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C-tactile afferentsC-tactile afferents are sensory nerves that respond most strongly to slow, gentle stroking of hairy skin, such as the forearm or back.CadenceCadence is the number of steps you take in 1 minute, offering an at-a-glance view of your walking or running tempo.Caffeine and exercise performanceMany people have coffee or a caffeine supplement before exercise because caffeine is known for reducing sleepiness and feelings of fatigue and improving coCalcaneal stress fractureA calcaneal stress fracture is an injury in which repeated small impacts accumulate in the heel bone, causing tiny cracks.Calcaneofibular ligamentThe calcaneofibular ligament is a thick, cord-like ligament that runs diagonally downward from the outer ankle bone to the outer surface of the heel bone.CalcaneusThe calcaneus is the largest bone in the foot, located within the heel.Calcific tendinitisCalcific tendinitis is a condition in which calcium crystals build up in a shoulder tendon, appearing as a white deposit on X-rays.CalfThe calf is the area at the back of the lower leg, extending from just below the back of the knee to just above the ankle.Calf crampsCalf cramps are muscle spasms in which the calf muscles suddenly tighten into a hard knot with sharp pain, then release within a few seconds to a few minutCalf muscle pumpThe calf muscle pump is the action of the gastrocnemius and soleus contracting as you walk or move your ankles, compressing the veins in your legs and pushCalf stretching slant boardA calf stretching slant board is a tool for stretching the calf and Achilles tendon by standing on a board that slopes upward toward your toes.Cam and pincer morphologyCam and pincer are two bone shapes seen on hip imaging.Capillary exchangeCapillary exchange is the process by which blood and tissues exchange water, oxygen, nutrients, and waste products across the thin walls of capillaries.Capsular patternA capsular pattern describes the way movement becomes limited in a characteristic order for each joint when the sac surrounding it—the joint capsule—becomeCarbohydrate loadingCarbohydrate loading is a dietary strategy used before endurance events lasting more than 90 minutes, such as a marathon.CarnitineCarnitine is a nutrient that transports fatty acids into mitochondria, the energy factories inside cells, when the body uses fat for energy.Carnivore dietThe carnivore diet consists only of animal foods such as meat, organ meats, eggs, and some dairy products, excluding plant foods such as vegetables, fruit,Carpal bonesThe carpal bones are the 8 small bones that make up the wrist, arranged in two rows: 4 toward the forearm and 4 toward the hand.Carpal tunnel syndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed within a narrow passage inside the wrist (the carpal tunnel), causing numbnesCarpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancyIf numbness or tingling in your hands wakes you during pregnancy, increased fluid in your body may be causing swelling inside the carpal tunnel and compresCartilage defectA cartilage defect is an imaging finding, seen on tests such as MRI, indicating that the surface of the articular cartilage has pits or wear.Cat-cow poseCat-cow pose is a yoga movement in which you alternate between rounding and arching your back on all fours, coordinating the movement with your breath.Cauda equinaThe cauda equina is a bundle of nerve strands that extends downward from where the spinal cord ends in the upper part of the lower back.Cauliflower earCauliflower ear describes an ear that has become thickened and lumpy, like a cauliflower.CecumThe cecum is a pouch-shaped part where the large intestine begins at the end of the small intestine, in the lower right abdomen.CelluliteCellulite refers to the dimpled, orange-peel appearance of skin on the thighs, buttocks, and lower abdomen.Center of massThe center of mass is the point where the weight of the entire body can be considered to be concentrated.Center of mass shift during pregnancyDuring pregnancy, the growing uterus and baby shift your body's center of mass forward and upward.Central nervous systemThe central nervous system is the nervous system’s headquarters, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.Central nervous system fatigueCentral nervous system fatigue is an exercise physiology term for a state in which, after prolonged or intense exercise, the brain and spinal cord send fewCentral sensitizationCentral sensitization is a change in the nervous system in which pain circuits in the spinal cord and brain become more sensitive, making the same stimulusCerebellumThe cerebellum is a small part of the brain located beneath the back of the head. It fine-tunes movement and helps maintain balance.Cerebral cortexThe cerebral cortex is the thin, folded, grayish-white layer covering the outermost surface of the brain.Cerebral palsyCerebral palsy is an umbrella term for conditions involving long-term difficulties with movement and posture caused by damage to the still-developing brainCerebrospinal fluidCerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord and fills their internal cavities.Cervical artery dissectionCarotid and vertebral artery dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner wall of one of the large blood vessels in the neck that supply the brain, Cervical collarA cervical collar is a wearable device that wraps around the neck to limit head movement.Cervical disc herniationA herniated