|-
|ICU
|Intensive Care Unit
|-
|ICS
|Intercostal space
|-
|ICP
|Intracranial pressure
|-
|ICD
|Intercostal drain
|-
|ICA&nbsp;
|Internal carotid artery
|-
|I&D
|incision and drainage
|-
|IFC
|Interferential current
|-
|Inf.  
|Inferior&nbsp;
|-
|IMV
|Intermittent mandatory ventilation
|-
|Inv.  
|Inversion
|-
|IPPV 
|Intermittent positive pressure ventilation
|-
|IPPR
|Intermittent positive pressure respiration
|-
|IVC
|Inferior vena cava
|-
|IPPB
|Intermittent positive pressure breathing&nbsp;
|-
|IFC
|interferential current
|-
|IVSD
|Interventricular septal defect
|-
|IVD
|Intervertebral disc
|-
|IP
|inpatient
|-
|IR
|internal rotation
|-
|IRDS  
|Infant respiratory distress syndrome
|-
|IRF
|inpatient rehabilitation facility
|-
|IRV  
|Inspiratory reserve volume
|-
|ISC  
|Intermittent self catheterisation
|-
|ISWT  
|Incremental Shuttle Walk Test  
|-
|ITB
|Iliotibial band
|-
|I/T  
|Intermittent&nbsp;
|}


== J  ==
== J  ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
JCA -Juvenile chronic arthritis<br>JDM -Juvenile diabetes mellitus<br>JRA -Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis<br>Jt. -Joint<br>JVP -Jugular venous pressure
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|JCA  
|Juvenile chronic arthritis
|-
|JDM
|Juvenile diabetes mellitus
|-
|JRA  
|Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis<br>
|-
|jt
|joint
|-
|JVP
|jagular venous pressure
|}
<br>  


== K  ==
== K  ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|KAFO
|knee ankle foot orthosis
|}
<br> 


KJ -knee jerk<br>K -Wire Kirschner wire<br>KAFO – knee ankle foot orthosis
=== L  ===
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
== L  ==
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|L 1-5
|Lumbar vertebrae 1-5
|-
|LBP
|Low back pain&nbsp;
|-
|LBQC
|large-based quad cane
|-
|LBW
|Low birth weight
|-
|LCL
|Lateral collateral ligament&nbsp;
|-
|LCM
|Left costal margin
|-
|LDL
|Low-Density-Lipoprotein type
|-
|LE
|lower extremity
|-
|LFT
|Liver function test
|-
|LHF
|Left heart failure
|-
|Ligs.
|Ligaments
|-
|LOC
|Loss of consciousness
|-
|LOW
|Loss of weight
|-
|LP
|Lumbar puncture
|-
|LTx
|lumbar traction
|-
|LMN
|lower motor neuron
|-
|LOS
|length of stay
|-
|LSO
|lumbrosacral orthosis
|-
|LTG
|long-term goal
|}


L 1-5 -Lumbar vertebrae 1-5<br>LA -Local anaesthetic<br>Lat – lateral<br>LBE -Lateral basal expansion&nbsp;<br>LBP -Low back pain&nbsp;<br>LBW -Low birth weight<br>LCA -Left coronary artery<br>LCCS -Low cervical caesarean section<br>LCL -Lateral collateral ligament&nbsp;<br>LCM -Left costal margin<br>LCx -Left circumflex<br>LDDD -Lumbar degenerative disc disorder<br>LDL -Low-Density-Lipoprotein type<br>LFA -Left femoral artery<br>LFTs -Liver function tests<br>LGA -Large for gestational age<br>LH -Luteinising hormone<br>LHF -Left heart failure<br>LICS -Left intercostal space<br>LIF -Left iliac fossa<br>ligs. -Ligaments<br>LOC -Loss of consciousness<br>LOW -Loss of weight<br>LP -Lumbar puncture<br>LRTI -Lower respiratory tract infection<br>LS -Lumbosacral<br>LTHR -Left total hip replacement<br>LMN – lower motor neuron<br>LMNL – lower motor neuron lesion<br>LOS – length of stay<br>LTG – long term goal
<br><br><br><br><br>  


