What is the difference between Physical & Occupational Therapy?

Although occupational and physical therapists often work hand in hand addressing similar conditions and issues, they are two different disciplines with some primary distinctions. Because the fields can look so similar at times, not everyone can tell the difference.

Both therapies can address and work to prevent the deterioration of a patient’s physical function and improve their ability to carry out daily tasks. They both strive toward making a patient’s life easier and can help them recover or cope with an illness or disease. You can often find physical and occupational therapists working together at the same practice.

So, what is the difference?

One of the main distinctions of occupational therapy is that it is more geared to helping patients carry out specific tasks. An occupational therapist's primary goal is to help patients take part in activities like homemaking, leisure, play, and even socialization. Occupational therapists seek to improve the overall quality of life of the patient.  This could involve anything from helping a child with a disability participate in school and other social activities, to helping a senior improve their cognitive and physical skills. A treatment plan with an occupational therapist will generally include an evaluation to determine the patient’s needs, what goals are, and a tailored program to help them cope with the tasks they are struggling with.

Physical therapy, on the other hand, is focused on improving function and reducing pain. Physical therapists are specialist in body mechanics and are educated on how the body is impacted by motion, positioning and exercise.  Physical therapy treatment is typically aimed at improving strength, range of motion, and balance. Treatment with a physical therapist might include therapeutic exercises and stretching, massage therapy, even electrical stimulation. A physical therapist will develop a tailored program based on the patient’s specific needs.

If you are seeking treatment from an occupational or physical therapist, Reddy Care Physical and Occupational therapy has the team for you. To find out more about our services, call us today to schedule a consultation!

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Reddy Care Great Neck (Great Neck Physical Therapy): 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale (Farmingdale Physical Therapy): 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030

Sources:

https://www.studentdoctor.net/2018/07/18/difference-between-physical-therapy-and-occupational-therapy/ 

https://www.reddycare.net/services/occupational-therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.