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Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Journal 19(3):p 249-252, July - Sep 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/potj.0974.5777.19326.10
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Rethinking Neurological Rehabilitation: From Recovery Services to Health-System Strategy
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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Journal 19(3):p 249-252, July - Sep 2026. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/potj.0974.5777.19326.10
How Cite This Article:
Ranjeet Singha. Rethinking Neurological Rehabilitation: From Recovery Services to Health-System Strategy. Therapy Jr. 2026; 19(3): 249-252.Timeline
Received : June 10, 2026
Accepted : July 13, 2026
Published : September 30, 2026
Abstract
Neurological disorders are now the leading cause of disease burden worldwide, affecting billions of people and placing unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems. Traditionally viewed as a post-acute intervention focused on recovery, neurological rehabilitation is increasingly being recognised as a strategic component of sustainable healthcare delivery. This perspective explores how rising neurological disease burden, ageing populations, workforce challenges, community-based care models, and digital innovation are reshaping neurorehabilitation. Using contemporary policy and service developments as examples, the article argues that neurorehabilitation should evolve beyond a recovery-focused service to become an integral element of health-system planning. The implications for physiotherapy practice, workforce development, and education are discussed, highlighting the need to prepare future physiotherapists for increasingly complex, communityoriented, and digitally enabled models of care.
References
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- 2. Neurological Alliance. Future-proofing neurology services: what emerging treatments mean for people, services, and policy in England. London: Neurological Alliance; 2025.
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- 4. NHS England. Medium term planning framework: delivering change together 2026/27 to 2028/29. London: NHS England; 2025.
- 5. National Neurosciences Advisory Group (NNAG). Optimal clinical pathway for adults: rehabilitation for people with neurological conditions. London: National Neurosciences Advisory Group; 2023.
- 6. NHS England. Neurological rehabilitation (including stroke) advanced practice area specific capability and curriculum framework. London: NHS England; 2023.
- 7. World Health Organization. Rehabilitation 2030: a call for action. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2017.
Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest in this work.
About this article
Cite this article
Ranjeet Singha. Rethinking Neurological Rehabilitation: From Recovery Services to Health-System Strategy. Therapy Jr. 2026; 19(3): 249-252.
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2026 | July 13, 2026 | September 30, 2026 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/potj.0974.5777.19326.10
Keywords
NeurorehabilitationPhysiotherapyCommunity RehabilitationNeurological DisordersWorkforce DevelopmentDigital HealthSearch for Similar Articles
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Timeline
| Received | June 10, 2026 |
| Accepted | July 13, 2026 |
| Published | September 30, 2026 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
