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Clinical Rehabilitation Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

perseveration

Intermediate Technical IVT

The involuntary and inappropriate repetition of a word, phrase, gesture, or action that continues beyond its relevant context, commonly observed following acquired brain injury.

Showing 49–72 of 100

heterotopic ossification

Advanced Technical IVT

The abnormal formation of lamellar bone in soft tissues outside the skeleton, a serious secondary complication occurring...

Technical Term Full entry →

Hydrotherapy

Basic Semi-formal

The therapeutic use of water—exploiting its buoyancy, resistance, and thermodynamic properties—to facilitate movement, p...

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hypertonia

Intermediate Technical IVT

Abnormally increased muscle tone or resistance to passive movement, encompassing both spasticity and rigidity.

Technical Term Full entry →

hypotonia

Intermediate Technical IVT

Abnormally decreased muscle tone, presenting as reduced resistance to passive movement and often associated with lower m...

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ICF

Advanced Technical IVT

Abbreviation for the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, the WHO framework used in rehab...

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IDDSI

Intermediate Technical IVT

An international framework providing standardised terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened l...

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impairment

Intermediate Formal IVT

In rehabilitation, a loss or abnormality of body structure or physiological function at the organ or body-system level.

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Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility

Intermediate Formal IVT

A hospital or distinct unit providing intensive, physician-supervised rehabilitative care requiring at least three hours...

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IRF-PAI

Advanced Technical IVT

The standardised CMS assessment tool completed at admission and discharge for all inpatient rehabilitation facility pati...

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KAFO

Advanced Technical IVT

Knee–Ankle–Foot Orthosis; an external brace extending from the thigh to the foot, used when knee stability cannot be mai...

Abbreviation Full entry →

Kinesiophobia

Advanced Technical IVT

An excessive, irrational, and debilitating fear of physical movement or activity resulting from a belief that movement w...

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kinesiotherapy

Intermediate Technical IVT

The therapeutic application of scientifically based exercise principles to treat injury, disease, or disability and rest...

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learned non-use

Advanced Technical IVT

A behavioural phenomenon in which a patient suppresses use of a neurologically impaired limb due to repeated failed atte...

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lymphedema

Intermediate Technical IVT

Chronic swelling caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, typically resulting from damage or removal of lymph node...

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Minimum Data Set

Advanced Technical IVT

A standardised federally mandated assessment instrument used in long-term care settings in the United States to evaluate...

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Modified Ashworth Scale

Intermediate Technical IVT

A six-point ordinal scale used in rehabilitation to clinically grade the degree of spasticity or muscle tone in patients...

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motor relearning

Advanced Technical IVT

A rehabilitation approach based on principles of learning and neuroplasticity in which patients reacquire motor skills l...

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multidisciplinary team

Basic Semi-formal IVT

A coordinated group of healthcare professionals from different specialties who collaboratively plan and deliver rehabili...

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neurogenic bladder

Intermediate Technical IVT

Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological damage, resulting in impaired control of urinary storage or voiding, and a co...

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neurogenic pain

Intermediate Technical IVT

Pain arising directly from a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, commonly documented in rehabilitatio...

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neurological level of injury

Advanced Technical IVT

In spinal cord injury classification, the most caudal spinal segment with normal motor and sensory function bilaterally.

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Neuropathic Pain

Intermediate Technical IVT

Pain arising directly from a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system, characterised by burning, shooting,...

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neuroplasticity

Advanced Technical IVT

The brain's ability to reorganise its structure, function, and connections in response to learning, experience, or injur...

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occupational performance

Intermediate Technical IVT

The ability of an individual to choose, organise, and perform meaningful activities of daily life, including self-care,...

Technical Term Full entry →
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