In rehabilitation, what is the difference between recovery and compensation?

• A. Recovery is regaining lost function; compensation is using alternative strategies or devices to perform tasks.
• B. Recovery and compensation are the same.
• C. Recovery refers to using assistive devices; compensation refers to regaining function.
• D. Compensation occurs only after therapy.

Answer: (A)

Recovery means regaining lost function through restoration of neural and motor abilities toward pre-injury levels. Compensation means adopting alternative strategies or devices to accomplish tasks despite persistent impairments. In rehabilitation, you aim to promote recovery while also teaching compensatory methods so daily activities can be done effectively even if full restoration isn’t possible. For example, you might relearn finger grip strength (recovery) and, at the same time, use built-up utensils or adaptive equipment to eat independently (compensation). The two ideas aren’t the same, and compensation isn’t limited to a post-therapy stage—it's a practical approach used alongside recovery efforts to maintain independence.