Weight Bearing describes how much body weight is permitted or tolerated through a limb or joint. It is a clinical concept used to guide safe movement after injury, surgery, or in painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is commonly referenced in orthopedic orders, physical therapy plans, gait training, and rehabilitation protocols. It is also used in imaging, where weight-bearing views can better show joint alignment and cartilage loss.

Ergonomics is the science of fitting work, tools, and environments to human capabilities. Ergonomics is a clinical and public-health concept rather than an anatomy structure or a single procedure. Ergonomics is commonly used in orthopedics, occupational medicine, rehabilitation, and workplace health. Ergonomics aims to reduce musculoskeletal stress while supporting safe, efficient function.

Posture Correction is a clinical concept focused on improving how the body is aligned and moves during sitting, standing, and activity. It is not one single treatment, but a framework that may include exercise, education, ergonomic changes, manual therapy, or bracing. It is commonly used in orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational health. It is discussed when alignment, muscle performance, and movement patterns are thought to influence symptoms or function.

Manual Therapy is a hands-on clinical approach used to assess and treat musculoskeletal pain and movement problems. It is best described as a **concept and set of procedures** performed by trained clinicians. It is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic, and osteopathic settings. It typically complements exercise-based rehabilitation and patient education.

Hydrotherapy is the therapeutic use of water to support rehabilitation, symptom control, and functional training. It is a clinical concept and treatment modality most commonly delivered as supervised aquatic therapy or water immersion techniques. In orthopedic and musculoskeletal practice, it is used in physical therapy settings, sports medicine, and postsurgical rehabilitation. It leverages water’s physical properties to modify loading, pain, and movement demands.

Occupational Therapy is a healthcare concept and clinical service focused on helping people participate in meaningful daily activities. It addresses function in self-care, work, school, and leisure by targeting physical, cognitive, sensory, and psychosocial factors. In musculoskeletal and orthopedic practice, it commonly supports recovery after injury or surgery and adapts tasks to current limitations. It is used across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings, often alongside other rehabilitation disciplines.

Physical Therapy is a healthcare approach focused on improving movement, function, and physical performance. Physical Therapy is a clinical concept and intervention delivered by licensed physical therapists and supported by rehabilitation teams. It is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, cardiopulmonary care, and postoperative rehabilitation. In practice, it combines examination, exercise-based interventions, education, and functional training.

Rehabilitation is a structured process that helps a person restore function, reduce disability, and return to meaningful activities after injury, surgery, or illness. Rehabilitation is a clinical **concept** delivered through coordinated interventions (often physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related services). In musculoskeletal practice, Rehabilitation is commonly used after fractures, ligament or tendon injuries, joint replacement, spine conditions, and chronic pain syndromes. It is also used to optimize movement, strength, and participation before and after orthopedic procedures.

Sports Injury is a broad term for damage to musculoskeletal tissues that occurs during sport or exercise. Sports Injury is a clinical concept rather than a single diagnosis. It is commonly used in orthopedics, sports medicine, emergency care, and rehabilitation settings. It includes acute trauma and overuse conditions affecting bone, joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament.

Orthopedic Trauma is the clinical field focused on injuries to the musculoskeletal system caused by an external force. It is a concept and subspecialty area within orthopedics rather than a single condition or procedure. It commonly addresses fractures, dislocations, and related soft-tissue injuries in emergency, inpatient, and operative settings. It is used in practice to restore limb alignment, stability, and function while protecting nerves, vessels, and skin.