Rehab Toolkit
A library of exercises, protocols and techniques used across physiatry practice — one icon-labelled card per technique, organised by subspecialty and referenced to primary literature.
CLINICAL
REFERENCE
8
Subspecialty Categories
400
Referenced Pearls
01
Neuro Rehabilitation
Exercises, protocols and techniques for stroke, TBI, SCI and other neurologic conditions — 50 entries, referenced.
Task-specific repetitive practice
High-repetition, goal-directed movement drives cortical reorganisation post-stroke.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
Restraint of the less-affected limb forces intensive use of the paretic arm.
Modified CIMT (distributed protocol)
Shorter daily sessions over a longer period; more clinically feasible than original CIMT.
Bilateral arm training
Simultaneous symmetric movement of both arms to drive interlimb coupling.
Mirror therapy
Visual feedback of the unaffected limb's reflection to modulate cortical remapping.
Mental practice / motor imagery
Cognitive rehearsal of movement as an adjunct to physical practice.
Robot-assisted upper-limb training
Mechanised, repetitive assistance for reaching movements in moderate-severe paresis.
FES for wrist/hand extension
Functional electrical stimulation to cue active extensor activation.
Body-weight-supported treadmill training
Harness-supported treadmill walking to re-establish gait pattern.
Overground gait training
Task-specific walking practice on level ground, progressing speed and distance.
Robotic/electromechanical gait training
Device-assisted stepping, particularly useful early and in non-ambulatory patients.
FES for foot drop
Peroneal nerve stimulation timed to the gait cycle to assist dorsiflexion.
Static and dynamic balance training
Progressive challenge to postural control in standing and during movement.
Trunk control training
Selective trunk exercises to improve sitting balance and postural control.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Diagonal stretch-facilitation patterns to promote neuromuscular re-education.
Neurodevelopmental Treatment (Bobath) approach
Handling techniques to normalise tone and guide movement quality.
Serial casting for spasticity/contracture
Progressive plaster/fibreglass casting to lengthen shortened muscle-tendon units.
Passive range-of-motion / stretching programme
Regular joint mobilisation to reduce contracture risk in spastic limbs.
Botulinum toxin injection + task practice
Focal chemodenervation paired with functional training for best motor gains.
Whole-body vibration training
Platform-delivered mechanical vibration as an adjunct neuromuscular stimulus.
Aerobic exercise training post-stroke
Structured cardiovascular training to improve fitness and reduce recurrence risk.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Alternating high/low intensity bouts to improve cardiovascular fitness post-stroke.
Dual-task (cognitive-motor) training
Combining a cognitive task with walking/balance to reflect real-world demands.
Virtual reality / interactive gaming therapy
Game-based movement practice as an adjunct to conventional therapy.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Low-intensity current applied to modulate cortical excitability as a therapy adjunct.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
Magnetic pulses targeting motor cortex to prime therapy sessions.
Rood/sensory stimulation techniques
Cutaneous and proprioceptive input used to facilitate or inhibit motor response.
Melodic Intonation Therapy
Singing-based technique to access preserved right-hemisphere language pathways in aphasia.
Constraint-induced aphasia therapy
Massed-practice verbal communication with restriction of compensatory gesture.
Semantic Feature Analysis
Structured cueing technique to improve word-finding in aphasia.
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises (Cawthorne-Cooksey)
Habituation and gaze-stabilisation exercises for vestibular hypofunction.
Locomotor training for SCI (robotic-assisted)
Structured, repetitive stepping practice to promote spinal locomotor pattern generation.
FES cycling for SCI
Stimulated leg cycling to maintain muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness below the level of injury.
Standing frame / tilt-table protocol
Progressive upright positioning to support bone health and cardiovascular tolerance in SCI.
Bladder training / timed voiding
Scheduled catheterisation protocol for neurogenic bladder management.
Neurogenic bowel programme
Scheduled digital stimulation/evacuation routine for neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
Autonomic dysreflexia management protocol
Immediate positioning, bladder/bowel check, and BP control algorithm for SCI at/above T6.
Selective motor control training (TBI)
Graded, task-specific motor re-education following structured cognitive rehab principles.
Attention Process Training
Hierarchical exercises targeting sustained, selective and divided attention.
Errorless learning technique
Preventing errors during acquisition to support memory encoding after brain injury.
Compensatory strategy training (executive function)
External aids and structured routines to offset planning/organisation deficits.
Graded return-to-activity protocol (concussion)
Stepwise reintroduction of cognitive and physical activity after concussion.
LSVT BIG (amplitude training)
High-amplitude, high-effort movement training for Parkinson's disease.
LSVT LOUD (voice therapy)
Intensive vocal loudness training for hypophonia in Parkinson's disease.
Aquatic therapy for neurological conditions
Buoyancy-assisted movement practice for patients with significant weight-bearing limitation.
Progressive resistive exercise (MS)
Graded strength training safe across MS disability levels.
Energy conservation / fatigue-management training
Activity pacing strategies for MS, GBS and other fatiguing neurologic conditions.
Gait training with ankle-foot orthosis
Orthotic-assisted gait practice for foot-drop and weak dorsiflexion.