== M  ==
== M  ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|MAP
|mean arterial pressure
|-
|MAS
|Motor assessment scale
|-
|MaxA
|Maximum assistance
|-
|MCA
|Middle cerebral artery
|-
|MCP
|Metacarpophalangeal
|-
|MD
|Muscular dystrophy
|-
|MI
|myocardial infarction
|-
|MinA
|minimal assistance
|-
|Meds
|Medications
|-
|M/L
|Medial-lateral
|-
|Mhz
|Megahertz
|-
|MFR
|myofascial release
|-
|MMSE
|Mini mental state examination
|-
|MMT
|Manual muscle testing&nbsp;
|-
|ModA
|moderate assistance
|-
|ModI
|modified independence
|-
|MRI
|Magnetic resonance imaging
|-
|MTP, MTrP
|myofascial trigger point
|-
|MTP
|Metatarsophalangeal


MAP – mean arterial pressure<br>MED – minimal erythemal dose<br>MAS -Motor assessment scale<br>Max. -Maximum<br>MCA -Middle cerebral artery<br>MCP -Metacarpophalangeal <br>MD -Muscular dystrophy<br>MI – myocardial infarction<br>MDI -Metered dose inhaler<br>Meds -Medications<br>Med. -Medial <br>MGTT -Modified glucose tolerance test<br>MHI -Manual hyperinflation <br>Mhz -Megahertz<br>MMSE -Mini mental state examination<br>MMT -Manual muscle testing&nbsp;<br>MND -Motor neurone disease<br>MRI -Magnetic resonance imaging<br>MRP -Motor relearning programme<br>MTP -Metatarsophalangea<br>MVA -Motor vehicle accident<br>MVD -Mitral valve disease<br>movt. -Movement<br>Mx -Management<br>MS – multiple sclerosis  
|-  
 
|MVA  
MCL- medial collateral ligament  
|Motor vehicle accident
 
|-
|MVD
|Mitral valve disease
|-  
|MS
|multiple sclerosis  
|-
|MCL
| medial collateral ligament  
|}
<br><br><br><br>
== N  ==
== N  ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|-
| NBM  
| NBM  
| Nil By Mouth
| Nil by Mouth
|-
|NAD
|No abnormality detected
|-
|NCV
|Nerve conduction study
|-
|Neb.
|Nebuliser/nebulised
|-
|NIBP
|Non-invasive blood pressure
|-
|NICU
|Neonatal intensive care unit
|-
|NIDDM
|Not insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
|-
|NIHSS
|National Institute of Health Stroke Scale&nbsp;
|-
|NIMV
|Non invasive mask ventilation
|-
|NIPV
|Non invasive pressure ventilation
|-
|NP
|Non productive
|-
|NPO
|nothing by mouth
|-
|NT
|not tested
|-
|NMES
|neuromuscular electrical stimulation
|-
|NWB
|Non weight bearing
|-
|NSMDA
|Neurosensory Motor Developmental Assessment
|-
|NDT
|neurodevelopmental technique
|}
-<br><br><br><br><br>
== O  ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|O2
|Oxygen
|-
|OPD
|Outpatients Department
|-
|Ortho.
|Orthopaedics
|-
|OA
| osteoarthritis
|-
|ORIF
|open reduction, internal fixation
|-
|OOB
|out of bed
|-
|OT
|Occupational Therapy
|}
|}
<br>  
<br>  
NAD -No abnormality detected<br>NCV -Nerve conduction study<br>Neb. -Nebuliser/nebulised<br>NIBP -Non-invasive blood pressure<br>NICU -Neonatal intensive care unit<br>NIDDM -Not insulin dependent diabetes mellitus<br>NIHSS -National Institute of Health Stroke Scale&nbsp;<br>NIMV -Non invasive mask ventilation<br>9-HPT -Nine-Hole Peg Test<br>NIPV -Non invasive pressure ventilation<br>NOF -Neck of femur<br>NOH -Neck of humerus<br>NP -Non productive<br>NWB -Non weight bearing<br>NSMDA -Neurosensory Motor Developmental Assessment<br>NDT – neurodevelopmental treatment
== O  ==
O2 -Oxygen<br>O: -Objective<br>OPD -Outpatients Department<br>Ortho. -Orthopaedics<br>ORQ -Outer range quadriceps<br>OA – osteoarthritis<br>OB – obstetrics<br>ORIF – open reduction, internal fixation<br>


