What characterizes functional limitations?

• A. They occur without any impairment.
• B. They are always permanent restrictions.
• C. They result from impairments leading to restricted physical abilities.
• D. They are conditions recognized by medical professionals as severe.

Answer: (C)

Functional limitations are defined by their relationship with impairments, which are medical or physiological deficits that affect an individual's physical capabilities. Specifically, functional limitations occur when these impairments hinder a person from performing tasks or activities they would normally be able to engage in. For example, a person with a knee injury may experience difficulty walking or climbing stairs due to pain and decreased range of motion, which reflects a clear link between the impairment (the knee injury) and the resulting restriction in function (difficulty with mobility).

The notion that functional limitations result from impairments is essential in rehabilitation and therapy settings, as it underscores the need to address the underlying impairments to improve the individual's functional capacity and quality of life. Understanding this relationship also aids healthcare professionals in developing targeted treatment plans aimed at improving functionality through rehabilitation techniques.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of functional limitations. For instance, limitations can occur in the presence of impairments but are not always permanent, and they do not necessarily equate to severe conditions recognized by all medical professionals.