cervical disc is the common term for a condition in which material inside a disc (intervertebral disc), which cushions the bones of the neck, pCervical fasciaCervical fascia is a thin connective tissue membrane that wraps around and separates the muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and organs such as the airway and Cervical lordosisCervical lordosis is the normal spinal curvature in which the cervical vertebrae (C1~C7) form a gentle C-shaped curve that is convex toward the front when Cervical plexusThe cervical plexus is a network formed by the upper four cervical nerves (C1–C4) interconnecting deep in the neck.Cervical radiculopathyCervical radiculopathy is a condition in which a nerve root running from the neck down into the arm is compressed or irritated, causing pain and numbness oCervical ribA cervical rib is an extra rib extending from the seventh cervical vertebra, an anatomical variation present from birth.Cervical spondylosisCervical spondylosis is an umbrella term for degenerative changes that develop with age in the discs, joints, and bone edges of the neck.Cervical tractionCervical traction is a technique that cradles the chin and back of the head and slowly pulls the neck toward the head, widening the spaces between the neckCervical vertebraeThe cervical vertebrae are the seven spinal bones (C1–C7) that make up the neck.Cervicobrachial syndromeCervicobrachial syndrome is an occupational condition that groups together aching, tightness, and fatigue across the neck, shoulders, and arms.Cervicogenic dizzinessCervicogenic dizziness refers to dizziness that feels like floating or swaying after moving your neck or staying in the same position for a long time.Cervicogenic headacheCervicogenic headache is a headache in which pain originating in the neck (cervical spine) spreads to the head.Cervicomandibular relationshipThe cervicomandibular relationship is the concept that the lower jaw and neck are connected through nerves and muscles, influencing each other's movement aCervicothoracic junctionThe cervicothoracic junction is where the highly mobile cervical spine meets the relatively rigid thoracic spine, near the most prominent bone at the back Cesarean scarA cesarean scar refers to both the scar left on the lower abdomen after a cesarean birth and the changes in the tissues beneath it.Chair and sitting ergonomicsChair ergonomics is about adjusting chair height, backrest angle, lumbar support, seat depth, and armrests to suit your body and tasks, reducing the strainChair stand testThe chair stand test is a simple test of leg strength that involves repeatedly standing up from and sitting down on a chair without using your arms.ChakraChakras are “wheels of energy” believed to lie along the body's midline in Indian yoga and tantra traditions.Change of directionA change of direction involves slowing down while running, changing the direction of your body, and then speeding up again.Chapman's neurolymphatic reflex pointsChapman's neurolymphatic reflex points are an osteopathic concept that links small, firm, tender nodules palpable at specific anatomical sites on the frontChest breathing and neck and shoulder tensionBreathing in which the upper chest and shoulders rise first, even at rest, is called upper chest breathing.Chest physiotherapyChest physiotherapy is an umbrella term for respiratory physiotherapy techniques that help clear mucus collected in the airways and make breathing easier.Chewing side preferenceChewing side preference is the habit of chewing food mainly on one side rather than using the teeth on both sides evenly.ChiropracticChiropractic is a system of manual medicine centered on adjusting the spine and joints by hand.Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex TechniqueChiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (CMRT) is a chiropractic technique that views the abdominal organs and spine as interconnected through nerves anChiropractic vertebral subluxationVertebral subluxation is a central concept in chiropractic, based on the view that "slight misalignments of the vertebrae affect the flow of nerve signals.ChondrocalcinosisChondrocalcinosis is the name for an imaging finding in which thin lines or dots of calcium appear in the cartilage inside a joint on X-rays or ultrasound.ChondrocyteChondrocytes are the only cells found within cartilage. They are the workers that build cartilage and maintain it throughout life.Chondromalacia patellaeChondromalacia patellae refers to a condition in which the cartilage on the back of the kneecap (patella) softens and its surface becomes rough or developsChronic ankle instabilityChronic ankle instability is a condition in which the ankle repeatedly feels as though it “keeps giving way” or “cannot be trusted,” even some time after aChronic exertional compartment syndromeChronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a condition in which the calf or shin muscles feel tight enough to burst during exercise such as running,Chronic painChronic pain usually refers to pain that persists or recurs for 3 months or longer. Pain can remain even after the original injury has fully healed.Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitisChronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a condition in which inflammation develops in the bones without a bacterial infection and recurs at muChronic stress and muscle tensionTight shoulders and a clenched jaw are common experiences under stress, and they are linked to how the autonomic nervous system creates muscle tension.Chronic traumatic encephalopathyChronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain disease reported in the brains of people who have sustained repeated head impacts.Chronic venous insufficiencyChronic venous insufficiency is a long-lasting condition in which the valves in the leg veins do not work properly, preventing blood from moving up toward Chua K'aChua K'a is a full-body bodywork practice that involves pressing areas of the body in sequence, rolling the skin, and finally stroking the body with a smalChuna manual therapyChuna manual therapy is a form of hands-on treatment in Korean medicine in which a Korean medicine doctor uses their hands and body to push, pull, and realCircadian rhythmThe circadian rhythm is the body's 'biological clock,' coordinating changes that repeat on a roughly 24-hour cycle, such as when you fall asleep and wake uCircle of WillisThe circle of Willis is a ring of interconnected arteries at the base of the brain that acts as a bypass network, distributing blood evenly to the brain.Circuit trainingCircuit training is a training method in which you move through several exercises in a set order with only short rests between them.CircumductionCircumduction is a movement in which the end of an arm or leg traces a large circle, sweeping out a cone shape.ClavicleThe clavicle is an S-shaped bone that extends horizontally across each side of the upper chest, just below the neck.Clavipectoral fasciaThe clavipectoral fascia is a thin membrane extending from below the clavicle to the axilla, enclosing both the subclavius and pectoralis minor.Claw toeClaw toe describes toes that curl upward like a bird’s claws, with their tips bent downward.Climber's elbowClimber's elbow is a name climbers commonly use for aching and pain at the front or inside of the elbow that develops with rock climbing.Climbing injuriesClimbing injuries encompass discomfort caused by accumulated loading of the fingers, hands, elbows, and shoulders while climbing walls or rock, as well as Clinical reasoningClinical reasoning is the step-by-step thinking process a professional uses to work out “What might be happening with this person right now?”Clinical study design terminologyTerms such as “randomized,” “double-blind,” “active control,” “retrospective cohort,” and “pilot” in study abstracts are not simply descriptive labels: theClubfootClubfoot is a condition in which the foot is bent downward and inward from birth, medically known as congenital talipes equinovarus.Cluster headacheCluster headache causes attacks of excruciating pain around one eye or at the temple, as if being stabbed with a knife or seared by fire, lasting 15–180 miCobb angleThe Cobb angle measures how far the spine curves sideways as an angle on an X-ray.CoccydyniaCoccydynia is pain in and around the tailbone at the very bottom of the spine, particularly when sitting or rising from a seated position.CoccyxThe coccyx, or tailbone, is a small bone connected to the tip of the sacrum at the very bottom of the spine.Cognitive defusionCognitive defusion is the practice of taking a step back and viewing a thought that comes to mind as a passing thought, rather than holding tightly to it aCognitive functional therapyCognitive functional therapy (CFT) is an approach designed for persistent, chronic low back pain.Cold compresses and ice packsA cold compress is the most common form of cold therapy: ice or a cooling gel pack is wrapped in a towel and applied to an area that hurts or feels hot.Cold intolerance and cold extremitiesCold intolerance and cold extremities describe a state in which the hands and feet feel unusually cold, even at temperatures that feel comfortable to otherCold water immersionCold water immersion is a recovery method that involves immersing the lower body or up to the torso in cold water after exercise to cool down.Cold-aching sensationA cold-aching sensation is an aching, tingling feeling as though cold were seeping into the body.CollagenCollagen is a major structural protein that makes up the skin, tendons, ligaments, fascia, bones and cartilage.Collagen cross-linkingCollagen cross-links are chemical bridges connecting collagen molecules and fibers.Collagen supplementation for tendons and ligamentsCollagen supplementation is a nutritional approach intended to supply building materials for tendons and ligaments through gelatin or collagen peptides andColles fractureA Colles fracture occurs when someone falls onto an outstretched hand, breaking the radius near the wrist and displacing the fragment nearest the wrist towCommon fibular nerveThe common fibular nerve is a branch formed when the sciatic nerve divides in two behind the knee.Common fibular nerve entrapmentCommon fibular nerve entrapment is a condition in which the common fibular nerve is compressed near the bony prominence on the outside of the knee (the fibComparison of fascial therapy approachesAs interest in fascia has grown, different schools of thought have emerged for working with fascia and movement.Complete decongestive therapyComplete decongestive therapy (CDT) is a comprehensive program that combines compression, exercise, skin care, education, and manual lymphatic drainage to Complex regional pain syndromeComplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition in which pain far more severe than the initial injury persists in one region after an injury to an armComplex trainingComplex training is a training arrangement in which a heavy resistance