== P  ==
== P  ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
P – poor (used in muscle testing)<br>P: - plan<br>Paed -Paediatrics<br>palp. -Palpitations<br>PA – posterior/anterior<br>para – paraplegia<br>PCL – posterior cruciate ligament<br>PE – pulmonary embolus<br>PEEP – positive end expiratory pressure<br>PF – plantar flexion<br>PNF – proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation  
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
 
|'''DEFINITION'''
PNI – peripheral nerve injury  
|-
 
|p (with a line over it)
POMR – problem-oriented medical record<br>post. – posterior  
|after
 
|-
post-op – after surgery  
|P
 
| poor (used in muscle testing)
PRE – progressive resistive exercise  
|-
 
|Paed
pre-op – before operation<br>PROM – passive range of motion
|Paediatrics
 
|-
PROME – passive range of motion exercise
|P/A
 
| posterior/anterior
PSIS – posterior superior iliac spine<br>PTB – patellar tendon bearing  
|-
 
|para  
PVD – peripheral vascular disease  
|paraplegia
 
|-
PWB – partial weight bearing<br>PDA -Patent ductus arteriosus<br>PDMS -Peabody Developmental Motor Scale&nbsp;<br>PDx -Provisional diagnosis<br>PE -Physical examination<br>PEDI -Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory&nbsp;<br>PEEP -Positive end expiratory pressure&nbsp;<br>PEFR -Peak expiratory flow rate <br>PENS -Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulator<br>PF -Patellofemoral<br>PFR -Peak flow rate<br>PFT -Pulmonary function test<br>PFx -Pelvic floor exercises&nbsp;<br>PGH -Pituitary growth hormone<br>PICA -Posterior inferior cerebral artery<br>PIP -Proximal interphalangeal<br>PIVD -Prolapsed intervertebral disc<br>PKB -Prone knee bend<br>
|PCL  
 
|posterior cruciate ligament
|-
|PEEP
|positive end expiratory pressure
|-
|PF
| plantar flexion
|-
|PMHx
|past medical history
|-
|PNF  
|proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation  
|-
|PNI
|peripheral nerve injury  
|-
|POC
|plan of care
|-
|POMR
| problem-oriented medical record
|-
|post.  
|posterior  
|-
|post-op
|after surgery  
|-
|PRE  
|progressive resistive exercise  
|-
|pre-op
|before operation
|-
|PROM  
|passive range of motion  
|-
|PSIS
|posterior superior iliac spine
|-
|PTB
|patellar tendon bearing  
|-
|pt
|patient
|-
|PT
|physiotherapy/ physical therapy, physiotherapist/
physical therapist
|-
|PTA
|physical therapist  assistant
|-
|PVC
|premature ventricular contractions
|-
|PVD  
|peripheral vascular disease  
|-
|PWB
|partial weight bearing
|-
|PD
|Parkinson's Disease
|-
|PDMS  
|Peabody Developmental Motor Scale&nbsp;
|-
|PE  
|pulmonary embolism
|-
|PEDI  
|Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory&nbsp;
|-
|PEEP
|Positive end expiratory pressure&nbsp;
|-
|PEFR
|Peak expiratory flow rate  
|-
|PENS
|Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulator
|-
|PFR
|Peak flow rate
|-
|PFT
|Pulmonary function test
|-
|PICA  
|Posterior inferior cerebral artery
|-
|PIP  
|Proximal interphalangeal
|}
== Q  ==
== Q  ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
quad. -Quadraplegia<br>quads. -Quadriceps  
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|quad.  
|Quadraplegia
|-
|quads.  
|Quadriceps
|}


== R  ==
== R  ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|-
| ROM&nbsp;  
| ROM&nbsp;  
| Range Of Movement
| Range Of Movement
|-
|RA
|Rheumatoid arthritis<br>
|-
|Rehab –
|rehabilitation
|-
|RDS -
|Respiratory distress syndrome
|-
|Rh -ve -
|Rhesus factor negative
|-
|Rh +ve -
|Rhesus factor positive
|-
|RHD -
|Rheumatic heart disease
|-
|R/O -
|rule out
|-
|RR
|Respiratory rate
|-
|RPE
|Rating of percieved exertion
|-
|RTI
|Respiratory tract infection
|}
|}
<br>
RA -Rheumatoid arthritis<br>Rehab – rehabilitation<br>RDS -Respiratory distress syndrome<br>REIL -Repeated extension in lying&nbsp;<br>REIS -Repeated extension in sitting&nbsp;<br>RFIL -Repeated flexion in lying<br>RFIS -Repeated flexion in standing<br>REM -Rapid eye movement<br>rep. -Repeated&nbsp;<br>Resp. -Respiratory<br>ret. -Retraction<br>Rh -ve -Rhesus factor negative<br>Rh +ve -Rhesus factor positive<br>RHD -Rheumatic heart disease<br>RHF -Right heart failure<br>RIP -Raised intracranial pressure<br>RJ -Radial jerk<br>R-J -Robert Jones (bandage)<br>R/O -Removal of<br>rot. -Rotation <br>RR -Respiratory rate<br>RTI -Respiratory tract infection<br>RVF -Right ventricular failure<br>RVH -Right ventricular hypertrophy<br>


