If a patient is lying on their stomach, what is this position called?

The position in which a patient is lying on their stomach is referred to as the prone position. In this orientation, the individual's face and chest are facing downward, allowing for various medical and therapeutic assessments or interventions. This position is commonly used in different clinical settings, such as during certain examinations or surgical procedures.

Understanding body positions is essential in sports medicine because the prone position can significantly affect how treatments are applied and how a patient may be examined or assessed for injuries. For example, this position may be useful for evaluating the back or spine and for specific rehabilitation exercises targeting the posterior chain muscles.

Other terms, such as supine (lying on the back), lateral (lying on the side), and vertical (standing up), specifically refer to different orientations and would not accurately describe a patient lying on their stomach.