What does the term 'functional limitation' imply in a therapy context?

The term 'functional limitation' in a therapy context refers to a restricted ability to complete specific tasks. This concept encompasses any impairment that affects a person's ability to perform daily activities, such as self-care, work-related tasks, or physical exercises. It indicates that while an individual may not be completely incapacitated, they are facing challenges that hinder their efficiency or independence in various tasks or functions.

For example, someone with a knee injury might find it difficult to walk up stairs, which represents a functional limitation. They might still be able to walk short distances or participate in other activities, but the specific task of navigating stairs is compromised.

This definition distinguishes functional limitations from other concepts like complete loss of mobility, which would imply a more severe condition, or non-physical barriers, which would involve factors like psychological issues or environmental obstacles that do not directly relate to physical capabilities. Thus, understanding functional limitations is essential for designing effective rehabilitation strategies in therapy settings, as it allows therapists to tailor interventions that target specific impairments.