Community group exercise (e.g., FAME programme)
Group-based fitness and mobility class for long-term post-stroke maintenance.
Progressive resistance training (post-stroke)
Graded strengthening of paretic muscle groups, distinct from general aerobic conditioning.
02
Geriatric Rehabilitation
Exercises, protocols and techniques for frailty, falls, sarcopenia and functional decline — 50 entries, referenced.
Progressive resistance training
High-intensity strength training is safe and effective even in frail nursing-home residents.
Otago Exercise Programme
Individually tailored, progressive home-based strength and balance programme for fall prevention.
Tai Chi for balance
Slow, controlled weight-shifting movement sequence shown to reduce fall risk.
Multicomponent exercise (strength + balance + gait)
Combined training is the single most effective standalone falls-prevention intervention.
Chair-based exercise
Seated strength and mobility exercise for very frail or fall-risk older adults.
Gait speed training
Structured walking practice to improve gait speed, a strong predictor of survival.
Timed Up and Go-guided functional training
Using TUG performance to structure progressive mobility exercise.
Dual-task gait training
Walking combined with a cognitive task to build real-world fall resistance.
Vestibular rehabilitation (age-related dizziness)
Habituation and gaze-stabilisation exercises for older adults with vestibular hypofunction.
Vision-integrated balance training
Combining vision correction with balance exercise for greater fall reduction.
Home hazard modification programme
Structured environmental assessment and modification to reduce fall risk.
Hip protector use
Padded garments to reduce fracture impact force during a fall.
Bone-loading / weight-bearing exercise
Impact and resistance loading to slow bone loss in osteopenia/osteoporosis.
Balance platform / perturbation training
Externally applied balance disturbance to train reactive postural responses.
Functional strength training for sarcopenia
Resistance exercise targeting major muscle groups per revised sarcopenia consensus.
Protein-supplemented resistance training
Combining ~1.0–1.2 g/kg/day protein intake with resistance exercise for sarcopenia.
Grip-strengthening exercise
Targeted hand-strength training, also used as a sarcopenia screening proxy.
Early mobilisation protocol (post-hip fracture)
Structured out-of-bed and ambulation protocol within 24–48h of surgery.
Orthogeriatric co-managed rehab pathway
Joint orthopaedic-geriatric protocol reducing mortality and length of stay after hip fracture.
Cognitive stimulation therapy
Structured group activities to support cognition in mild-moderate dementia.
Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
Multicomponent, non-pharmacologic delirium-prevention protocol for hospitalised elders.
Structured hospital mobility protocol
Scheduled ambulation to prevent hospital-acquired deconditioning.
Community group exercise class
Group-delivered strength/balance programming for community-dwelling older adults.
Aquatic exercise for osteoarthritis
Water-based exercise reducing joint load while training strength and mobility.
Pelvic floor muscle training
Targeted continence exercise to reduce incontinence-related functional decline.
Swallowing exercise (sarcopenic dysphagia)
Targeted oropharyngeal strengthening for age/disease-related swallowing muscle loss.
Structured post-discharge walking programme
Progressive walking plan to maintain gains made during inpatient rehab.
Seated Tai Chi
Modified Tai Chi sequence for very frail or wheelchair-dependent older adults.
Resistance band exercise (home-based)
Low-cost, portable resistance training for homebound older adults.
Balance + strength + vitamin D combined protocol
Exercise paired with vitamin D repletion for additive fall-risk reduction.
FIM-guided task practice
Using Functional Independence Measure domains to structure daily task-oriented practice.
Caregiver-taught safe transfer technique
Structured training of family/caregivers in safe patient-handling methods.
Fall-recovery (floor transfer) training
Teaching a safe technique to rise independently after a fall.
Group dual-task cognitive-motor class
Class-based combined cognitive and motor challenge for higher-functioning older adults.
Individualised FITT-based exercise prescription
Frequency, intensity, time and type tailored per ACSM older-adult recommendations.
Surgical prehabilitation (frail older adults)
Pre-operative conditioning to improve reserve before elective surgery.
Unstable-surface balance training
Foam pads or wobble boards to progressively challenge postural control.
Rapid step training
Practising quick protective stepping reactions to prevent falls.
Functional Reach Test-guided training
Using forward-reach performance to structure progressive balance exercise.
Berg Balance Scale-guided programme
Structuring a progressive balance programme around Berg Balance Scale items.
Sit-to-stand (chair-rise) training
Repeated chair-rise practice to build lower-limb functional strength.
Structured post-acute rehab pathway
Matching IRF/SNF-based programming to functional need and medical complexity.
CBT-based pain-coping skills training
Cognitive behavioural techniques to improve function despite chronic pain in older adults.
Structured sleep-hygiene protocol
Behavioural sleep programme to support recovery and daytime rehab participation.
Music-based movement therapy (dementia)
Rhythmic, music-cued movement to reduce agitation and promote engagement.
Reminiscence therapy + light activity
Combining guided reminiscence discussion with gentle physical movement.
Combined nutrition-exercise sarcopenia protocol
Simultaneous protein supplementation and resistance training per PROT-AGE recommendations.
STEADI-guided individualised fall-risk exercise plan
Exercise plan structured from CDC STEADI risk-assessment findings.
