The Difference Between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

BY MORGAN HOPKINS, DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Have you ever been given a prescription for Physical or Occupational Therapy?  Have you wondered what the difference is between the two or what you may accomplish while in treatment?  Both Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists work towards improving a patient’s overall functionality within the rehabilitative process however each has a unique approach and scope of practice.  Read below to learn more.

Physical Therapy also known as “PT” focuses on maximizing functional mobility.  In an acute or subacute setting, this will broadly include gait training, bed mobility, transfer training and stair training.  In an outpatient setting, Physical Therapists tend to focus on pain reduction, restoration of range of motion, strength training and balance training.  Physical Therapists are movement experts who identify dysfunctional patterns which often lead to inefficiencies and/or pain, correct those patterns and help patients return to normal functioning.  Common movement patterns addressed may include bending, squatting, reaching, lunging, pushing and pulling and are all activities that are required for day-to-day human functioning.  While Physical Therapists primarily help rehabilitate patients with injuries or post-operatively, they also educate patients on prehabilitation exercises and injury prevention.

Occupational Therapy or “OT” focuses on enhancing a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living.  These ADL’s, as they are often referred to, include dressing, toileting, grooming, bathing and feeding.  Enhancement may mean altering the patient’s skillset, the environment in which the task is performed or the activity itself.  Contrary to the gross motor skills a Physical Therapist may focus on, Occupational Therapists tend to concentrate on the improvement of fine motor skills.  In the outpatient setting, Occupational Therapists also specialize in treatment of the joints from the shoulder down which include the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.  Each of these regions plays an integral role in a person’s ability to complete their activities of daily living in an efficient and safe manner.  Similar to Physical Therapists, outpatient Occupational Therapists will manage pain, restore mobility and improve strength with the end goal of improving functionality.

Ultimately, Physical and Occupational Therapists both play key roles in the rehabilitative process.  They are found in a variety of settings including acute hospital care, sub-acute rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, sports settings and fitness centers and treat people across the lifespan from infants to geriatric patients.  Collaboration between the two fields helps optimize a patient’s functionality and quality of life.  Sub-specialties exist within both fields which further enhance the opportunities for practitioners and treatment options for patients.  If you or someone you know may benefit from either Physical or Occupational Therapy, contact your physician to discuss your condition and goals.