In physical therapy, what does adduction mean?

Adduction refers to the movement of a body part toward the midline of the body. This term is commonly used in physical therapy and anatomy to describe actions such as lowering the arms to the sides or bringing the legs together. Understanding adduction is important in physical therapy as it helps with the assessment and treatment of various conditions related to muscle movement and joint functionality.

In contrast, the other terms describe different types of movements: movement to the front of the body, for instance, would refer to flexion or forward movement, while movement around an axis may refer to rotations, and movement away from the midline is known as abduction. Each of these terms serves to define specific motions, making it essential to differentiate them in the context of physical therapy and rehabilitation practices.