What best describes the function of a physical therapist (PT)?

• A. Occupational therapists who focus on daily living activities.
• B. Nurses who administer medications.
• C. Physical therapists are people who improve movement, manage pain, and restore function by designing individualized plans to address muscular weakness, balance, range of motion, or overcompensation.
• D. Chiropractors who adjust the spine.

Answer: (C)

Physical therapists specialize in improving movement, reducing pain, and restoring function by designing individualized plans that address strength, balance, range of motion, and compensatory movement patterns. They assess how a person moves, identify barriers to function, and use targeted exercises, hands-on techniques, and therapeutic modalities to improve mobility and enable everyday tasks, return to sports, or regain independence after injury or surgery. PTs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other settings, and their goals include recovering function, managing chronic pain, and preventing future problems. This description fits what physical therapists do, whereas other roles focus on daily living activities (occupational therapy), medication administration (nursing), or spinal adjustments (chiropractic care).