Multidisciplinary falls-clinic exercise referral
Coordinated exercise referral following comprehensive falls-clinic assessment.
Low-impact aerobic conditioning
Sustained moderate-intensity activity (walking, cycling) to maintain cardiovascular reserve in older adults.
03
Paediatric Rehabilitation
Exercises, protocols and techniques for developmental and cerebral palsy rehabilitation — 50 entries, referenced.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
Restraint of the less-affected arm to intensify use of the hemiplegic hand.
Modified/distributed CIMT for children
Shorter daily restraint-and-practice sessions spread over a longer period.
Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy (HABIT)
Structured two-handed task practice for children with unilateral CP.
Goal-directed / task-specific training
Practice organised around a child's own meaningful functional goal.
Serial casting for equinus contracture
Progressive casting to lengthen the shortened gastrocnemius-soleus complex.
Botulinum toxin + targeted therapy
Focal chemodenervation combined with task practice for spastic muscle groups.
Selective dorsal rhizotomy pathway
Structured surgical + intensive post-op rehab pathway for spastic diplegia.
Intrathecal baclofen titration protocol
Programmable pump dosing for severe generalised spasticity/dystonia.
Stretching / range-of-motion programme
Regular joint mobilisation to reduce contracture risk in spastic CP.
Progressive resistance training in CP
Safe, effective strengthening for children with cerebral palsy.
Partial body-weight-supported treadmill training
Harness-assisted treadmill walking to build gait pattern in young children with CP.
Hippotherapy / equine-assisted therapy
Horseback movement used to challenge postural control in CP.
Aquatic therapy for CP
Buoyancy-assisted movement practice reducing weight-bearing demand.
Ankle-foot orthosis gait training
Orthotic-assisted gait practice to improve foot clearance and stability.
Functional electrical stimulation (paediatric foot drop)
Peroneal stimulation timed to gait cycle in children with foot drop.
Robotic-assisted gait training (paediatric)
Device-guided repetitive stepping practice, adapted for smaller body size.
CO-OP approach
Cognitive strategy-based motor skill acquisition (Goal-Plan-Do-Check).
Sensory integration therapy
Structured sensory-motor activities to improve processing and regulation.
Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) handling
Facilitation and handling techniques to guide movement quality in CP.
Early powered mobility training
Introducing powered mobility devices to young children with severe mobility limitation.
General Movements-guided early intervention
Using early movement quality assessment to individualise infant intervention.
GAME intervention (infants at risk of CP)
Goals, Activity and Motor Enrichment programme for high-risk infants.
Vojta therapy (reflex locomotion)
Reflex-eliciting positioning technique used to stimulate motor patterns.
Video-feedback parent coaching
Reviewing recorded parent-child interaction to refine motor-coaching technique.
Feeding / oral-motor therapy
Structured oral-motor exercises for paediatric dysphagia.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) training
Device- or symbol-based communication training for severe speech/motor impairment.
Facilitated communication for nonverbal children
Structured techniques to support expressive communication in nonverbal children.
MACS-guided hand therapy
Structuring hand-function therapy around Manual Ability Classification level.
GMFM-guided goal setting
Using Gross Motor Function Measure items to track and set therapy goals.
Hip surveillance positioning programme
Positioning and monitoring protocol to reduce hip displacement risk.
Standing frame weight-bearing protocol
Scheduled upright standing to support bone health in non-ambulatory CP.
Orthotic-integrated gait training (AFO/KAFO)
Combining orthotic bracing with structured gait practice.
Constraint-induced language therapy (paediatric)
Massed-practice verbal communication technique adapted for children.
Play-based motor learning intervention
Embedding motor practice within naturalistic play for engagement and carryover.
Task-oriented upper-limb training (brachial plexus birth palsy)
Functional task practice tracking recovery of shoulder/elbow/hand function.
Range-of-motion programme (obstetric brachial plexus injury)
Passive/active ROM to prevent contracture during nerve recovery.
Toe-walking gait retraining
Serial casting and/or AFO combined with gait retraining for persistent toe-walking.
Structured physical activity programme (Down syndrome)
Motor development-focused activity plan for the distinct Down syndrome motor profile.
Early motor/behavioural intervention (autism spectrum disorder)
Structured early intervention targeting motor and broader developmental domains.
Task-oriented intervention (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Structured motor-skill practice targeting functional coordination goals.
Joint-protection exercise programme (juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
Low-impact strengthening and ROM to preserve joint function in JIA.
Scoliosis bracing + exercise protocol
Combined bracing and exercise surveillance for spinal curve progression risk.
Positioning programme (hip/spine deformity prevention)
Scheduled repositioning and seating adjustment for non-ambulatory children.
Drooling/sialorrhea oral-motor therapy
Oral-motor exercises as a first-line approach before pharmacologic/surgical options.
Gastrostomy feeding transition protocol
Structured multidisciplinary process for introducing gastrostomy feeding.
Sleep positioning programme (CP)
Postural positioning at night to support comfort, breathing and hip alignment.
Family-coached home exercise programme
Caregiver-delivered practice sessions to extend clinic-based therapy gains.
