Welcome to our comprehensive resource glossary, designed to elucidate the often complex world of rehabilitation care
Within this guide, we’ve compiled a list of key terms and concepts, covering a broad range of topics from nursing rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises, to discharge planning and patient education. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, or a caregiver, this list serves as an essential list of the key vocabulary of the rehabilitation journey.
Each term is explained in simple, straightforward language, to offer a valuable insight into the specialized field of rehabilitation care.
Activities Coordinator: A staff member responsible for planning and organizing recreational activities for patients.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Basic tasks individuals perform daily, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom.
Adaptive Equipment: Specialized tools and devices used to aid patients in performing daily tasks.
Amputee Rehabilitation: Specialized rehab programs for individuals who have undergone amputation.
Aquatic Therapy: Physical therapy exercises performed in a pool for therapeutic benefits.
Assistive Devices: Devices that aid individuals with disabilities or injuries in performing tasks.
Balance Training: Activities to enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Care Conference: A meeting involving the patient, family, and healthcare team to discuss the care plan.
Care Plan: A personalized plan developed for each patient outlining specific treatments and therapies based on their needs.
Care Transition: The process of moving a patient from one healthcare setting to another.
Caregiver Training: Educating family members or caregivers on how to support the patient’s recovery at home.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): A trained individual who provides basic care and assistance to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Discharge Planner: A healthcare professional responsible for coordinating patient discharge.
Discharge Planning: The process of preparing patients for leaving the rehab center and continuing their recovery at home or in another setting.
Discharge Summary: A report detailing the patient’s progress and care during their stay in the rehab center.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Reusable medical equipment prescribed for home use.
Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, often requiring speech therapy intervention.
Fall Prevention Program: A program aimed at reducing the risk of falls in the rehab center.
Fall Risk Assessment: Evaluating a patient’s likelihood of falling to implement preventive measures.
Gait Training: Training individuals to walk or move safely and efficiently.
Home Exercise Program (HEP): Customized exercises prescribed for patients to continue at home.
Hydrotherapy: Therapeutic exercises performed in a pool to reduce impact and improve mobility.
Inpatient Rehabilitation: Rehab services provided in a hospital or rehab center setting.
Interdisciplinary Team: A team of healthcare professionals from various disciplines collaborating to provide comprehensive care.
Mobility Aid: Devices such as walkers, canes, or wheelchairs that assist patients in moving and maintaining balance.
Neuromuscular Reeducation: Techniques used to restore proper muscle function and movement patterns.
Neuropsychologist: A psychologist specializing in assessing and treating cognitive and emotional issues.
Nursing Rehabilitation: The process of providing specialized care and therapy to individuals recovering from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries to restore physical and functional abilities.
Occupational Therapy: Therapy that assists patients in regaining independence in daily activities after an injury or illness.
Orthotics: Devices designed to support and align body structures, such as braces or splints.
Outpatient Rehabilitation: Rehab services provided to individuals who do not require an overnight stay.
Patient Education: Providing patients and their families with information about their condition and recovery process.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA): A healthcare professional who assists physical therapists in providing treatments.
Physical Therapy: A branch of rehabilitation that focuses on restoring movement and function through exercises and manual therapies.
Pressure Ulcer: A wound caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, commonly known as bedsores.
Prosthetics: Artificial limbs designed to replace missing body parts.
Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Exercises designed to improve joint flexibility and prevent stiffness.
Rehabilitation Aide: A support staff member who assists therapists and nurses in various tasks within the rehab center.
Rehabilitation Nurse: A nurse specializing in providing care to patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Physician: A medical doctor specialized in overseeing and managing patient care in a rehab setting.
Respite Care: Temporary care provided to give family caregivers a break.
Restorative Aide: A nursing assistant specialized in restorative nursing care.
Restorative Nursing: Nursing care focused on maintaining and improving a patient’s abilities.
Speech Therapy: Treatment aimed at improving speech and communication abilities, often used for patients with speech and language disorders.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): A professional trained to assess and treat speech and language disorders.
Therapeutic Exercises: Exercises tailored to a patient’s condition to help improve strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Therapeutic Recreation: Using leisure activities as a means of promoting recovery and well-being.
Therapeutic Ultrasound: A treatment modality using sound waves to promote healing.
Transfer Techniques: Methods for safely moving patients from one surface to another (e.g., bed to chair).
Wheelchair Seating Evaluation: Assessment to ensure proper fit and support for wheelchair users.