== S  ==
== S  ==
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|S
|supervision
|-
|S1-5
|Sacral vertebrae (1-5)
|-
|SpO2
|Oxygen saturation<br>
|-
|SAH
|Subarachnoid haemorrhage<br>
|-
|SBP
|systolic blood pressure
|-
|SBA
|stand by assistance
|-
|SBQC
|small-based quad cane
|-
|SDH
|Subdural haemorrhage/haematoma<br>
|-
|SIJ
|Sacroiliac joint<br>
|-
|S/L
|Side lying <br>
|-
|SLAP
|Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion<br>
|-
|SLE
|Systemic lupus erythematosus<br>
|-
|SLR
|Straight leg raising&nbsp;<br>
|-
|SLS
|Single leg stance<br>
|-
|s/p
|status-post
|-
|SPC
|Single point cane&nbsp;<br>
|-
|STM
|Soft tissue mobilization<br>
|-
|STS
|sit to stand
|-
|SVC
|Superior vena cava<br |- |>
|-
|sx
|surgery
|-
|SACH
|solid ankle cushion heel<br>
|-
|SCI
| spinal cord injury<br>
|-
|SCJ
|sternoclavicular joint<br>
|-
|SNF
|skilled nursing facility
|-
|SOAP
|– subjective, objective, assessment, plan<br>
|-
|SOB
| shortness of breath<br>
|-
|STG
|short-term goal<br>
|-
|-
| SA Node
|sup.
| Sinoatrial Node
|superior<br><br>
|}
|}
=== T  ===


<br>  
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|TENS
|Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
|-
|TFA
|Transfemoral amputation
|-
|TFL
|Tensor fasciae latae
|-
|Tx
|Traction
|-
|THA
|Total hip arthroplasty
|-
|THR
|Total hip replacement
|-
|TIA
|Transient ischaemic attack
|-
|TKA
|Total knee arthroplasty
|-
|TKR
|Total knee replacement
|-
|TLSO
|thoracolumbrosacral orthosis
|-
|TLR
|Tonic labyrinthine reflex
|-
|TMJ
|temporomandibular joint
|-
|TNR
|tonic neck reflex<br>
|-
|TA, TrA
|Transversus abdominis&nbsp;
|-
|TRH
|Thyrotropin-releasing hormone<br>
|-
|TSH
|Thyroid stimulating hormone<br>
|-
|TotalA
|total assistance
|-
|TTA
|Transtibial amputation<br>
|-
|TTP
|tenderness to palpation
|-
|TUG
|Timed up and go
|-
|TV
|Tidal volume <br>
|-
|TBI
|Traumatic brain injury
|-
|TB
|Tuberculosis
|-
|T1-12
|Thoracic vertebrae (1-12)
|}


S1-5 -Sacral vertebrae (1-5)<br>SaO2 -Oxygen saturation<br>SAFG -Short arm fibreglass (cast)<br>SAPOP -Short arm plaster of paris<br>SAH -Subarachnoid haemorrhage<br>SDH -Subdural haemorrhage/haematoma<br>S/E -Subjective examination <br>SFL/R -Side flexion left/right <br>SGIS -Side glide in standing&nbsp;<br>Sh. -Shoulder <br>SIJ -Sacro-iliac joint<br>SL -Side lying <br>SLAP -Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion<br>SLE -Systemic lupus erythematosus<br>SLFG -Short leg fibreglass (cast) <br>SLPOP -Short leg plaster of Paris&nbsp;<br>SLR -Straight leg raising&nbsp;<br>SLS -Single leg stand<br>SMI -Sustained maximal inspiration<br>Sn -Suction<br>Spiro. -Spirometry<br>SPS -Single point stick&nbsp;<br>Sput. -Sputum<br>SQ -Static quadriceps<br>s-s -Side to side <br>SST -Supraspinatus tendon<br>STM -Short term memory<br>STML -Short term memory loss<br>STR -Soft tissue release<br>Strep. -Streptococcus<br>subcut. -Subcutaneous<br>subj. -Subjective<br>Subscap. -Subscapularis (tendon) <br>Sup. -Supination<br>Sub US -Subaquatic ultrasound<br>SVC -Superior vena cava<br>Sx -Surgery<br>SACH – solid ankle cushion heel<br>SCI – spinal cord injury<br>SC jt. – sternoclavicular joint<br>SED – suberythemal dose<br>SOAP – subjective, objective, assessment, plan<br>SOB – shortness of breath<br>STG – short term goal<br>sup. – superior<br><br>
=== &nbsp;U ===


