What is the differnace between?

Question

Occuptional Therapy and physical Therapy

Answer 1

Occupational therapy is designed to allow you to perform specific tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or grabbing a can of corn. Some people refer to them as TODL (pronounced totals) tasks of daily living. It takes what you have, body-wise, and tries to make the best of it.

Physical therapy is more about fixing or repairing the body and body functions. Instead of figuring out ways to perform TODLs, it's more focused on making your leg or your arm work correctly. PT's are more focused on maximizing what you have, body-wise,

There is definitely some overlap and PT and OT perform very nicely complementary functions.

Answer 2

Physical therapy is therapy that focuses on people with physical limitations -- usually muscular in nature. Let me give you an example. I had a whip lash injury from a car wreck over 4 years ago, I saw a physical therapist to help get full range of motion in my neck back. This was considered a physical limitation.

Physical therapy is for those that need help physically with something, as I said usually muscular in nature. Or perhaps a person has suffered from stroke or another disabling bout of a disease and require help to get their body in motion again.

Occupational therapy, on the other hand, works more on the individual level. This is kind of more emotional and down-to-earth work that requires work with the individual to assess life time needs and goals. They go beyond this simple scenario and can help individuals with overall goals and help people achieve (people -- individuals, families, whomever) balance in their lives by looking at:
- daily activities
- routines
- skills
- home and job requirements (and possible relocation to fit more needs)
And things like this.

They are totally different but perhaps in some unique cases can compliment each other.

Answer 3

Both careers focus on increasing function. Both use a variety of techniuqes to increase function including stretching, strengthening and modalities. Yet there a some subtle differences and it will also vary based on the setting. For instance,

In the hospital, the OT focuses on self care activities and upper extremity function (since they go hand in hand). An exmaple might be teaching a patient how to get in and out of the bathtub, how to button a shirt, etc. Whereas a PT in the hospital will focus more on mobility, how to stand and walk, etc.

In the outpatient setting an OT will be more likely to be a hand therapist or focus on skills one does on a day to day basis.

The scope of OT also includes not just occupational or "activities of daily living," but also sensory integration, low vision programs, driver's evaluations, etc. In general, OTs will focus on fine motor skills and sensory impairments that lead to functional limitations.

PTs on the other hand will focus more on gross motor function: running, walking, throwing, balance, etc. PTs will also address back and neck pain.

...they are similar, but different!

In the end, we seek to do the same thing, help people live their life better!

Answer 4

Occupational Therapy is a form of therapy in which patients are encouraged to engage in vocational tasks or expressive activities, as art or dance, usually in a social setting.

Physical Therapy is the treatment or management of physical disability, malfunction, or pain by exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, etc., without the use of medicines, surgery, or radiation.

Answer 5

Physical therapy involves working the parts of your body that need strengthening...i.e...legs for walking, arm movement, etc. Occupational therapists help people learn how to re-learn activities of daily living like cooking, cleaning, crafts, etc. so they can be more independent. Occupational therapy many times is done after physical funtions are restored through physical therapy. Hope that helps...

Answer 6

Occupational is more customized toward a person and can include helping someone re-learn to dress themselves and such and physical therapy is more for working with the large motor skills.

Answer 7

Occupational is more customized toward a person and can include helping someone re-learn to dress themselves and such and physical therapy is more for working with the large motor skills.

Answer 8

As far as I know physical therapy just involves getting people flexible and mobile again whereas occupational therapy focuses on people doing different tasks to help them regain their agility and coordination. This will help them prepare for getting back to their occupation.

Answer 9

Physical Therapy is specifically exercises, Occupational Therapy could also include learning or relearning tasks and skills.

PTs and OTs have different training and diplomas, also.

Answer 10

Occupational therapy helps you with skills so you can become succesful in the workforce.

Phsyical Therapy assists with injuries such as to your knee, back, hamstring, etc.....