Abstract
The use of metaphor in rehabilitation
The use of metaphor in rehabilitation
published in September - October 2024 - in Il Fisioterapista - issue n.5
Rossella Pagani, Matilde Sassella, Alessia Corio, Monica Casu, Antonino Michele Previtera
Rossella Pagani, Matilde Sassella, Alessia Corio, Monica Casu, Antonino Michele Previtera
The metaphor is a rhetorical device that transfers meanings between conceptual domains, facilitating the understanding and processing of abstract concepts through concrete experiences. Neuroscientific studies show that metaphors activate specific brain areas, involving linguistic, sensory, and motor functions, making metaphors not only useful for communication but also for cognitive comprehension and learning. In neurological rehabilitation, metaphors can support recovery by bridging the gap between functional improvements and the patient’s subjective perception, promoting a deeper internalization of rehabilitative progress.