Medical Terminology
Decode clinical language one meaningful piece at a time.
Lesson 10 of 12
Treatments and equipment
Treatment vocabulary may refer to a broad plan, a hands-on modality, or a device that supports care. The same modality can be appropriate for one person and unsuitable for another. Massage therapists should understand terminology well enough to communicate and ask useful questions, while staying within training, consent, contraindications, and local scope rules. Do not assume a device or therapy is harmless simply because it is common.
Key points
- PT commonly refers to physical therapy; OT to occupational therapy.
- A brace supports or limits movement at a body region; fit and use are directed by appropriate providers.
- A cane or walker is an assistive device for mobility and balance support.
- Thermotherapy uses heat; cryotherapy uses cold, with precautions for sensation and circulation.
- TENS delivers transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation through electrodes under appropriate direction.
- A modality is selected for a goal and individual context, not by name alone.
- Ask about instructions, implanted devices, sensation changes, and provider restrictions when relevant.
Key terms
- PT
- Physical therapy or physical therapist, depending on context.
- OT
- Occupational therapy or occupational therapist.
- Orthosis
- External device supporting, aligning, or limiting movement.
- Assistive device
- Equipment that supports function or mobility.
- Thermotherapy
- Use of heat as a treatment modality.
- Cryotherapy
- Use of cold as a treatment modality.
- TENS
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Memory tip
Ask what the equipment is for and what precautions the client was given.
Clinical note
Do not alter prescribed devices or treatment settings outside your role.
Unit checkpoint
Lock it in: match the terms, then test yourself.