Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

When thinking of therapy, there are many different types for specific needs. Two therapies that can often be mistook for one another are Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

Both Physical Therapists (PTs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) have an extensive knowledge of anatomy and the musculoskeletal system. They tend to know more about musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation than a normal physician. In many situations, both types of therapists work together to help a patient heal.

While the two therapies have similarities, they both have defining characteristics that make them different. Each therapy can be used together or separate depending on a patient’s needs.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy tends to focus on evaluating and diagnosing movement dysfunctions and injuries and using this evaluation to provide a proper plan of care. The main job of PTs is to determine why a person is hurting and provide treatment accordingly. To help rehabilitate patients, PTs provide exercises or stretches to a patient to help strengthen a weakened or injured part of the body.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy tends to focus more on evaluating and improving a person’s functional abilities. OTs do not normally directly treat a patient’s injury using manual therapy. They more often focus on helping a person optimize their independence through functional exercises.

Some things that may be taught in Occupational Therapy would be working on hand strength in order to open cabinets or brush teeth again. Through Occupational Therapy patients can improve life skills following an injury.

To learn more about the differences between physical therapy and occupational therapy, click here.

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