Final answer:
A physical therapist's duty to a patient is to improve physical functioning and reduce functional impairments through assessments and tailored exercise programs. They also provide instruction on the proper use of equipment and assess when a patient can function without it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal of a physical therapist (PT) is to improve physical functioning and reduce functional impairments. They achieve this by understanding the cause of muscle impairment and assessing the capabilities of a patient. Based on the assessment, a program to enhance these capabilities is designed, which includes exercises to track improvements in muscle function. PTs also instruct patients on the proper use of equipment, such as crutches, and assess when someone can function without it.