Final answer:
During rest periods, physiotherapists instruct patients on equipment use, monitor their recovery, and prescribe home exercises, among other things to aid in rehabilitation and improve physical functioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
During rest periods, a physiotherapist (PT) has several roles to play with their patients to facilitate recovery and improve physical functioning. One key activity is the proper use and instruction of equipment like crutches, ensuring that patients have sufficient strength to use them and advising when they can function without. Physiotherapists also prescribe exercises that can be performed at home and monitor their patients' strength, balance, and endurance. Additionally, they may apply heat packs to the injured area to enhance blood flow and healing, followed by icing to reduce inflammation and swelling. Introducing praxis exercises, which involve following verbal instructions without demonstration, can help patients understand and transform these into proper movements. Furthermore, therapists work to prevent muscle atrophy from disuse by targeting and stimulating susceptible muscles through prescribed exercises.