Glossary.

Plain-language definitions of the clinical terms and acronyms we use. If you hear something at Adapt and you're not sure what it means, it's probably here.

A

AHPRA

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. AHPRA registers and regulates health practitioners in Australia, including physiotherapists. All physios at Adapt are AHPRA-registered, which is required to practice physiotherapy in Australia and for health fund claiming.

E

Exercise Physiology

A health profession focused on the use of physical activity and exercise to prevent and manage chronic disease, injury, and disability. Exercise physiologists at Adapt are accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and provide services claimable through many health fund extras policies.

L

Limb Symmetry Index (LSI)

A measurement comparing the strength or function of one limb against the other, expressed as a percentage. An LSI of 90% or above is generally considered the minimum threshold for return to sport after ACL reconstruction. We measure LSI using VALD ForceDecks.

M

MSK (Musculoskeletal)

Relating to the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues. Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy. All of Adapt's clinical services are focused on MSK health.

P

Progressive Loading

A training principle where the difficulty of exercise is gradually increased over time as the body adapts. In rehab, this means starting conservatively and increasing load, complexity, or volume as strength and function improve. It is the primary driver of the physical adaptations that make rehab work.

R

Return to Sport (RTS)

The point in a rehabilitation program where a patient is cleared to resume sport-specific training and competition. Return-to-sport decisions at Adapt are based on objective criteria — including limb symmetry index, strength benchmarks, and functional testing — not time alone.

ROM (Range of Motion)

The degree of movement available at a joint. Measured in degrees, ROM is a key outcome measure in post-surgical rehabilitation — particularly for knee and shoulder recovery. We track ROM at every clinical review.

T

Training Frequency

How often a person trains per week. Research on musculoskeletal rehab consistently shows that higher frequency — three to five sessions per week — produces faster and more durable adaptations than single weekly sessions. This is one of the structural limitations of the traditional physio model.

V

VALD ForceDecks

Force plates used to measure ground reaction forces, jump performance, and bilateral strength symmetry. At Adapt, we use ForceDecks as a standard assessment tool for ACL rehab, post-surgical patients, and return-to-sport profiling.

VALD ForceFrame

A fixed-frame dynamometer used to measure isometric strength in multiple directions. Particularly useful for profiling shoulder, hip, and knee strength — and tracking improvements over the course of a rehab program.