What is the primary objective of physical therapy practice?

The primary objective of physical therapy practice is to treat and prevent health conditions through physical means. This encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at improving movement, reducing pain, restoring function, and promoting overall health and wellness. Physical therapists utilize exercises, manual therapy techniques, modalities, and patient education to facilitate the healing process and empower patients to manage their conditions effectively.

While rehabilitation services are certainly a significant part of what physical therapists do, limiting the objective to just rehabilitation would not capture the broader scope of practice that includes prevention of injuries and health maintenance. Additionally, managing surgical interventions and issuing prescriptions for medicine fall outside the primary scope of practice for physical therapists, as these tasks are typically performed by physicians or other licensed healthcare providers. Thus, the correct answer reflects the holistic approach of physical therapy that addresses both treatment and preventative care through physical modalities.