The 3 key differences between occupational therapy and physical therapy that matter

If you have a medical condition or injury that has impacted your overall quality of life, there are different types of healthcare that can help. Occupational therapy and physical therapy are two common approaches to improving a person’s health and wellness when faced with challenges. But they are often confused for one another, which can hold up the timeline of treatment.

Occupational and physical therapy are both effective in helping people meet their wellness goals. Knowing about the differences can point you in the right direction to get the results that you’re looking for. 

Occupational therapy versus physical therapy

Let’s start off by looking at what the two types of therapies have in common. They can both help people improve motor skills that have been affected by a condition or injury. They can also help with their balance and coordination. Occupational and physical therapists each have a goal of helping people develop the abilities they need for the type of life they want. 

Now let’s move on to the differences:

• Main focus 
• Occupational therapy — OT focuses on helping people complete their day-to-day activities and fine motor skills, such as getting dressed or brushing their teeth, to gain independence.
• Physical therapy — PT can help people reduce their pain and improve the overall quality of the affected areas. It helps with increased strength, flexibility and range of motion.
• Types of interventions used
• Occupational therapy — Everyday task modifications, environmental changes, assistive device training and cognitive skill retraining may be included in an OT treatment plan.
• Physical therapy — A PT treatment plan may include targeted exercises, manual therapy, dry needling, shockwave therapy and electrical stimulation.
• Scope of health considerations 
• Occupational therapy — A patient’s emotional, mental and physical challenges are taken into account for a well-rounded treatment. It can improve their overall quality of life, including their self-esteem and relationships.
• Physical therapy — Even though physical therapy is likely to improve a person’s mental health from the endorphins and sense of accomplishment, it prioritizes physical health.

Talk to your doctor about whether occupational or physical therapy is right for you. It’s possible that you may benefit from both. 

At REPAIR SI, we focus on the power of physical therapy. We know how it can help people push through challenges from a condition or injury. We want you to live the lifestyle you want.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.