== T  ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
 
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
T1-12 -Thoracic vertebrae (1-12)<br>TB -Tuberculosis<br>TA -Tendoachilles<br>TBI -Traumatic brain injury<br>TBW -Tension band wiring<br>Temp. -Temperature<br>TENS -Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
|'''DEFINITION'''
 
|-
TEV -Talipes equinovarus&nbsp;<br>TFA -Transfemoral amputation&nbsp;<br>TFL -Tensor fasciae latae&nbsp;<br>TFT -Thyroid function tests<br>T/F -Transfer (physio)<br>TG -Triglycerides<br>THA -Total hip arthroplasty<br>THR -Total hip replacement<br>TIA -Transient ischaemic attack<br>TJ -Triceps jerks<br>TKA -Total knee arthroplasty<br>TKR -Total knee replacement<br>TLR -Tonic labyrinthine reflex<br>TMJ – temporomandibular joint<br>TNR – tonic neck reflex<br>TMT -Tarsometatarsal <br>TOP -Termination of pregnancy<br>TORCH(complex) -Toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex<br>TPP -Time, place and person<br>TPR -Temperature, pulse and respiration<br>TrA -Transversus abdominis&nbsp;<br>tract. -Traction<br>traps. -Trapezius&nbsp;<br>TRH -Thyrotropin-releasing hormone<br>TSH -Thyroid stimulating hormone<br>TTA -Transtibial amputation<br>TV -Tidal volume <br>Tx -Traction
|UE
 
|upper extremity
== &nbsp;U ==
|-
 
|UVR
<br>UL -Upper limb<br>ULTT -Upper limb tension test <br>ULTT1-3 -Upper limb tension test 1-3 <br>UMN -Upper motor neuron<br>UMNL – upper motor neuron lesion<br>U/O -Urine output<br>UPDRS -Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale<br>URT -Upper respiratory tract<br>URTI -Upper respiratory tract infection<br>US;U/S -Ultrasound<br>UVR -Ultraviolet radiation
|Ultraviolet radiation
|-
|US, U/S
|Ultra sound
|-
|U/O
|Urine output
|-
|UMN
|Upper motor neuron
|-
|ULTT
|Upper limb tension test  
|-
|UTI
|urinary tract infection
|}
<br><br>


== V  ==
=== V  ===


{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|-
| VAS  
| VAS  
| Visual Analogue Scale
| Visual Analogue Scale
|-
|VBI
|Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
|-
|VC
|Vital capacity
|-
|VEP
|Visual evoked potential
|-
|VF
|Ventricular fibrillation
|-
|VS
|Vital signs
|}
|}


== W  ==
<br>


{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
=== W  ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|-
| WZF&nbsp;
|WB
| Wheeled Zimmer Frame
|Weight bearing
|-
|WBAT
|weight bearing as tolerated
|-
|W/C
|Wheelchair
|-
|wk
|week
|-
|Wt
|Weight
|-
|2WF
|Two-wheeled frame
|-
|4WF
|Four-wheeled frame
|-
|Wee-FIM
|Paediatric functional independence measure
|-
|WFL
|Within functional limits
|-
|WNL
|Within normal limits
|-
|w/o
|Without
|}
|}


== X ==
=== X ===
 
== Y  ==


== Z ==
=== Y ===
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
{| width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"
|'''ABBREVIATION'''
|'''DEFINITION'''
|-
|-
| ZF
|y/o
| Zimmer Frame
|Years old
|}
|}


= References  =
=== Z  ===
 
== References  ==


<br> <references />
<br> <references />
[[Category:Help]]
[[Category:Medical]]
[[Category:Acute Care]]

Latest revision as of 21:40, 3 October 2023

Original Editor - Ruairi O'Donohoe

Top Contributors - Garima Gedamkar, Ruairi O'Donohoe, Rewan Elsayed Elkanafany, Karen Wilson, Kim Jackson, Ewa Jaraczewska, Lauren Heydenrych, Scott Buxton, Lucinda hampton, Aminat Abolade, Venkata Nagaraj Mummadisetty and Leana Louw  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Abbreviations assist healthcare professionals to streamline documentation and make more effective use of their time. These abbreviations should be recognised and agreed upon in order to ensure clear communication and prevent avoidable errors in patient care.

