22 Dec Clinic Speak Decoded
This is: clinic speak decoded. In our clinic, it may seem like we are speaking a foreign language. So we thought we’d create a handy list of words commonly used at MYo Lab (and other clinics) that aren’t used anywhere else in every day life. Some of these definitions are over-simplifications, but they get the point across.
LET’S GO!
Adjustment: Chiro speak for popping your joints. We’re creating desperately needed motion in your body.
Concentric: The shortening phase of muscle contraction. For a bicep curl, this is when the hand is moving upwards.
Core Muscles: Muscles of the trunk including the diaphragm, pelvic floor, abdominals, and deep back muscles. They stabilized the low back when engaged.
Diaphragmatic Breathing: A breathing technique to activate the diaphragm muscle, which will then stabilize the core and lower back.
Dorsiflexion: Movement at the ankle when the foot is flexed up towards the shin.
Eccentric: The lengthening phase of a muscle contraction. For a bicep curl, this is when the hand is moving downwards to the starting position.
Extension: Movement that causes a joint angle to increase. For the neck and back, this is looking up, or bending backwards.
Flexion: Movement that causes a joint angle to decrease. For the neck, this is looking down, and for the back, this is bending forward.
Gait: Walking/running.
Glute Activation: Contraction of the gluteus muscles (your bum). Can be done intentionally at rest (squeezing your bum) or during movements that require hip extension (think moving your foot behind you with your leg straight).
Isometric: This is a muscle contraction where the length of your muscle doesn’t change. Think about pushing hard against the wall. Lotta force, no movement.
Proprioception: The ability of the joints to sense where they are in space. I.e., right now, you know where your foot is without even looking at it.
Rotation: Twisting around a joint axis. (Shoulder checking, twisting your back, etc.).
Pronation: Specialized movement that happens at the elbow to turn the palm down, or at the ankle during the gait cycle to absorb forces (think flattening of the arch).
Supination: Specialized movement that happens at the elbow to turn the palm up, or at the ankle during gait to turn to the foot into a rigid lever (think over-emphasizing the arch).
We probably missed a bunch, but we hope you enjoyed this post on clinic speak decoded. Next time your Practitioner says something that sounds like Greek, it probably is, and you should ask them to explain it!
We are always accepting new members who are ready to commit to their health and wellness journey. If you are tired of receiving care that doesn’t seem to “stick” and are ready to experience the MYo difference, book now so one of our friendly team members can welcome you to the MYo Lab community today!