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Bad Body Mechanics-Applying pressure with hyperextension of the wrists and abduction of thumb or crouched over the client
Bacterial-Produced by a bacterium, which is any of the small unicellular microorganisms of the class Schizomycetes.
Ballistic Stretch-Characterized by momentum, relatively high force, and rapid bouncing at the end range of a stretch, activating the stretch reflex opposing the desired stretch. This stretch is short duration. Exercise caution due to increased risk of injury.
Basal Cell Carcinoma-An epidermal tumor with the potential for local invasion and destruction. It is the most common type of skin cancer. Cells just below the surface of the skin become cancerous, and a tumor develops and becomes ulcerated.
Basic Daily Calorie Needs-The number of calories you need every day to sustain life. This includes calories required to maintain breathing, heart rate, and bodily functions. It does not include calories required for activity.
Beating-A percussion massage technique applied with a lightly closed fist using the hypothenar eminence and small finger as the striking surface, used for stimulation
Beats Per Minute (BPM)-The number of times the heartbeats in a minute.
Benign-A term that describes an abnormal growth that will neither spread to surrounding tissue nor recur after complete removal. The opposite of malignant.
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia-A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)-Enlargement of the prostate gland. Harmless over- growth of normal prostate tissue is a natural result of the aging process.

Bilateral-Pertaining to, relating to, or affecting both sides of the body, tissue, or organ, or a pair of organs. (e.g. the eyes, the breasts, both arms, etc.)
Bingeing-The rapid consumption of large amounts of food in a short period of time accompanied by a feeling of loss of control, often followed by purging.
Biologic-A product used in medicine.
Biopsy-A procedure where a piece of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to inspect the individual cells. In cancer, biopsies are usually done in order to determine whether an abnormal growth is malignant or benign.
Bipolar disorders-A form of mood disorder that involves cycles of mania and depression; also known as manic-
depressive disorder.
Bladder-The sac situated in the anterior (front) part of the pelvic area that serves as a reservoir for urine.
Blood Clot-A semi-solid, gelatinous mass.
Blood oxygen-The amount of oxygen in the blood.
Blood Pressure-The pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is measured in two ways: systolic pressure (top number) and diastolic pressure (bottom number).
Bone-Bone shape and rigidity are constant unlike muscles which can transform from soft to hard to soft again
Bone Spur-A sharp or protruding outgrowth of the bone. (e.g. heel spur)
Boundary-Personal space that exists within an arm's length perimeter. Personal emotional space is designated by morals, values, and experience.
Bowel (intestine)-The intestines are the sections of the digestive tract from the beginning of the duodenum to the anus. It includes the duodenum, the ileum, the jejunum, the colon, the rectum, and the anus.
Brachium-Area of arm extending from elbow to shoulder (usually referred to as “arm”).
Breast Self-Examination-Regular inspection by a woman for abnormalities in her breasts. She should look for changes in contour, the appearance of lumps, or thickening of the breast tissue. Other signs to look for are nipple changes, such as inversion or discharge.
Broad Base of Support-Widened stance with the feet positioned approximately shoulder width apart either parallel or diagonal to each other allowing for increased balance and control when performing transitional movements such as lifting, sit to stand, and exercises. (e.g. lunges or squats)
Broadening-A massage technique in which muscle and fascial tissue are compressed and broadened with a deep, slow, sliding motion; used to break adhesions and increase circulation
Bronchitis-Bronchioles (small air passages that branch off the bronchi and trachea) become narrow and clogged by mucus.
Bulimia-An eating disorder characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by purging, rigorous dieting, or excessive exercising to counteract the effects of bingeing. The victim has an intense fear of being fat, but is usually at a normal weight.
Bursa-A small sac (or cavity) typically located near a joint. It contains fluid that acts to reduce friction between tendon and bone, tendon and ligament, or other structures.
Bursitis-Inflammation of a bursa, usually a result of injury or overuse, producing pain and tenderness and sometimes restricting movement at a nearby joint. Bursitis is common at the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel.