Mosby's Canadian Practical Nurse (PN) Practice Test

The person who designs and supervises exercise programs for osteoarthritis is the physiotherapist. They are trained to assess how OA affects movement—including joint range of motion, strength, balance, and functional tasks—and to create individualized, progressive exercise prescriptions that target pain reduction, improved function, and safer joint loading. A physiotherapist can choose the right mix of low‑impact aerobic work, strengthening exercises, flexibility, and functional training, and they adjust the plan as the patient’s tolerance and goals evolve. They also educate on technique, pacing, and safe activity modification, and coordinate with the rest of the team to ensure the program fits with medications, pain management, and social support. While the other professionals contribute important aspects of OA care, they aren’t primarily responsible for designing and guiding an exercise program.