COPM-guided goal-directed therapy
Family-identified priorities used to set and track individualised therapy goals.
Structured transition-to-adult-care protocol
Stepwise handoff process starting in early adolescence for childhood-onset disability.
FLACC-guided pain management during therapy
Observational pain scoring used to titrate therapy intensity in nonverbal children.
04
Pain Management
Exercises, protocols and techniques for acute and chronic pain rehabilitation — 50 entries, referenced.
Graded exercise therapy
Systematic, incremental increase in activity level and intensity.
Graded exposure in vivo
Progressive, hierarchy-based confrontation of feared movements/activities.
Activity pacing
Structuring activity by time/quota rather than symptom level.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for pain
Structured psychological techniques targeting pain-related thoughts and behaviour.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Values-based engagement approach de-emphasising symptom control alone.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction
Structured mindfulness meditation programme for chronic pain-related distress.
Pain neuroscience education ("explain pain")
Educating patients on pain biology to reduce fear and reframe symptoms.
McKenzie method (mechanical diagnosis and therapy)
Directional-preference-based spinal exercise and self-treatment system.
Core stabilisation exercise
Deep trunk muscle activation training for spinal segmental control.
Motor control exercise (chronic low back pain)
Targeted retraining of trunk muscle activation patterns.
Aerobic exercise for fibromyalgia
Structured cardiovascular conditioning shown to reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.
Aquatic therapy for chronic pain
Water-based exercise reducing joint load while training strength and endurance.
Myofascial release / manual therapy
Hands-on technique targeting taut bands and referred-pain trigger points.
Trigger point dry needling
Fine-needle insertion into myofascial trigger points to reduce local pain.
Spinal manipulation therapy
Manual high-velocity, low-amplitude technique as part of a first-line back pain approach.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
Surface electrical stimulation used to modulate pain signalling.
Interferential current therapy
Medium-frequency current modality used for deeper-tissue pain modulation.
Heat / cold therapy
Thermal modalities used to modulate acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Therapeutic ultrasound
Sound-wave-based deep tissue heating modality used as a pain adjunct.
Iontophoresis
Electrically driven transdermal medication delivery for localised pain.
Spinal cord stimulation
Implanted device delivering electrical stimulation for refractory neuropathic pain.
Peripheral nerve stimulation
Targeted electrical stimulation of a peripheral nerve for localised neuropathic pain.
Radiofrequency ablation (facet-mediated pain)
Heat-based nerve ablation used for facet joint-mediated spinal pain.
Epidural steroid injection (adjunct to rehab)
Interventional injection used to reduce inflammation and enable active rehab participation.
Trigger point injection
Localised injection into a myofascial trigger point to reduce muscle pain.
Multimodal perioperative analgesia protocol
Combining multiple drug classes to reduce opioid need after surgery.
Functional restoration programme
Structured, work-oriented rehabilitation targeting return to occupational function.
Interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programme
Combined medical, physical and psychological treatment delivered as one programme.
Biofeedback-assisted relaxation training
Real-time physiological feedback used to teach voluntary relaxation control.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Sequential tensing and releasing of muscle groups to reduce overall tension.
Yoga-based therapeutic exercise
Postures, breath work and movement shown to benefit chronic low back pain.
Tai Chi for fibromyalgia
Slow, mindful movement sequence shown to improve fibromyalgia symptoms.
Desensitisation therapy (CRPS/allodynia)
Graduated sensory exposure to reduce hypersensitivity in the affected limb.
Graded motor imagery (CRPS)
Laterality training, imagined movement and mirror therapy sequence for CRPS.
Mirror therapy (phantom limb pain)
Visual feedback via mirror reflection to modulate cortical remapping.
Graded exposure for chronic dizziness-related pain
Habituation-based approach applied across pain and vestibular-linked conditions.
Postural correction / ergonomic retraining
Structured postural and workstation adjustment to reduce mechanical load.
Water-based aerobic conditioning (chronic widespread pain)
Low-impact conditioning suited to widespread musculoskeletal pain.
Neural mobilisation / nerve-gliding exercises
Gentle mobilisation techniques to improve neural tissue mobility.
Functional capacity evaluation-guided work conditioning
Objective work-capacity testing used to structure graded conditioning.
Sleep hygiene protocol (pain-related insomnia)
Structured behavioural sleep programme addressing the pain-sleep cycle.
Guided diaphragmatic breathing
Slow, controlled breathing technique used for pain-related autonomic modulation.
Group-based pain self-management education
Peer-supported programme teaching self-management skills for chronic pain.
Structured opioid tapering protocol
Gradual, individualised dose reduction to minimise withdrawal and symptom flare.
Quantitative sensory testing-guided treatment tailoring
Sensory phenotyping used to individualise the treatment approach.
ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) early mobilisation
Structured perioperative pathway emphasising early activity and multimodal analgesia.
Structured return-to-work graded activity programme
Stepwise increase in work-related activity tolerance and duties.
Migraine-specific relaxation/biofeedback protocol
Combined relaxation and biofeedback training targeting headache frequency/severity.
Virtual reality-assisted distraction analgesia
Immersive VR used to reduce perceived pain during procedures or therapy.