Abbreviations[edit | edit source]

Approved abbreviations may vary widely by facility, area of practice, and geographical location. Below is a list of commonly used abbreviations that are relevant to physiotherapy practice.[1][2][3]

It is important to note however, that there are some exceptions, where abbreviations should not be used. These include:

  • Patient's name and resuscitation status
  • Drug names
  • Patient/Service user names
  • 'Right' or 'Left' - Except when used as part of an approved abbreviation
  • +++, > or < - Unless used as part of an official grading system

Abbreviations should never be used on:

  1. A consent form or
  2. On an incident report

Units:[edit | edit source]

Centimeter  cm
Gram  g 
Kilocalorie  kcal
Kilogram  Kg
Litre  L
Milligram  mg
Millilitre  ml
Millimetre  mm
Millimole  Mmol


Frequency and time:[edit | edit source]

b.d./b.i.d. Twice daily
Mane In the morning
Nocte At night
p.r.n. When required
q.d.s./q.i.d. Four times daily
STAT Immediately
Tarde In the evening
t.d.s./t.i.d. Three times daily
h Hour
Mins. Minute
s second


Routes of Administration:[edit | edit source]

IV Intravenously
IM Intramuscularly
NG Nasogastric
PEG Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrotomy
PO Per Oral (oral by mouth)
PV Per vaginal
SC Subcutaneously
PR Per Rectum
SL Sublingually


A[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
AAA Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
AAROM active assist range of motion
ABD abduction
ABG

Arterial blood gas

ACDF anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
ACL anterior cruciate ligament
ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone
ACJ acromioclavicular joint
ACS Acute coronary syndrome
AD assistive device
ADD adduction
ADL activities of daily living
AFO ankle foot orthosis
AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome
ASIS Anterior superior iliac spine
AKA above knee amputation
ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
AMS altered mental status
AMA against medical advice
Amb ambulation
Ant anterior
A/P anterior-posterior
Ab Antibody
ACE Angiotensin converting enzyme
ADH Anti-diuretic hormone
ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
AF, Afib Atrial fibrillation
AR acute rehabilitation
AROM active range of motion

B[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
B bilateral
BEA below elbow amputation
BKA below knee amputation
BOS base of support
BP blood pressure
bpm beats per minute

C[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
c (with a line over it) with
C0/C1 Atlanto-axial joint
C1-7 Cervical vertebrae 1-7
CABG Coronary artery bypass graft
CAD Coronary artery disease
Cal Calorie
CBC Complete blood count
CC chief complaint, current complaint
CCA Common carotid artery
CCU Coronary care unit
CES Cauda equina syndrome
CFS Chronic fatigue syndrome
CGA Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment or Contact Guard Assist
CHF Congestive heart failure
c/o Complains of
CO Cardiac output
CO2 Carbon dioxide
COTA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
CN cranial nerve
COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CPAP Continuous positive airway pressure
CPM continuous passive motion machine
CPR Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
creps Crepitations
CRF Chronic renal failure
CSF Cerebrospinal fluid
CT Computerised tomography
CTO cervicothoracic orthosis
CTS Carpal tunnel syndrome
CTx cervical traction
CVA Cerebrovascular accident
CVP Central venous pressure

D[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
DASH Disability of arm, shoulder, hand
D/C Discharge
DBP diastolic blood pressure
DDx Differential diagnosis
DDD Degenerative disc disorder
Dec Decreased
DF Dorsiflexion
DHS Dynamic hip screw
DI Diabetes Insipidus
DJD Degenerative joint disease
DM Diabetes mellitus
DOB Date of birth
DOE Dyspnoea on exertion

E[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
ECG electrocardiogram
ED emergency department
EEG electroencephalogram, electroencephalograph
EMG electromyogram, electromyography
EOB edge of bed
ER external rotation
EVD extraventricular drain
Ext extension
Ev eversion

F[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
Fx Fracture
FFH fall from height
FVC Forced vital capacity
FWB Full weight bearing
F/U Follow up
FSH Follicle stimulating hormone
FRC Functional residual capacity
Flex Flexion
FIM Functional independence measure
FHS Foetal heart sounds
FHR Foetal heart rate
FEV Forced expiratory volume
FEV1 Forced expiratory volume in one second
FET Forced expiratory technique
FES Functional electrical stimulation
FAS fetal alcohol syndrome
FWW front-wheeled walker

