Who typically leads a patient through therapeutic exercises?

The correct choice indicates that physical and occupational therapists are typically responsible for leading patients through therapeutic exercises. These professionals are specifically trained in the assessment and treatment of physical impairments and functional limitations. They possess in-depth knowledge of exercise regimens tailored to an individual's needs, often using therapeutic exercises to improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall functional capability.

Physical therapists focus on restoring movement and managing pain often after injury or surgery, while occupational therapists help patients develop or regain the skills needed for daily activities and work. Both types of therapists create individualized exercise plans based on evaluation and ongoing assessment, ensuring that each patient's specific rehabilitation goals are met effectively.

In contrast, while healthcare providers, including nurses, offer essential support and may assist in some exercises, their primary role is not to lead the therapeutic exercise sessions. Nurses conduct a variety of patient care tasks and may help facilitate therapy sessions, but do not take the lead in designing those specific exercise programs. Similarly, dietitians focus on nutrition and dietary needs, which do not typically fall within the scope of therapeutic exercise. Thus, the role of leading patients through therapeutic exercises is best suited to physical and occupational therapists, who have the specialized training for such tasks.