What is rehabilitation? We all are well aware of the textbook answers to this question. It is refreshing to take time out to reflect on the meaning of rehabilitation and what that might mean for our practice. Many of our rehabilitation centres traditionally have focused on maximising functional capacity to facilitate the resumption of familial, social and community roles. Increasingly rehabilitation professions are being confronted with the challenge to maintain holistic client centred practices in an increasing managerialist environment. This paper will consider the complex interrelationships of factors that interact to contribute to the ultimate rehabilitation outcome. Firstly factors related to the way formal services are delivered will be considered. Secondly a multiplicity of issues considered important from the client's perspective will be discussed. Data from a qualitative data set and a recent program evaluation will inform the presentation. The paper will conclude with a synthesis of how these factors can be incorporated in rehabilitation practices to achieve the most positive outcomes for clients.