G[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
GCS Glasgow coma scale
GBS Guilllain-Barré Syndrome
GDM Gestational diabetes mellitus
GFR Glomerular filtration rate
GFSH Growth factor stimulating hormone
GH Growth hormone
GHJ glenohumeral joint
GMFCS Gross Motor Function Classification Scale
GRH Growth releasing hormone
GTT Glucose tolerance test
GSW gunshot wound

H[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
Hb Haemoglobin
HIV Human immunodeficiency virus
HIVD Herniated intervertebral disc
H/O History of
HO heterotrophic ossification
HOB head of bed
HR Heart rate
HRT Hormone replacement therapy
HS Heart sounds
H Sit. High sitting
Ht Height
HTN Hypertension
Hx History
HGH Human growth hormone
Hep A, B, C Hepatitis A, B, C
HEP Home exercise program
HDL High density lipoprotein
HCV Hepatitis C virus
HKFO hip-knee-ankle-foot arthosis
H&C Huff and cough
HH home health
HI Head injury
HBV Hepatitis B Virus
HBH hand behind head
HBB Hand behind back

I[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
I Independence
Ig Immunoglobulin
I:E Inspiratory:expiratory (ratio)
ICU Intensive Care Unit
ICS Intercostal space
ICP Intracranial pressure
ICD Intercostal drain
ICA  Internal carotid artery
I&D incision and drainage
IFC Interferential current
Inf. Inferior 
IMV Intermittent mandatory ventilation
Inv. Inversion
IPPV Intermittent positive pressure ventilation
IPPR Intermittent positive pressure respiration
IVC Inferior vena cava
IPPB Intermittent positive pressure breathing 
IFC interferential current
IVSD Interventricular septal defect
IVD Intervertebral disc
IP inpatient
IR internal rotation
IRDS Infant respiratory distress syndrome
IRF inpatient rehabilitation facility
IRV Inspiratory reserve volume
ISC Intermittent self catheterisation
ISWT Incremental Shuttle Walk Test
ITB Iliotibial band
I/T Intermittent 

J[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
JCA Juvenile chronic arthritis
JDM Juvenile diabetes mellitus
JRA Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
jt joint
JVP jagular venous pressure


K[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
KAFO knee ankle foot orthosis


L[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
L 1-5 Lumbar vertebrae 1-5
LBP Low back pain 
LBQC large-based quad cane
LBW Low birth weight
LCL Lateral collateral ligament 
LCM Left costal margin
LDL Low-Density-Lipoprotein type
LE lower extremity
LFT Liver function test
LHF Left heart failure
Ligs. Ligaments
LOC Loss of consciousness
LOW Loss of weight
LP Lumbar puncture
LTx lumbar traction
LMN lower motor neuron
LOS length of stay
LSO lumbrosacral orthosis
LTG long-term goal






M[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
MAP mean arterial pressure
MAS Motor assessment scale
MaxA Maximum assistance
MCA Middle cerebral artery
MCP Metacarpophalangeal
MD Muscular dystrophy
MI myocardial infarction
MinA minimal assistance
Meds Medications
M/L Medial-lateral
Mhz Megahertz
MFR myofascial release
MMSE Mini mental state examination
MMT Manual muscle testing 
ModA moderate assistance
ModI modified independence
MRI Magnetic resonance imaging
MTP, MTrP myofascial trigger point
MTP Metatarsophalangeal
MVA Motor vehicle accident
MVD Mitral valve disease
MS multiple sclerosis
MCL medial collateral ligament





N[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
NBM Nil by Mouth
NAD No abnormality detected
NCV Nerve conduction study
Neb. Nebuliser/nebulised
NIBP Non-invasive blood pressure
NICU Neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM Not insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
NIHSS National Institute of Health Stroke Scale 
NIMV Non invasive mask ventilation
NIPV Non invasive pressure ventilation
NP Non productive
NPO nothing by mouth
NT not tested
NMES neuromuscular electrical stimulation
NWB Non weight bearing
NSMDA Neurosensory Motor Developmental Assessment
NDT neurodevelopmental technique

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O[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
O2 Oxygen
OPD Outpatients Department
Ortho. Orthopaedics
OA osteoarthritis
ORIF open reduction, internal fixation
OOB out of bed
OT Occupational Therapy


