What does the term ipsilateral refer to?

The term "ipsilateral" is used in anatomy and medicine to refer to structures or conditions that occur on the same side of the body. For example, if you have pain in your right arm and there is swelling in the same right arm, you would describe the situation as ipsilateral. This term is often used in contrast to "contralateral," which would refer to the opposite side. Understanding the concept of ipsilateral is important in sports medicine and rehabilitation when assessing injuries or conditions affecting specific limbs or areas of the body, as treatment may vary based on whether an issue is localized to one side or involves both sides.