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Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?
Both occupational therapy and physical therapy practitioners are committed to improving lives. But often when parents come to us for services, in some cases recommended for both types of therapy, they aren’t all that clear on the unique role each plays. Physical therapy is generally better understood than occupational therapy, but both are equally vital in helping children with injuries, disabilities and delays reach their full potential.
The fields are quite similar, but they’re also unique in both scope and focus.
What is Occupational Therapy?
It’s probably worth first explaining occupational therapy. The name throws a lot of people off, as if it might have something to do with one’s job. The reality is that our Brecksville occupational therapists assist kids and young adults with a wide range of tasks that “occupy” their life. Many of the kids we work with are far too young for jobs, but offering assistance in finding and maintaining work could be goals for some of our teen or young adult patients.
Occupational therapists can help individuals focus on one major thing or just a few things, but are also dedicated to treating the “whole person.” That means we can help with everything from handwriting to self-care to social interactions to play. Occupational therapists in Ohio must have a master’s degree and be licensed through the state to practice.
What is Physical Therapy?
These are our movement experts! Physical therapists are committed to helping children with conditions that impede their ability to move and can often offer ways to prevent injury, provide surgery and minimize pain.
Physical therapists in Ohio are required to earn a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) to practice. In addition to studying anatomy, kinesiology and neuroscience, these practitioners also study things like communication, child development and ethics. They too must be licensed through the state.
In What Ways Are Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapists the Same?
As previously mentioned, both types of practitioners (OTs and PTs) are committed to wellness. Beyond that, both evaluate patients and offer customized plans of care. Treatment plans are monitored routinely for progress and also whether changes are needed.
They also treat many of the same conditions, such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, autism, down syndrome, torticollis, reflex integrations, proprioceptive awareness and neurological conditions. Further, both work with caregivers and family members to ensure patients have the support they need to thrive. Although OT and PT practitioners can both work in clinics, hospitals and nursing homes, ours practice in our Brecksville clinic as well as in patient homes and schools.
Both can become certified in specialties like pediatrics.
So What’s the Difference?
The primary difference between physical and occupational therapy practitioners is the scope of what they do. While physical therapists want to help people move better, occupational therapists are more focused on a holistic function that can include social, emotional and work-related scenarios. Whereas the physical therapist would be focused primarily on facilitating movement, the occupational therapist would also be concerned with developing/restoring the ability to complete certain functions.
If your child needs physical therapy, occupational therapy or both, our Brecksville pediatric therapy clinic is a one-stop-shop for both.
Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – is a pediatric therapy center providing occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and ABA therapy to children with special needs in Northeast Ohio. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email. Serving Brecksville, Akron, Cleveland and surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio.
Additional Resources:
Occupational Therapy Versus Physical Therapy, June 22, 2021, Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev, MD, WebMD
More Blog Entries:
When Your Child Can’t Write His Name Yet: Tips From an Akron Occupational Therapist, June 18, 2021, Brecksville Occupational Therapy Blog