In Post Acute/Subacute care, which is a stated goal?

• A. Pain reduction, prevent early scar tissue adhesions
• B. Maintain normal muscle tone, ROM & functional capacity
• C. Basic stretch, strength, proprioceptive retraining
• D. Address psychosocial concerns

Answer: (A)

In post-acute/subacute care, the primary aim is to control pain and prevent early scar tissue adhesions. Controlling pain reduces reflex guarding and helps tissues heal without compensatory movement patterns, while preventing adhesions preserves tissue glide and range of motion so the joint or area can move more freely as healing progresses. This creates the best foundation for eventual restoration of function and safer, more effective later rehabilitation.

Other options describe important aspects of rehab, but they aren’t the immediate, stated focus in this phase. Maintaining normal muscle tone, ROM, and functional capacity is a broad, ongoing goal that follows once pain is managed and adhesions are minimized. Basic stretch, strength, and proprioceptive retraining are essential components of a comprehensive program, but they are techniques used within the care plan rather than the primary objective of the early post-acute/subacute stage. Addressing psychosocial concerns is important for overall recovery, especially in multi-disciplinary care, but the central, stated purpose in this context is pain reduction and prevention of early scar tissue adhesions to set the stage for future rehabilitation.