Isometric exercise for tendinopathy-related pain
Sustained sub-maximal contractions used for immediate analgesic effect in tendon pain.
05
Disability Rehabilitation
Exercises, protocols and techniques supporting function and community participation — 50 entries, referenced.
ADL retraining
Structured practice of basic self-care tasks (dressing, bathing, feeding).
IADL (instrumental ADL) training
Practice of complex community-living tasks such as cooking and managing finances.
Wheelchair Skills Training Programme
Structured, validated curriculum for manual/power wheelchair skill acquisition.
Transfer training (bed-chair-toilet)
Structured technique training for safe, independent or assisted transfers.
Adaptive equipment training
Instruction in using dressing sticks, built-up utensils and similar aids.
Home exercise programme for functional maintenance
Individualised maintenance exercise plan to sustain rehab gains long-term.
Energy conservation / work simplification training
Task modification strategies to reduce fatigue during daily activity.
Joint protection technique training
Movement modification strategies to reduce joint stress during tasks.
Adaptive driving rehabilitation
Assessment and training with adaptive vehicle controls for safe return to driving.
Community mobility training
Practising navigation of public transport and community environments.
Prosthetic gait training
Structured gait re-education following lower-limb prosthetic fitting.
Residual limb desensitisation and shaping
Massage and graded compression techniques to prepare the residual limb for a prosthesis.
Mirror therapy for phantom limb pain
Visual feedback via mirror reflection to modulate cortical remapping post-amputation.
Orthotic/brace fitting and training
Fitting and functional training with a prescribed orthotic device.
FES for hand function (tetraplegia)
Functional electrical stimulation to enable grasp/release in cervical SCI.
Standing frame protocol
Scheduled upright positioning to support bone and cardiovascular health.
Seating and positioning assessment
Structured evaluation to optimise wheelchair seating for posture and skin protection.
Environmental control unit training
Training to operate assistive technology controlling lights, doors and devices.
AAC training (adult)
Device- or symbol-based communication training for adults with severe speech impairment.
Cognitive-communication retraining
Structured strategies addressing pragmatic and cognitive-linguistic deficits.
Vocational skills training
Structured practice of job-specific tasks and workplace routines.
Work-hardening programme
Progressive, work-simulated conditioning to build occupational tolerance.
Job-site accommodation assessment
On-site evaluation to identify practical workplace modifications.
Peer mentoring programme
Structured pairing with a peer mentor who has lived experience of disability.
Therapeutic community reintegration outings
Supervised real-world outings to practise skills in community settings.
Adaptive sports training programme
Structured introduction to adapted sport and recreational activity.
Aquatic therapy for mobility impairment
Buoyancy-assisted movement practice for patients with significant weight-bearing limitation.
Bowel/bladder management training
Structured teaching of a scheduled bladder/bowel care programme.
Skin inspection / pressure-relief training
Teaching daily skin checks and scheduled pressure-relief manoeuvres.
Caregiver training in safe patient handling
Structured instruction in safe transfer and handling techniques for caregivers.
Fall-prevention training (mobility device users)
Balance and safety training tailored to wheelchair and mobility-aid users.
Balance retraining with assistive device
Progressive balance practice incorporating the person's typical mobility aid.
Upper-limb strengthening for wheelchair propulsion
Targeted conditioning to support efficient, joint-protective wheelchair use.
Shoulder-preservation exercise programme
Structured strengthening/stretching balance to protect the shoulder in long-term wheelchair users.
Speech-generating device training
Structured practice operating a dedicated speech-generating communication device.
Cognitive rehabilitation for return-to-school/work
Compensatory and restorative strategies targeting real-world cognitive demands.
Independent living skills training
Structured practice of core skills required for independent community living.
Meal preparation / cooking adaptive training
Adapted technique and equipment training for safe, independent meal preparation.
Money management / community skills training
Practical training in budgeting and navigating community/financial systems.
Assistive technology trial and matching session
Structured trial period to match the right device to the person, task and environment.
Power wheelchair training
Structured practice with a powered mobility device, including safety skills.
Manual wheelchair propulsion technique training
Coaching efficient, joint-sparing propulsion technique.
Fatigue management / pacing training
Activity pacing strategies for chronic disabling conditions.
Telehealth-delivered functional rehabilitation
Remote delivery of therapy sessions and functional coaching.
Sexual health / intimacy counselling
Education and adaptive positioning guidance for intimacy after disability.
Structured SMART goal-setting session
Collaborative process for setting specific, measurable, achievable rehab goals.
Supported decision-making training
Structured process supporting autonomous decision-making for people with cognitive disability.
Financial / benefits navigation counselling
Guided session to navigate disability benefits and financial planning.
Universal design home modification consultation
Structured home assessment applying universal design principles.
WHODAS 2.0-guided functional reassessment
Standardised generic disability instrument used to track function over time.
06
Cancer Rehabilitation
Exercises, protocols and techniques across the cancer care continuum — 50 entries, referenced.
Prehabilitation exercise programme
Pre-treatment conditioning to build functional reserve before surgery/therapy.
Aerobic exercise training (during treatment)
Structured cardiovascular exercise safe during active cancer treatment.
