To the Occupational & Physical Therapists...?

Question

What is the difference between the two? I'm considering a career in the Alternative Health field. When researching schools I find that the description given is basically the same and it is driving me crazy! Could someone clarify for me? I am interested in weight training and sports medicine; Which path would be best for me? Thanks again.

Answer 1

Both of the above are very accurate descriptions. I understand your confusion, and the boundries are not always clear. In fact, the fields do overlap somewhat. For instance, at our clinic, PT handles treating all patients with orthopedic injuries to all joints except the elbow and hand. Where as the clinic down the street will give the "shoulder patients" to the OT as well.

Generally speaking, OT will treat people who have a lot of difficulty with tasks that require upper extremity functioning such as dressing, eating, grooming. Yet, they will also focus on tasks such as standing tolerance so one can prepare a meal, do their laundry. Usually, OT has a very specific personal or household task in mind when they are performing treatments. Some unique things that OTs do that PTs do not really do is: low vision programs, driver's evaluation, handwriting, and some even focus their practice in the mental health field.

PT will often focus on the "lower half" and more general function...walking, running, balance, jumping, etc. Some things that are more specific to PT include: treatment of people with spinal pain (although OT can show them how to dress themselves) by use of hands on techniques or specific exercise, walking, sports specific rehabilitation, etc.

I know it is probably still very vague...our ultimate goal of both professions is to restore function. But if you are interested in sports medicine, it sounds like PT may be the way to go.

I would suggest you observe in a clinic for both professions to get a better understanding.

Answer 2

A physical therapist works with you to improve range of motion, function, relieve pain,restore mobility, and decrease permanent disability.
Occupational therapists work to improve function for patients that have physical , mental, emotional, or developmental disablility.
Example: a PT will help you relearn to walk after a very bad car accident.
An OT will teach you how to use the opposite hand if one is permanently disabled, and how to do all things one handed.
NOTE: try to tie your shoes with only one hand - the shoe has to stay on when you are done!
Now try to open a jar with one hand, especially a stiff one.
For your final test, go to the bathroom, pee, and wash and dry hand - all with one hand! [ only moms who breast fed can do this well! ]

Answer 3

physical therapist focused more and walking and functionality of a persons body such as gait training, ambulation, and safety. occupational therapist focused more and what they call ADL's (activities of daily living) meaning on how to function properly on a daily basis, things you do and take for granted on a daily basis such as brush your teeth and going to the restroom, to managing to get around your home with whatever new condition you may have such as a stroke or loss of function in a limb. they help you adjust and work around these limitations as well as working out your more fine motor skills and muscles.

hope this helps.