What is one of the key duties of a physical therapist?

Improving patients' mobility through therapeutic exercises is indeed a key duty of a physical therapist. Physical therapists are specialized healthcare professionals who focus on the rehabilitation of patients with physical impairments or disabilities. Their primary goal is to enhance physical function and quality of life for patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or managing chronic conditions.

In their practice, physical therapists assess patients' movement capabilities and design personalized exercise programs aimed at strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring joint function. These therapeutic exercises also help alleviate pain and prevent further injury, ultimately aiding patients in regaining independence in their daily activities.

The other choices present roles that are not typical of a physical therapist's scope of practice. For instance, prescribing medications is generally reserved for physicians or other licensed healthcare providers. Diagnosing diseases is also typically within the purview of physicians rather than physical therapists, who often work under the diagnoses made by other healthcare practitioners. Lastly, performing surgeries is a skill associated with surgeons, not physical therapists, whose focus is on non-invasive rehabilitation techniques.