Resistance training (during/after treatment)
Strength training tailored to treatment phase and site-specific precautions.
Combined aerobic + resistance exercise programme
Integrated conditioning shown to improve fitness, fatigue and quality of life.
Complete decongestive therapy
Combined manual drainage, bandaging, exercise and skin care for lymphedema.
Manual lymphatic drainage
Gentle, specialised massage technique to redirect lymphatic fluid.
Compression bandaging / garment fitting
Graduated compression fitted to control and maintain lymphedema reduction.
Post-mastectomy shoulder ROM protocol
Progressive shoulder mobility exercise balanced with surgical precautions.
Axillary web syndrome manual therapy
Manual stretching technique for "cording" after axillary lymph node surgery.
CIPN balance / proprioceptive training
Balance-focused exercise addressing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation
Targeted pelvic floor exercise for urinary/bowel/sexual dysfunction after pelvic cancer treatment.
Prophylactic swallowing exercises
Swallowing exercises performed during head and neck radiation to preserve function.
Trismus / jaw mobility exercise
Progressive jaw-stretching exercise or device use for radiation-related trismus.
Post-laryngectomy speech and swallowing therapy
Structured voice restoration and swallowing rehabilitation after laryngectomy.
Cognitive rehabilitation strategy training
Compensatory cognitive strategies for cancer-related cognitive impairment ("chemo brain").
Fatigue-management structured exercise protocol
Exercise-first approach as the primary intervention for cancer-related fatigue.
CBT for cancer-related fatigue/insomnia
Cognitive behavioural techniques as an adjunct to exercise for fatigue management.
Amputee rehabilitation (cancer-related limb loss)
Prosthetic training and residual limb care following oncologic amputation.
Mirror therapy for phantom limb pain
Visual feedback technique used for post-amputation phantom limb pain.
Bone-metastasis-safe resistance protocol
Resistance training modified after formal fracture-risk assessment.
Radiation fibrosis syndrome stretching/manual therapy
Manual and stretching techniques addressing post-radiation soft tissue fibrosis.
Nutrition + exercise combined protocol (cachexia)
Multimodal approach combining nutrition support and exercise for cancer cachexia.
Pre-transplant conditioning exercise
Structured conditioning before haematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Post-transplant GVHD rehabilitation
Stretching and strengthening addressing fibrosis and contracture in chronic GVHD.
Ostomy self-care training
Structured teaching of stoma care and appliance management.
Sexual health counselling (pelvic/gynaecologic cancer)
Structured counselling addressing intimacy and function after pelvic cancer treatment.
Cardiotoxicity-safe exercise prescription
Exercise plan adjusted for baseline cardiac screening in at-risk regimens.
Palliative rehabilitation goal-directed exercise
Function- and comfort-focused exercise even when treatment is not curative.
Energy conservation training (cancer-related fatigue)
Activity pacing and task modification for persistent cancer-related fatigue.
Structured return-to-work programme
Graded reintroduction to occupational demands during survivorship.
Distress screening-guided psychosocial referral
Routine distress screening used to trigger referral to psychosocial support.
Group exercise class for cancer survivors
Peer-supported structured exercise class tailored to survivorship needs.
Home-based exercise programme (immunosuppressed patients)
Remote or home-delivered exercise for patients with infection-risk precautions.
Aquatic therapy (post-surgical cancer rehab)
Water-based exercise for reduced-impact conditioning after cancer surgery.
Yoga-based intervention for cancer survivors
Structured yoga programme improving fatigue, mood and quality of life.
Tai Chi / Qigong for cancer-related fatigue
Slow, mindful movement sequence used as an adjunct fatigue intervention.
Vestibular rehabilitation (ototoxic chemotherapy)
Habituation and gaze-stabilisation exercises for chemotherapy-related dizziness.
Scar tissue mobilisation
Manual technique to reduce adhesion and improve mobility around surgical scars.
Structured walking programme (survivorship)
Progressive walking plan to sustain functional gains after active treatment.
Gait training (post-limb-salvage surgery)
Structured gait re-education after limb-sparing oncologic orthopaedic surgery.
Wound / stoma care training
Structured education in post-surgical wound and stoma self-management.
Sarcopenia-targeted resistance protocol
Resistance training targeting muscle loss in cancer cachexia and sarcopenic obesity.
Pre-operative pulmonary rehabilitation (thoracic cancer)
Pre-surgical breathing and conditioning programme before lung cancer resection.
Post-thoracotomy breathing exercise protocol
Structured deep-breathing and incentive spirometry after chest surgery.
Spinal orthosis fitting (metastatic spine disease)
Bracing to support spinal stability in patients with vertebral metastases.
Structured fall-prevention exercise (chemotherapy-related neuropathy)
Balance-focused programme addressing fall risk from peripheral neuropathy.
Graded return-to-exercise protocol (post-treatment)
Stepwise reintroduction of exercise intensity after treatment completion.
Prehabilitation functional baseline screening
Structured functional testing before treatment to guide the surveillance model.
PROMIS-guided rehab progress tracking
Patient-reported outcome measures used to track functional rehab progress.
Family/caregiver training for home cancer rehab
Structured caregiver education to support carryover of rehab gains at home.
