Shortcuts Corner: Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal Shortcuts

By Betsy Ertel, AHDI-F

Below is a listing of example shortcuts based on words taken from the clinical medicine feature article on thoracic outlet syndrome by Brenda Wynn, CHDS, AHDI-F, in the March/April 2017 issue of Plexus magazine. Review each description and rename its keyword by writing down the customized keyword that pops into your head. As you complete this task, you will see a thought pattern that conveys your own awareness to creating shortcuts. Have fun with this exercise, as you will be seeing more in the future!

KEYWORD: dm

DESCRIPTION:

diabetes mellitus

dm = diabetes mellitus

KEYWORD: hypclm

DESCRIPTION:

hypercholesterolemia

hypclm = hypercholesterolemia

KEYWORD: hypt

DESCRIPTION:

hypertension

hypt = hypertension

KEYWORD: mva

DESCRIPTION:

motor vehicle accident

mva = motor vehicle accident

KEYWORD: ncs

DESCRIPTION:

nerve conduction study

ncs = nerve conduction study

KEYWORD: nsptos

DESCRIPTION:

nonspecific TOS

nsptos = nonspecific TOS

KEYWORD: paratos

DESCRIPTION:

No matter the type of surgery, the patient will need physical therapy postoperatively that includes twice daily neck stretching, postural exercises, and abdominal breathing exercises. These physicians agree that the above exercises as well as avoiding repetitive overhead movements will help prevent the pain and weakness of thoracic outlet syndrome. (347)

Shortcuts style example – Nomatter, tp wl ned PT poply tht inks x2 dly nkstrechg, postrl xrszs, nd abd brethg xrszs. Ths phys agr tht the abv xrszs awa avdg rept ovrhd mvmnts wl hlp prvt tpnawkns f tos. (72)

347 typed – 72 shortcuts typed = 275 keystrokes not typed!

Please note – This includes the spaces and punctuation marks in both examples as they are also ‘keystrokes’.

KEYWORD: seltri

DESCRIPTION:

Selmonosky Triad

seltri = Selmonosky Triad

KEYWORD: tens

DESCRIPTION:

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

tens = transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

KEYWORD: tntos

DESCRIPTION:

true neurogenic TOS

tntos = true neurogenic TOS

KEYWORD: tos

DESCRIPTION:

thoracic outlet syndrome

tos = thoracic outlet syndrome

KEYWORD: uti

DESCRIPTION:

urinary tract infection

uti = urinary tract infection

KEYWORD: vtos

DESCRIPTION:

vascular TOS

vtos = vascular TOS