The Differences Between Physical and Occupational Therapy

Here's how to know when you need one type of therapy or the other.

Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) are both intended to help patients rehabilitate from an illness, injury or surgery. Many people use the terms interchangeably because both therapies are often prescribed at the same time. But do you know what the differences are between these two types of therapy?

Although PT and OT share many similarities, the biggest difference between them is that PT focuses on a person's ability to move their body better, while OT helps people better perform activities of daily living. Here's a rundown of what you can expect from physical and occupational therapy.

Physical Therapy

The main focus of physical therapy is treating a specific physical impairment. Physical therapists focus on restoring a person's physical abilities, such as moving better, reducing pain and improving gross motor skills. PT not only helps rehabilitate a person after injury but improves mobility so a person is less likely to need surgery or pain management. It also helps prevent future injury.

Physical therapy may include various exercises and stretches performed under the guidance of a physical therapist. It may also include therapeutic modalities designed to help reduce swelling, improve blood flow, increase flexibility or manage pain. These may include massage, electrical stimulation, heat, ice and more. In addition to the exercises performed at a PT session, you will also be given exercises to do at home.

Occupational Therapy

The main focus of occupational therapy is to improve a person's ability to perform activities of daily living, from brushing teeth to putting on socks. Occupational therapists help people regain independence after an injury or illness by teaching them how to relearn skills or adapt activities to their physical limitations. They also help people with developmental or cognitive disabilities better engage in daily life.

Occupational therapy takes into consideration the physical, emotional and environmental factors that affect a person's performance and abilities. Therapists may help a person adapt their physical abilities and motor skills to perform a specific task or may change how an activity is done. OT's may also help improve skills through the use of positive coping strategies.