Rehab Glossary

The brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. In rehabilitation, neuroplasticity is the biological basis for motor relearning after stroke, TBI, or spinal cord injury. Intensive, task-specific practice drives neuroplastic change and underpins all neurological rehabilitation programmes.

The body's ability to sense its own position, movement, and force in space without visual input. Proprioception is mediated by mechanoreceptors in muscles, tendons, and joint capsules. After ankle sprain, ACL injury, or stroke, proprioceptive retraining is a core rehabilitation goal to prevent re-injury and restore coordinated movement.

The fundamental self-care tasks a person performs every day — including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. ADLs are the primary outcome measure in occupational therapy. Instrumental ADLs (IADLs) include higher-level tasks like cooking, driving, and managing finances. Restoring ADL independence is the central goal of inpatient and community rehabilitation.

The extent of movement of a joint measured in degrees using a goniometer. Active ROM is achieved by the patient using their own muscles; passive ROM is produced by a therapist or device without patient effort. ROM measurement is used to assess joint stiffness, track rehabilitation progress, and determine when surgery may be indicated for contractures or adhesive capsulitis.