exercise, such as a squat, is followed immediately by a fast, explosive exercise, suCompression garmentsCompression garments are close-fitting clothes, such as leggings, sleeves, and tops, that apply pressure to the body.Compression stockingsCompression stockings are stretchy, sock-like garments designed to apply the most pressure at the ankle, with pressure decreasing farther up the leg.Compressive loadCompressive load is the force that presses on the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons as the iliotibial band on the outside of the hip wraps more tiConcentric contractionConcentric contraction occurs when a muscle produces force while its overall length shortens.Conception vesselIn Korean medicine, the conception vessel is a pathway that ascends along the front midline of the body, from the center of the abdomen through the chest tConcurrent training interference effectThe concurrent training interference effect is the phenomenon in which doing strength and aerobic exercise during the same period may produce smaller gainsConfidence intervalA confidence interval shows the range within which the true value behind a study’s estimate might plausibly lie.Congenital muscular torticollisCongenital muscular torticollis describes a posture in which a newborn's head tilts to one side and the chin turns toward the opposite shoulder.Connective tissueConnective tissue is a collective term for tissues such as skin, fascia, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bone that connect and support the body's structConnective tissue agingConnective tissue aging is the process in which the properties of tissues that support and connect the body, such as tendons, ligaments, fascia, and skin, Connective tissue changes at menopauseThe sharp decline in estrogen around menopause is known to affect connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and skin.Connective tissue massageConnective tissue massage is a German reflex massage that uses long pulling strokes with the fingertips on the connective tissue just beneath the skin, aimConnective tissue syndromesConnective tissue syndromes is a term proposed within Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) to bring together the many names used for conditions involving stiffConnective tissue viscoelasticityViscoelasticity means that connective tissues such as fascia, tendons, and ligaments combine the ability to spring back like rubber (elasticity) with the aConstant practiceConstant practice is a practice method in which you learn by repeating the same movement without changing conditions such as the target, distance, speed, oContextual effectsContextual effects are the contributions that the explanations, environment, relationships, and expectations surrounding a treatment make to its outcomes, Contextual interferenceContextual interference is the effect that mixing up the order of practice has on learning multiple movements.Continuous passive motionContinuous passive motion is a rehabilitation method in which a motorized device slowly and repeatedly bends and straightens a joint through a set range ofContinuous trainingContinuous training is a form of aerobic exercise performed without rest at a relatively steady intensity for 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour at a time.Contrast water therapyContrast water therapy is a recovery method that involves alternating between warm and cold water immersion.Convex–concave ruleThe convex–concave rule describes which way the joint surfaces glide when a joint moves.Cool-downA cool-down is a finishing activity that gradually lowers your exercise intensity and returns your body to a resting state, rather than stopping abruptly aCoracoacromial ligamentThe coracoacromial ligament connects the projection at the front of the shoulder blade (the coracoid process) to the bony prominence at the top of the shouCoracoclavicular ligamentThe coracoclavicular ligament is a strong ligament connecting the coracoid process of the scapula to the outer end of the clavicle.Coracoid processThe coracoid process is a small, hook-shaped bony projection at the front of the shoulder blade (scapula), where muscles and ligaments connecting the chestCore exercises“Core exercises” is a broad term for exercises that train the trunk muscles around the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis.Core musclesThe core is a collective term for the muscles at the center of the trunk, surrounding the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis.Core stabilityCore stability is the ability to keep your trunk stable while moving or exerting force.Corrective kinesiologyCorrective kinesiology is an approach refined by Sharon Weiselfish-Giammatteo of Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), based on Lawrence Jones's strain-counterCortical boneCortical bone is the hard, dense layer that forms the outside of a bone.CortisolCortisol is a hormone produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands (small endocrine organs above the kidneys), and is often called the stress hormone.Costal cartilageCostal cartilage is the soft, elastic cartilage that extends from the front ends of the ribs to the sternum.CostochondritisCostochondritis is a condition in which the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone causes sharp, stabbing or pressure-like pain at the front of thCostoclavicular jointThe costoclavicular joint is the site where a ligament firmly connects the medial end of the clavicle to the first