07
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Exercises and protocols across phase-based cardiac recovery — 50 entries, referenced.
Symptom-limited exercise stress test
Maximal testing used to establish safe exercise intensity limits.
MET-based exercise prescription
Prescribing exercise intensity in metabolic equivalents derived from testing.
Interval training (cardiac rehab)
Alternating higher- and lower-intensity bouts to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Continuous aerobic training
Sustained moderate-intensity activity forming the core of cardiac conditioning.
Treadmill walking protocol
Structured, progressive treadmill walking session.
Stationary cycling protocol
Low-impact cycling used for aerobic conditioning in cardiac rehab.
Arm ergometry
Upper-body cranking exercise for patients with lower-limb limitation.
Resistance training circuit
Structured strength circuit as an adjunct to aerobic training once cleared.
Warm-up / cool-down protocol
Gradual intensity transition to reduce exertion-related arrhythmic risk.
Borg RPE-guided intensity monitoring
Self-reported perceived exertion used to guide exercise intensity in real time.
Telemetry-monitored exercise session
ECG-monitored exercise for higher-risk patients per stratification criteria.
Six-minute walk test
Submaximal functional capacity assessment used when maximal testing isn't feasible.
Home-based cardiac rehab exercise protocol
Structured exercise plan delivered outside a centre-based setting.
Group exercise class (Phase II/III)
Supervised group-based outpatient exercise session.
Post-MI early mobilisation protocol
Structured out-of-bed and ambulation progression after acute MI.
Post-CABG sternal precaution exercise progression
Graduated activity plan respecting sternal healing precautions.
HF-ACTION exercise training protocol
Structured aerobic training protocol studied specifically in stable HFrEF.
Device-adapted exercise (ICD/pacemaker)
Exercise progression respecting device-specific heart-rate limits.
Supervised exercise therapy (PAD/claudication)
Structured walking protocol shown to improve claudication distance.
Post-transplant cardiac rehab protocol
Disease-specific exercise progression following heart transplantation.
Inspiratory muscle training (cardiac adjunct)
Targeted respiratory muscle training as an adjunct to standard cardiac exercise.
Flexibility / stretching component
Structured stretching to maintain range of motion during recovery.
Balance training (older cardiac rehab patients)
Balance-focused exercise integrated for older adults at fall risk.
Risk-factor education session
Structured teaching on smoking, diet and lipid management.
Nutrition counselling session
Individualised dietary counselling as part of secondary prevention.
Diabetes self-management education
Structured diabetes education integrated into cardiac rehab programming.
Smoking cessation counselling protocol
Structured behavioural and pharmacotherapy-supported cessation counselling.
Stress management / relaxation training
Structured relaxation technique training as a psychosocial rehab component.
Depression screening and referral protocol
Routine screening given the prognostic significance of depression post-MI.
Structured discharge education session
End-of-Phase-I teaching on medication, activity and warning signs.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)
Measured VO₂ peak testing for precise exercise prescription in complex cases.
Criteria-based graded exercise progression
Advancing intensity based on defined performance criteria, not fixed timelines.
ECG-monitored exercise (high-risk stratification)
Continuous cardiac monitoring during exercise for higher-risk patients.
Telehealth / virtual cardiac rehab session
Remote delivery of supervised exercise and coaching.
Family / caregiver education session
Structured teaching to support home carryover of lifestyle changes.
Phase IV maintenance exercise programme
Long-term, community-based continuation of structured exercise.
Resistance band circuit training
Portable, low-cost resistance training option for cardiac rehab.
Aquatic exercise (select cardiac patients)
Reduced-impact conditioning for appropriately selected stable cardiac patients.
Yoga-based cardiac rehab adjunct
Structured yoga practice used alongside standard cardiac exercise training.
Tai Chi as cardiac rehab adjunct
Slow, controlled movement sequence studied as a cardiac rehab supplement.
Post-COVID cardiac rehab adapted protocol
Modified exercise progression for post-viral cardiac involvement/deconditioning.
Sleep apnoea screening protocol
Routine screening for obstructive sleep apnoea given its cardiovascular impact.
Congenital heart disease-adapted exercise programme
Specialist-guided exercise progression for adults with congenital heart disease.
Women-specific cardiac rehab adaptation
Programme design addressing distinct barriers and presentation patterns in women.
Older adult-adapted exercise progression
Pacing and intensity adjusted for frailty and comorbidity in older patients.
Return-to-driving / return-to-work counselling
Structured guidance individualised to event severity and occupational demands.
Peer support group session
Structured group session connecting patients with shared cardiac rehab experience.
App-based exercise tracking and follow-up
Digital tools supporting adherence beyond the supervised programme.
Structured medication adherence counselling
Reinforcing and monitoring secondary-prevention pharmacotherapy adherence.
Multidisciplinary team case conference
Regular case review across cardiology, exercise physiology, dietetics and behavioural health.
08
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Breathing techniques and exercise protocols for chronic lung disease — 50 entries, referenced.
Pursed-lip breathing technique
Slow, controlled exhalation through pursed lips to reduce air trapping.
Diaphragmatic breathing retraining
Retraining breathing pattern to reduce accessory muscle use.
