physical (redirected from physical insults)

physical /phys·i·cal/ (fiz´ik-il) pertaining to the body, to material things, or to physics.

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phys·i·cal (fz-kl)

adj. Abbr. phys.

1. Of or relating to the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit.

2. Involving or characterized by vigorous bodily activity.

3. Of or relating to material things.

4. Of or relating to matter and energy or the sciences dealing with them, especially physics.

n.

A physical examination.

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physi·cali·ty (-kl-t) adj.

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physical,

adj relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind.

physical examination,

n a diagnostic inspection of the body to determine its state of health, using palpation, auscultation, percussion, and smell.

physical fitness,

n the ability to carry out daily tasks with alertness and vigor, without undue fatigue, and with enough energy reserve to meet emergencies or to enjoy leisure time.

physical medicine,

n the use of physical therapy techniques to return physically diseased or injured patients to a useful life.

physical plant,

n the entire architectural and decorated suite of offices in which the dental professional operates.

physical therapy,

n the treatment of disorders with physical agents and methods, such as massage, manipulation, therapeutic exercises, cold, heat (including shortwave, microwave, and ultrasonic diathermy), hydrotherapy, electric stimulation, and light to assist in rehabilitating patients and in restoring normal function after an illness or injury. Also called
physiotherapy.

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physical

pertaining to the body, to material things, or to physics.

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physical agent

the physical causes of disease. Includes altitude, radiation, wetness, exercise, fire, electricity including lightning.

physical diagnosis

a preliminary diagnosis made solely on the basis of a physical examination. Often all that is possible in private practice.

physical examination

examination of the bodily state of a patient by ordinary physical means, as inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation.

physical exhaustion

see physical exhaustion.

physical findings

results of a physical examination. Observations made visually, by auscultation, palpation, smell, percussion, succussion and ballottement.

physical fitness

quality of being able to perform physically, to turn in a good physical performance. Best tested by performance but in horses can be vaguely predicted by a series of tests including hemoglobin content of blood, heart size, duration of the QRS interval on an ECG, and low levels of muscle enzymes in blood.

physical insults

physical agencies that cause disease. These include trauma, stress (physical as in stress fracture of long bones in horses), hyperthermia (as a cause of congenital defects), persistent wetting, high altitude, lightning stroke, electrocution, bushfire and fire injury, volcanic eruption and exposure to radiation.

physical map

in genetics, determination of the array of genes within a DNA segment of a chromosome.

physical restraint

the use of halters, collars and chains, ropes, harness, twitches of various sorts, squeeze cages, hog holders, dog catchers and many more devices. As distinct from the use of analeptic agents—chemical restraint.

physical stress

see stress.

physical therapist

one who is skilled in the physical and therapeutic techniques of helping to alleviate suffering from muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases and from injuries and to overcome or prevent disabilities. Among the procedures used by the physical therapist are exercise to increase strength, endurance, coordination, and range of motion; electrical stimulation to activate paralyzed muscles; massage, vibrators and many other patented devices to try to improve the circulation and condition of a part. Called also physiotherapist.