The study of body movements and of the forces acting on the musculoskeletal system.

The combination of design and problem solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to improve healthcare diagnosis and treatment.

Approach that acknowledges that biological, psychological (which entails thoughts, emotions and behaviors) and social factors all play a significant role in human functioning in the context of disease or illness.

A set of guiding principles developed to assist medical experts in the management of injured workers. These principles are based on a combination of the best available research evidence and consensus clinical opinion.

A set of systematically developed statements or recommendations about appropriate health care for specific clinical conditions.

The medial margin formed by the false ribs – specifically, from the seventh rib to the tenth rib

The melding of individual clinical judgement and expertise with the best available external evidence to generate the kind of practice that is most likely to lead to a positive outcome for a patient.

A series of standardised tests used to assess a worker's functional capacities for work.

Preventing motion of a body part.

The overall approach to care, or the ‘management plan’ formulated for each individual.

A technique of treatment applied to joints for the relief of pain and improvement of motion. It is a single high velocity, low amplitude movement applied passively to the joint towards the limit of its available range.

A break from treatment as a result of cessation of therapy and re-presentation of the worker for a voluntary review. At the review, the worker’s functional level can be assessed using standardised measures for any deterioration during the break.

The involvement of two or more disciplines in assessing and treating the physical, psychological, medical, vocational and social aspects aimed to rehabilitate the injured worker.

Muscles and their associated ligaments and other connective tissue, bones and cartilage viewed collectively.

Assessment of communication between different parts of the nervous system.

A test or scale that has been shown to measure a patient characteristic of interest. Outcome measures are used to evaluate change from one point in time (before treatment) to another (after treatment).

A technique of treatment applied to joints for the relief of pain and improvement of motion. Mobilisation is the passive application of repetitive, rhythmical, low velocity, small amplitude movements to the joint within or at the end of range.

Those electrotherapeutic agents that are applied for such purposes as the relief of pain and assisting the resolution of the inflammatory response. They are administered passively to the patient.

Psychological and emotional after effects.

A descriptive term referring to injuries of the muscle, joint, ligament, cartilage tendon or connective tissues (including intervertebral disc injuries). Soft tissue injuries do not include serious pathology (such as tumour and infection), fractures, nerve (neurological) damage, complex regional pain syndrome, or injuries that require or have undergone surgery.

A tool that has undergone testing to establish its validity, reliability and sensitivity to change.

The intent of a 'stepped' or 'stepped care' approach is to use the appropriate resource at the right time.

The therapeutic modalities used as part of a health provider’s management approach.