Arizona Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

What does the practice of physical therapy aim to alleviate?

1. Chronic pain

2. Impairments and functional limitations

3. Weight gain

4. Post-surgery recovery

The correct answer is: Impairments and functional limitations

The practice of physical therapy primarily focuses on alleviating impairments and functional limitations. This encompasses a broad array of conditions and injuries that can affect a person's ability to perform daily activities effectively. Physical therapy interventions are designed to restore, improve, or maintain physical function and mobility, which can be compromised due to injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. By targeting impairments, which refer to physical or mental deficits, and functional limitations, which are restrictions in the ability to perform tasks, physical therapists help individuals regain strength, flexibility, and coordination. This foundational goal is critical in supporting overall health and well-being, allowing patients to return to their preferred activities and improve their quality of life. While chronic pain is indeed a common symptom that physical therapy can address, it is more of an effect rather than the primary focus of treatment. Weight gain is typically not a direct target of physical therapy practice, although physical activity may contribute to weight management indirectly. Post-surgery recovery is a specific application of physical therapy but does not encompass the broader objective of addressing impairments and functional limitations that is central to physical therapy as a whole.