This is a common question we are asked often and given their similar names and similar therapy fields, it is easy to understand why that is the case. Many clients often wonder if PT or OT is the right course of therapy work for them. While both physical therapy and occupational therapy fall within the scope of rehabilitative sciences, sharing many similarities, there are a number of key distinctive differences in how they help a person’s rehabilitative care.
The primary difference between the two therapy options is that physical therapy (PT) focuses on improving a person’s ability to gain (or regain) bodily movement, alleviate pain, or develop gross motor skills, while occupational therapy (OT) focuses more on improving a person’s ability to perform activities involved in daily living.
So, what exactly is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy focuses on treating persons with pain, muscle weakness, or decreased range of motion caused by an injury, surgery, or illness. Injuries or musculoskeletal conditions such as bone fractures, torn ligaments, general back, lower back or neck pain, joint disorders, or sports injuries (including concussions, sprains, strains) are all examples of conditions that a physical therapist would be able to assist and provide rehabilitative care for.
One lesser known fact is that physical therapists are also skilled in treating a number of women’s wellness concerns, including diastasis recti, pregnancy and post-partum issues, scar tissue, and SI joint pain.
Remember, the goal of physical therapy is to manage or minimize pain, improve overall range of motion, muscle function and bodily endurance. While there is no “one” treatment plan for everyone, our clinicians at Cozy Physical Therapy can customize a personalized care plan to help achieve your personal goals.
Then, what is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy focuses on treating persons who may be recovering from a range of different physical, emotional, or mental issues which impact the their ability to perform daily tasks. Occupational therapists often work with persons who exhibit sensory disorders, birth defects, developmental disorders, or other mental or behavioral problems. Often times, occupational therapy rehab developing (or redeveloping) fine motor skills, improving hand-eye coordination, learning or relearning basic daily tasks, such as eating, bathing, using the bathroom, or getting dressed. Depending on a person’s goal or what they want to do, an OT may focus on changing the activity, the environment, or the skills of the person to best equip them in their path to recover or rehabilitation.
So what should I choose? What is the best option for me?
If you are still unsure what form of therapy is right for you, we’re here to help! Contact our office today or fill out a short form to request a compliment consultation with one of our clinicians at one of our convenient office locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. We’re more than happy to answer questions you may have and look forward to working with you to achieve your health and fitness goals!