Glossary of Frequently Used Terms

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy AKA Acoustic Wave Therapy- Is a non-invasive, out-patient alternative to surgery for those with joint and tendon disorders. AWT sends acoustic shock waves into bone or soft tissue, in effect reinjuring the area on a cellular level and breaking up the scarring that has penetrated tendons and ligaments.

Referred Pain- Referred pain is when the pain you feel in one part of your body is actually caused by pain or injury in another part of your body.

Plantar Fasciitis- An inflammation of a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The inflamed tissue runs across the bottom of the foot.

Bursitis- Inflammation of the fluid-filled pads (bursae) that act as cushions at the joints. Bursitis occurs most often at that perform frequent repetitive motion, like the hip joint.

Tendinitis- Inflammation of a tendon, most commonly from overuse but also from infection or rheumatic disease.

Stress Fracture- A fracture of bone caused by repeated (rather than sudden) mechanical stress.

Sprain- Wrench or twist the ligaments of (ankle, wrist, or other joint) violently so as to cause pain and swelling but not dislocation.

Strain- A stretching or tearing of a muscle or a tissue connecting muscle to bone (tendon). Strains often occur in the lower back and in the muscle in the back of the thigh.

Myofascial Trigger Point- Is a hyper irritable spot, usually with a taut band of skeletal muscle, which is painful on compression and can give rise to characteristic referred pain, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena.

Erectile Dysfunction- Is an inability of a man to maintain an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction can cause stress, relationship strain and low-confidence.

Peyrone’s Disease- Is fibrous scar tissue inside the penis that causes curved, painful erections.