What is the primary focus of physical therapy?

The primary focus of physical therapy is to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal disorders. This involves assessing a patient's physical condition, diagnosing movement dysfunctions, and creating a tailored treatment plan to improve mobility, alleviate pain, and enhance the overall quality of life. Physical therapists utilize hands-on techniques, exercises, and modalities to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and coordination, directly addressing injuries or conditions affecting their ability to move and perform daily activities.

In contrast, improving cognitive function falls under the domain of therapies specific to mental health or occupational therapy, rather than the primary scope of physical therapy. Administering medications is primarily the role of nursing or medical professionals and does not typically fall within the practice of physical therapy. Similarly, performing surgeries is a surgical intervention that is outside the purview of physical therapy, which focuses instead on rehabilitation and conservative management of physical issues. Thus, the emphasis on evaluating and treating musculoskeletal disorders makes option B the correct choice.