Interval training (pulmonary rehab)
Alternating high/low intensity bouts, better tolerated in severe ventilatory limitation.
Continuous aerobic training
Sustained moderate-intensity walking/cycling forming the core of pulmonary rehab.
Treadmill walking protocol
Structured, progressive treadmill session for pulmonary rehab.
Stationary cycling protocol
Low-impact cycling used for aerobic conditioning in pulmonary rehab.
Upper-limb endurance training
Repetitive arm exercise reducing accessory muscle fatigue during ADLs.
Inspiratory muscle training
Resistance training targeting the inspiratory muscles in select patients.
Resistance / strength training
Combined with aerobic training for greater gains in strength and capacity.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Option for severely deconditioned patients unable to tolerate standard training.
Six-minute walk test
Standardised functional capacity assessment used throughout pulmonary rehab.
Incremental shuttle walk test
Externally paced walking test used as an alternative functional capacity measure.
Exertional oxygen titration protocol
SpO₂-guided supplemental oxygen adjustment during activity.
Long-term oxygen therapy titration
Structured oxygen prescription based on resting blood-gas/oximetry criteria.
Energy conservation techniques training
Task modification strategies to reduce dyspnoea during daily activity.
Active cycle of breathing technique
Airway clearance technique combining breathing control, deep breaths and huffing.
Postural drainage / percussion
Positioning and manual percussion technique to mobilise airway secretions.
Autogenic drainage
Self-administered, controlled breathing technique for secretion clearance.
Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device therapy
Handheld device creating resistance during exhalation to aid clearance.
High-frequency chest wall oscillation
Vest-based device delivering oscillatory chest wall compression for airway clearance.
Self-management education session
Structured teaching on disease understanding and symptom management.
Exacerbation action plan development
Individualised written plan for recognising and responding to early exacerbation signs.
Smoking cessation counselling
Structured behavioural and pharmacotherapy-supported cessation counselling.
Nutritional counselling / supplementation
Addressing both underweight and obesity given their impact on pulmonary mechanics.
Psychosocial / anxiety-depression counselling
Addressing the high burden of anxiety and depression in chronic respiratory disease.
Group-based pulmonary rehab class
Supervised group session offering peer support and shared accountability.
Home-based pulmonary rehab programme
Structured home-delivered alternative to centre-based rehab.
Telehealth-delivered pulmonary rehab session
Remote delivery of supervised exercise and coaching.
Post-exacerbation early rehab initiation
Starting rehab soon after a COPD exacerbation to reduce readmission risk.
Maintenance pulmonary rehab programme
Ongoing structured activity after the initial course to sustain gains.
Pre-lung-transplant conditioning
Structured conditioning to optimise transplant candidacy.
Post-lung-transplant rehabilitation
Structured post-operative programme supporting functional recovery.
Interstitial lung disease-adapted exercise
Pulmonary rehab tailored to the distinct exertional pattern of ILD.
Bronchiectasis-adapted pulmonary rehab
Rehab programme incorporating airway clearance alongside standard training.
Asthma action plan-integrated education
Collaborative self-management plan integrated with rehab education.
Post-thoracic-surgery breathing exercise protocol
Structured deep-breathing and incentive spirometry after chest surgery.
Pre-operative pulmonary rehab (lung resection)
Pre-surgical conditioning before planned lung cancer resection.
Ventilator weaning-adjunct exercise protocol
Structured mobility/exercise supporting the ventilator weaning process.
Sleep-disordered breathing screening
Routine screening given the high prevalence of comorbid sleep apnoea.
mMRC dyspnoea-guided exercise pacing
Using breathlessness grading to individualise exercise pacing.
CAT-guided symptom monitoring
Using the COPD Assessment Test to track symptom burden over the programme.
Post-COVID pulmonary rehab
Adapted programme for persistent dyspnoea and deconditioning after severe COVID-19.
Balance training (pulmonary rehab)
Balance-focused exercise integrated for patients at elevated fall risk.
Yoga-based breathing intervention
Structured yoga breathwork as an adjunct to standard pulmonary rehab.
Tai Chi as pulmonary rehab adjunct
Slow, mindful movement sequence studied as a COPD rehab supplement.
Structured walking programme (maintenance)
Progressive walking plan to sustain gains after the structured course ends.
Accelerometry-guided activity coaching
Wearable activity monitoring used to coach real-world daily activity levels.
Occupational/environmental exposure counselling
Addressing biomass fuel and occupational dust exposure as part of management.
Vaccination counselling session
Reviewing influenza, pneumococcal, COVID-19 and RSV vaccination status.
Palliative breathlessness management session
Non-pharmacologic breathlessness strategies integrated for advanced disease.
Rehab Toolkit is a companion library to Rehab Pearls, maintained by The Rehab Doc for educational purposes, spanning 400 entries across 8 subspecialty categories. Icons are simplified, generic visual markers intended for quick recognition, not anatomically precise illustrations or step-by-step instructional diagrams. Each reference links to a search for that citation — please confirm it against the primary source before relying on it clinically, particularly organisation/guideline-name references that were not individually re-pulled from PubMed during this build. Content does not replace individualised clinical assessment, formal therapy instruction, or institutional protocols.