P[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
p (with a line over it) after
P poor (used in muscle testing)
Paed Paediatrics
P/A posterior/anterior
para paraplegia
PCL posterior cruciate ligament
PEEP positive end expiratory pressure
PF plantar flexion
PMHx past medical history
PNF proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
PNI peripheral nerve injury
POC plan of care
POMR problem-oriented medical record
post. posterior
post-op after surgery
PRE progressive resistive exercise
pre-op before operation
PROM passive range of motion
PSIS posterior superior iliac spine
PTB patellar tendon bearing
pt patient
PT physiotherapy/ physical therapy, physiotherapist/

physical therapist

PTA physical therapist assistant
PVC premature ventricular contractions
PVD peripheral vascular disease
PWB partial weight bearing
PD Parkinson's Disease
PDMS Peabody Developmental Motor Scale 
PE pulmonary embolism
PEDI Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory 
PEEP Positive end expiratory pressure 
PEFR Peak expiratory flow rate
PENS Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulator
PFR Peak flow rate
PFT Pulmonary function test
PICA Posterior inferior cerebral artery
PIP Proximal interphalangeal

Q[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
quad. Quadraplegia
quads. Quadriceps

R[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
ROM  Range Of Movement
RA Rheumatoid arthritis
Rehab – rehabilitation
RDS - Respiratory distress syndrome
Rh -ve - Rhesus factor negative
Rh +ve - Rhesus factor positive
RHD - Rheumatic heart disease
R/O - rule out
RR Respiratory rate
RPE Rating of percieved exertion
RTI Respiratory tract infection

S[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
S supervision
S1-5 Sacral vertebrae (1-5)
SpO2 Oxygen saturation
SAH Subarachnoid haemorrhage
SBP systolic blood pressure
SBA stand by assistance
SBQC small-based quad cane
SDH Subdural haemorrhage/haematoma
SIJ Sacroiliac joint
S/L Side lying
SLAP Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion
SLE Systemic lupus erythematosus
SLR Straight leg raising 
SLS Single leg stance
s/p status-post
SPC Single point cane 
STM Soft tissue mobilization
STS sit to stand
SVC Superior vena cava
sx surgery
SACH solid ankle cushion heel
SCI spinal cord injury
SCJ sternoclavicular joint
SNF skilled nursing facility
SOAP – subjective, objective, assessment, plan
SOB shortness of breath
STG short-term goal
sup. superior

T[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
TENS Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TFA Transfemoral amputation
TFL Tensor fasciae latae
Tx Traction
THA Total hip arthroplasty
THR Total hip replacement
TIA Transient ischaemic attack
TKA Total knee arthroplasty
TKR Total knee replacement
TLSO thoracolumbrosacral orthosis
TLR Tonic labyrinthine reflex
TMJ temporomandibular joint
TNR tonic neck reflex
TA, TrA Transversus abdominis 
TRH Thyrotropin-releasing hormone
TSH Thyroid stimulating hormone
TotalA total assistance
TTA Transtibial amputation
TTP tenderness to palpation
TUG Timed up and go
TV Tidal volume
TBI Traumatic brain injury
TB Tuberculosis
T1-12 Thoracic vertebrae (1-12)

 U[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
UE upper extremity
UVR Ultraviolet radiation
US, U/S Ultra sound
U/O Urine output
UMN Upper motor neuron
ULTT Upper limb tension test
UTI urinary tract infection



V[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
VAS Visual Analogue Scale
VBI Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
VC Vital capacity
VEP Visual evoked potential
VF Ventricular fibrillation
VS Vital signs


W[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
WB Weight bearing
WBAT weight bearing as tolerated
W/C Wheelchair
wk week
Wt Weight
2WF Two-wheeled frame
4WF Four-wheeled frame
Wee-FIM Paediatric functional independence measure
WFL Within functional limits
WNL Within normal limits
w/o Without

X[edit | edit source]

Y[edit | edit source]

ABBREVIATION DEFINITION
y/o Years old

Z[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


  1. ↑ Castin, Meredith. The most common physical therapy abbreviations. Available from:https://www.webpt.com/blog/post/the-most-common-physical-therapy-abbreviations/ (accessed 04/29/2020).
  2. ↑ Health Service Executive.https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/qid/quality-and-patient-safety-documents/abbreviations.pdf. NHO Abbreviations booklet.Available from: (accessed 29 April 2020)
  3. ↑ Bottomley JM. Quick reference dictionary for physical therapy. Slack Incorporated; 2000.
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