Which professional would utilize equipment to help patients regain physical abilities?

The correct choice is a Physical Therapist (DPT), as this professional is specifically trained to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with physical impairments and disabilities. Physical therapists utilize various types of equipment and therapeutic techniques to help patients recover from injuries, improve their physical functionality, and regain their strength and mobility.

They often design tailored rehabilitation programs that include exercises, manual therapy, and modalities like electrical stimulation or ultrasound, specifically aimed at restoring physical abilities. Their education typically includes extensive training in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, which equips them to effectively use equipment such as resistance bands, weights, and specialized machines to facilitate recovery.

In contrast, personal trainers primarily focus on general fitness and exercise routines for healthy individuals or those looking to improve overall fitness, but they do not usually work with patients recovering from injuries to the same extent. Occupational therapists, while also working on rehabilitation, focus more on assisting individuals to perform daily activities and may not solely emphasize physical rehabilitation in the way physical therapists do. Sports coaches concentrate on training athletes in specific sports and do not typically engage in rehabilitation practices for injuries.