In the Tomlinson report on rehabilitation the definition of this form of treatment is given in its strictly medical sense as the process of preventing or restoring the loss of muscle tone, restoring the full function of the limbs, and maintaining the patient's general health, strength, etc. This is apart from such rehabilitation treatment as is required for particular diseases such as tuberculosis. The process should begin as soon as possible after injury or operation or, in the case of acute prolonged illness, as soon as the patient's condition permits, and should continue not only throughout the period of hospital treatment, but also during the subsequent stages of convalescence, whether that takes place in hospital or is provided in a separate centre. Continuity of treatment is essential to achieve the aim of restoring the patient's mental and physical capacity at the earliest possible date, and to the fullest extent possible.