Physical Therapy Symbols

Physical Therapy Symbols

There are many symbols specific to the field of physical therapy, rehabilitation and health care. Many of the common symbols can be misinterpreted as they often represent different things. This can often be confusing to other physical therapist's, health care professionals and students alike. This resource was created to review the most common symbols and their meanings. This list is not complete as is this meant as an open project which will be added to as and when. If any viewer would like to comment on the content please feel free to do so.

Also see:

Physical Therapy Abbreviations

Musculoskeletal Abbreviations

Subjective Abbreviations

Symbol	Definition
+1, +2	Assistance
♂	Male
♀	Female
↓	Down, downward, decrease, diminished
↑	Up, upward, increase
//	Parallel, parallel bars (also // bars)
_ c	With
_ s	Without
_ p	After
_ a	Before
~	Approximately
@	At
∆	Change/diagnosis
>	Greater than
<	Less than
=	Equals or equals to
+	Positive
-	Negative
#	Number or fracture
/	Per
%	Per cent
↔	To and from
→	To, progressing toward, approaching
1°	Primary
2°	Secondary, secondary to
/24	Pattern over 24 hours
/7	Pattern over 7 days/1 week
/12	Pattern over 12 months/1 year
c/o	Complaining of
palpn	Palpation