rib.Costotransverse jointsThe costotransverse joints are small joints where the ribs meet the branches extending sideways from the thoracic vertebrae (the transverse processes).Costovertebral jointsThe costovertebral joints are small joints where the back ends (heads) of the ribs meet the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae.Couch sleepingFalling asleep on the sofa while watching television is a common experience—your eyes close before you know it.Counterforce braceA counterforce brace is a support that wraps around the forearm just below the elbow like a strap, applying pressure to the muscles.Cox flexion-distractionCox flexion-distraction is a chiropractic technique that gently stretches the lower back while bending and extending it as you lie face down.Coxa valgaCoxa valga describes a bone angle in which the upper part of the femur stands more upright relative to the shaft.Coxa varaCoxa vara describes a shape in which the upper femur angles farther inward than usual, reducing the angle between the femoral head and neck and the shaft.Cozen's testCozen's test checks whether exerting force to bend the wrist backward brings on familiar pain on the outside of the elbow.Cramping painCramping pain describes pain that feels as though something is repeatedly squeezing tightly and then releasing.Cranial dura balance releaseCranial dura balance release is a myofascial release technique used in Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT).Cranial nervesThe cranial nerves are twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain without passing through the spinal cord.Cranial suturesCranial sutures are the seams where the bones of the skull meet and interlock like teeth.Craniocervical decompressionCraniocervical decompression is an Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) technique that gently opens the narrow space between the occipital bone and the first cCraniocervical flexion testThe craniocervical flexion test looks at how smoothly the flexor muscles deep inside your neck activate and how long they stay active.Craniosacral therapyCraniosacral therapy is a hands-on technique in which the practitioner places their hands very lightly on the skull, spine, and sacrum at the base of the sCraniovertebral junctionThe craniovertebral junction is where the base of the skull meets the upper two neck vertebrae, forming the most intricate connection between the head and CreatineCreatine is a substance found in meat and fish and also produced by the body. It serves as an energy resource for short, powerful muscular efforts.Creatine kinaseCreatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme that rapidly replenishes energy (ATP) inside muscle cells.CrepitusCrepitus refers to a continuous crackling or grinding sound when a joint moves.Cross-educationCross-education is a phenomenon in which strength training with just one arm or leg also improves strength on the opposite side, even though that side has Cross-trainingCross-training is a way of combining other types of exercise with your main activity in a training plan.Crossbody bagA crossbody bag is worn with its strap running across the torso from one shoulder to the opposite side of the waist.CrossFit injuriesIn CrossFit, pain is reportedly most common in the shoulders, followed by the lower back and knees.Cruciate ligament injuryA cruciate ligament injury is a stretch or tear of the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament, which form an X inside the knee to hold the thighbone and sCrural fasciaThe crural fascia is a tough, thin membrane that surrounds all the calf muscles below the knee and forms partitions between them.Cubital tunnel syndromeCubital tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the ulnar nerve is compressed or stretched as it passes through a narrow passage (the cubital tunnel) behinCuboid boneThe cuboid is a small, cube-shaped bone in the middle of the outer side of the foot.Cuboid syndromeCuboid syndrome is a name used for pain in the middle of the outer side of the foot that makes bearing weight uncomfortable.Cumulative loadCumulative load is a way of looking at the burden on the body not as a single large force, but as the total amount accumulated over time through the magnitCumulative trauma disorderCumulative trauma disorder (CTD) is a name for a condition in which strain gradually builds up in the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the hands, wrists, arCuneiform bonesThe cuneiform bones are three wedge-shaped bones arranged side by side in the middle of the top of the foot.Cupping therapyCupping is a traditional Eastern therapy in which negative pressure (a vacuum) is created inside cups to attach them to the skin.Cycling saddle sores and handlebar palsyLong bike rides can leave your buttocks chafed and sore from the saddle, and cause numbness and tingling in your little and ring fingers.Cyclist's kneeCyclist's knee is a broad term for aching or pain in a particular area at the front, back, or outside of the knee in people who spend long periods cycling.Cyclist's neckCyclist's neck refers to aching and pain in the back of the neck and upper shoulders from riding for long periods in a drop-bar position while lifting yourCytokinesCytokines are a collective term for small protein signaling molecules secreted by various cells, including immune cells, that send messages prompting speciCytoskeletonThe cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibers that spans the inside of a cell.