Final answer:
A physical therapist treats a diverse range of patients, aiming to improve physical functioning and reduce impairments through muscle exercises, balance, and endurance training, including using and teaching the proper use of equipment like crutches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of a physical therapist is to treat a diverse patient population with a wide range of injuries, illnesses, and diseases. A physical therapist’s goal is to improve physical functioning and reduce functional impairments by understanding the causes of muscle impairment, assessing patient capabilities, and designing a program to enhance these capabilities. Factors such as strength, balance, and endurance are assessed and monitored as exercises are introduced to track improvements in muscle function. Physical therapists also educate patients on the proper use of equipment like crutches and evaluate when a patient may no longer need such assistance.
While respiratory therapists focus on the treatment of patients with lung and cardiovascular diseases and are trained to operate specialized equipment, physical therapists have a broader scope that includes but is not limited to the treatment of muscle and joint injuries, as many PTs are skilled in the mechanics of body movements with many also specializing in sports injuries. Additionally, knowledge of physics aids physical therapists in understanding muscle contraction and energy release during physical activities.