In physiotherapy, "Rx" is shorthand for treatment.
This abbreviation is widely used in medical settings to denote prescribed treatments, therapies, or interventions aimed at addressing a patient's specific condition or injury. In the context of physiotherapy, Rx will often appear on patient charts, treatment plans, and other documentation to indicate the course of therapy the physiotherapist is providing.
For example, a physiotherapy note might say "Rx: Ultrasound to lower back for pain relief" or "Rx: Exercise program to improve shoulder range of motion."
Essentially, "Rx" serves as a concise way to communicate the specific therapeutic actions being taken to help the patient recover or improve their physical function. Other abbreviations you might see in physiotherapy include:
- RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (common treatment protocol for injuries)
- ROM: Range of Motion (assessment or treatment goal)
- Rot: Rotation (referring to movement)
- RW: Rolling Walker (assistive device)
