The rehabilitative aspect in both physical and occupational therapy makes people believe that they are the same. However, there is a significant difference between these two professions. Knowing the characteristics of the two helps you determine what therapist to choose for each situation. Let’s explore the similarities and differences between OT and PT.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) treats disorders affecting the ability to perform daily activities. The patients usually exhibit:
- Autism
- Sensory disorder
- Brain and spinal cord traumatic injuries
- Mental & behavior problems
- Birth injuries & defects
Occupational therapy empowers patients to have urgency over their own life. Patients learn how to be independent while enhancing their quality of life.
The outcome varies depending on the patient’s goal and the therapists’ occupational specialty. OTs helps patients:
- Develop fine motor skills: improves ability to grasp objects.
- To improve hand-eye- coordination, which helps with social skills.
- To learn basic tasks like dressing, eating, etc.
- Regulation and management of emotions, especially in patients with a behavior disorder.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) treats patients with injuries or illnesses resulting in pain, weakness of the muscles, and decreasing range of motion.
PTs work with patients experiencing body injury impacting their body function like:
- Sports injuries
- Health concerns in women
- Fractured bones and sprained joints
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Cardiopulmonary conditions
Physical therapy’s goal is to manage pain, strengthen muscles and improve the range of motion. The needs of the patient depend on the condition and its severity.
Differences between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
There are significant differences between physical and occupational therapy. First, these two rehabilitative treatments differ in their goals. Physical therapy goals focus on:
- Improvement or restoration of movement, strength, and range of motion
- Reducing pain
- Prevent deterioration of the condition
- Teaching a patient how to maintain their fitness and functionality
However, occupational therapy will mostly focus on:
- Maximizing a patient’s ability to conduct activities of daily living effectively and safely.
- Help promote productivity and independence.
- Teaching caregivers how to help the patient improve.
Occupational Therapy | Physical Therapy |
It helps patients optimize their independence | PTs mainly work to prevent or heal injuries |
Improves a patient’s ability to accomplish daily activities after an injury or physical impairment | The goal is to get you back in motion through exercise, massage, and other techniques. |
| Teaches caregivers how to support patients | Teaches patients to maintain fitness |
OT and PT difference is beyond the job description. The following table summarizes the difference between occupational and physical therapy in terms of specialization and certification.
Physical therapy specialties | Occupational therapy |
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Certified Specialist (CCS) | Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR) |
Pediatric Certified Specialist(PCS) | Pediatrics (BCP) |
Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS) | Environmental Modification(SCEM or SCEM-A) |
Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) | Feeding Eating and Swallowing (SCFES or SCFES-A) |
Sports Certified Specialist (SCS) | Low Vision (SCLV-a or SCLV) |
Women Health Certified Specialist (WCS) | Mental Health ( BCMH) |
Clinical Electrophysiological Certified Specialist (ECS) | Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM or SCDCM-A) |
Geriatric Certified Specialist(GCS) | Gerontology (BCG) |
The difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy is determined by many factors like certification, goals, and even salaries. Here are the differences between the average occupational and physical therapy salaries. The variation is minimal, and you may find some professionals getting higher or lower income.
occupation | Occupational therapist | Physical therapist |
Hourly mean wage | $41.04 | $42.34 |
Annual mean wage | $84.350 | $88.080 |
What Are the Similarities?
Despite these differences, OT and PT are also similar in the following ways:
- Their overall purpose is to improve patients’ functioning, knowledge about their condition, health, and quality of life.
- Physical and occupational therapy overlap in the conditions they help to treat.
- The treatment design is also quite similar, and it mostly entails a hands-on approach personalized for each patient.
- The tasks performed in each treatment can also overlap. An OT can teach a patient stretching exercises, and a PT can help patients improve movement to help with activities of daily living.
- Both rehabilitative care treatments set goals which they monitor throughout the treatment duration.
Which Therapy Do I choose?
Your condition and specific needs will determine whether you will choose physical or occupational therapy. If you have a condition limiting your ability to move or walk without pain, you can choose a physical therapist. A PT will help improve mobility, reduce pain, improve strength and stretching. If you have a hard time doing activities of daily living, an occupational therapist can help you improve. You can talk to your doctor for guidance on the best treatment option.
FAQS
What should I expect on my first visit?
On your scheduled appointment day, arrive earlier because of the paperwork filling. Ensure your clothes are comfortable on the first appointment. Sneakers, shorts, a t-shirt, or a tank top, will do. Our Richardson physical therapy clinic is the place to visit for a comfortable and relieving experience.
How is occupational therapy different from physical therapy?
OT and PT have one key difference: occupational therapy assists patients in regaining normal body functions. In contrast, physical therapy improves patients’ range of motion endurance and helps in managing body pains.
