For Susan: OT vs. PT

[Redwings]

Hi Susan:
You've been getting some questions about physical therapy. Would you please explain for us some of the similarities and differences between occupational therapy and physical therapy? TIA.

[SusanD]

Hi TIA,

The best way for me to explain the differences is this way:

Occupational therapy works on strength, range of motion, endurance/conditioning, mobility, balance, fine motor/ gross motor skills, cognitive skills, sensory integration, visual deficits, joint protection, body mechanics .... oh the list is even longer!

What's most important in our treatment that differentiates us from physical therapy is how we specialize in incorporating skills, devices, and techniques to promote independence at home, work and within the community. We break these down into the follow:

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Eating, Grooming/Hygiene, Dressing, Bathing/Showering, Functional Mobility

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Kitchen: Meal Prep/Clean up, Child Care, Driving, Community Skills, Sexual Expression

Additional Intervention
Adaptive device assessment and training,
Wheelchair-Fitting, Mobility
Employment and Volunteer Activities,
Play, Leisure and Social Participation

Physical therapy works on the same strength, range of motion, endurance/conditioning, mobility, balance, but extend the abilities to:

Walking – Various Terrain,
Stairs, Curbs, Car Transfer,
Bed Mobility

Assessment and Training For Walking Devices
(Canes, Walkers, Crutches, etc)

Orthotics:
AFO-ankle foot orthosis,
Wedges for heel or forefoot
Correcting defects in the arch,
Padding for the foot

I hope this helped. Let me know if additional information would be helpful.