Clinical Rehabilitation Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
perseveration
The involuntary and inappropriate repetition of a word, phrase, gesture, or action that continues beyond its relevant context, commonly observed following acquired brain injury.
orthotics
The clinical discipline and practice of designing, fabricating, and fitting external devices (orthoses) to support, alig...
perseveration
The involuntary and inappropriate repetition of a word, phrase, gesture, or action that continues beyond its relevant co...
phantom limb pain
A painful sensation perceived as originating from an amputated or missing limb, commonly addressed in prosthetic and reh...
physiatry
The medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect function and quality of life, primarily...
PNF
Standard abbreviation for Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, a rehabilitation technique combining stretching wit...
Postural Hypotension
A drop in blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic upon moving from lying to standing, which is...
pressure injury
Localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure, shear, or friction, forming a crit...
proprioception
The sensory system providing the body with awareness of its position and movement in space, frequently assessed and targ...
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
A stretching and strengthening technique that uses alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles to improve flexibil...
prosthetics
The clinical discipline concerned with the design, fabrication, and fitting of artificial limbs and other prosthetic dev...
Rehabilitation Medicine Consultation
A formal written record generated when a physiatrist or rehabilitation specialist is requested to evaluate and advise on...
ROM
Range of Motion; the measurement of the arc of movement of a joint, expressed in degrees and documented as active (AROM)...
SOAP note
A structured clinical documentation format comprising four sections—Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan—widely u...
spasticity
A velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes resulting in muscle stiffness and involuntary spasms, commonly m...
Spinal Cord Independence Measure
A validated functional outcome scale specifically designed to assess independence in individuals with spinal cord injury...
spinal cord injury
Damage to the spinal cord resulting in partial or complete loss of motor, sensory, or autonomic function below the level...
spinal orthosis
An external brace or support device applied to the trunk or spine to immobilise, correct, or support spinal structures d...
splinting
The fabrication and application of rigid or semi-rigid devices to support, immobilise, protect, or position joints and s...
Subacute Rehabilitation
A level of post-acute rehabilitative care of lesser intensity than inpatient rehabilitation, typically delivered in a sk...
subluxation
A partial or incomplete dislocation of a joint, in rehabilitation most commonly referring to inferior displacement of th...
Task-Specific Training
A rehabilitation intervention approach in which patients repeatedly practise the actual functional tasks they need to re...
TENS
Abbreviation for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, a modality used in rehabilitation to manage pain by delive...
Timed Up and Go Test
A standardised clinical mobility assessment in which a patient rises from a chair, walks three metres, turns, walks back...
tone
In clinical rehabilitation, the resting tension or resistance to passive movement in a muscle; a measure used to charact...