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What to Know About Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy

When it comes to recovering from an injury, surgery, or chronic illness, many people turn to physical therapy or occupational therapy. Both are non-surgical options designed to help you regain strength, mobility, and function in daily life. While they share a common goal of improving well-being, they focus on different aspects of rehabilitation.  

What is occupational therapy? 

Occupational therapists (OTs) help individuals regain independence in daily activities. This type of therapy is particularly beneficial for people who need help performing essential tasks, such as dressing, cooking, or writing. Occupational therapy is useful for individuals with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or stroke survivors who need to relearn fine motor skills. Rather than focusing solely on movement and strength, OTs help patients adapt to their environment and develop strategies to maintain or regain independence in everyday life. Occupational therapy can even help with sleep deprivation and driving. 

What does occupational therapy look like? 

In a typical occupational therapy session, OTs assess the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks and introduce exercises, adaptive tools, or home modifications to make life easier. Unlike physical therapy, which emphasizes physical recovery through movement, occupational therapy focuses on finding practical solutions to improve daily living. This may include: 

• Teaching someone with arthritis how to use specialized utensils to make eating easier. 

• Helping a stroke survivor regain coordination for dressing or grooming. 

• Recommending home modifications to prevent falls for someone with Parkinson’s disease. 

• Providing cognitive strategies for individuals with memory difficulties.  

Imagine this: 

Mary, a stroke survivor, found it difficult to button her shirts and hold a spoon. Her OT introduced her to button hooks and weighted utensils and guided her through exercises to improve her fine motor skills. With practice, Mary regained her ability to dress and eat independently. 

What is physical therapy? 

Physical therapists (PTs) are experts in rehabilitation, movement, and preventive care. They typically work with patients who need help recovering from an injury, recouping from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or improving mobility and range of motion. PTs use stretching, exercise, massage, and other treatments to strengthen the body and improve movement. They also provide preventive care by addressing potential problem areas before they become issues. In addition to rehabilitation, physical therapists can help with unexpected concerns, such as headaches or vertigo. 

What does physical therapy look like? 

A physical therapy appointment often includes assessments, massage, stretching, and strengthening exercises to treat injuries and improve mobility. In a physical therapy session, the patient is usually doing most of the work. At the end of the appointment, they typically receive a treatment plan that outlines goals, timelines, and exercises or stretches to do between sessions to aid in recovery. 

Imagine this: 

After undergoing knee replacement surgery, John struggled to walk without assistance. His physical therapist designed a program focused on strengthening his leg muscles and improving his balance. This included PT visits and exercises to do at home. Over time, John regained mobility, allowing him to return to his daily walks. 

How do they work together? 

Physical therapy and occupational therapy often work hand in hand. While physical therapy helps build strength and improve movement, occupational therapy helps translate movement into real-life activities. For example, a patient recovering from a stroke might work with a PT to regain strength and mobility in their arm, while an OT helps them relearn how to use that arm for everyday tasks like brushing their hair or making a meal.  

Both therapies play an essential role in recovery and improving quality of life. A healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment plan based on individual needs.