This term describes those activities we do every day in order to care for ourselves. This includes dressing, bathing, using the restroom, etc.  We do these activities when healthy without even thinking about them. Like so many other things, we appreciate the ability to do these things independently and pain-free only when we lose this ability. These functions are among the most important of those assessed by the physiatrist. An orthopedic condition that causes difficulty or inability to perform any of these functions is considered to have important functional deficit implications. Monitoring the patient’s progress and assessment of the success of our treatments is best assessed by looking to see if these ADLs can now be performed normally. If yes, then the treatment has been successful. If no, then further treatment will be required.