Posted on May 8th, 2023.

If you're a parent of a child with sensorial challenges, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to watch them struggle with daily activities. You want to help them regain their independence and function, but you may not know where to turn.

 Two healthcare professions that you may have heard of are occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT), but you may wonder what the differences are between the two and which one may be the right choice for your child.

While both OT and PT are important healthcare professions that help individuals regain and maintain independence and function, there are key differences between the two. In this article, we'll explore the unique aspects of occupational therapy and why it's so valuable for individuals, especially children, who struggle with daily tasks due to physical or cognitive challenges.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping individuals of all ages participate in the activities that are meaningful to them. It's based on the principle that engaging in daily activities is essential to maintaining health and wellbeing. OT practitioners work with individuals who have physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges that affect their ability to perform daily activities, such as self-care, work, and leisure activities.

OT practitioners use a holistic approach that considers all aspects of a person's life, including their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. They work with individuals to identify their goals and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. 

The treatment plan may include a range of interventions, such as:

• Developing fine and gross motor skills
• Strengthening muscles
• Improving coordination and balance
• Addressing sensory processing issues
• Improving visual perceptual skills
• Enhancing cognitive skills, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving
• Teaching adaptive strategies to improve daily functioning
• Providing support for mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression
• Helping individuals with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life

OT practitioners may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organizations. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and physical therapists, to ensure that individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their health and wellbeing.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy (PT) is a healthcare profession that focuses on improving physical function and mobility. It's based on the principle that movement is essential to maintaining health and wellbeing. PT practitioners work with individuals who have physical impairments due to injury, illness, or surgery that affect their ability to move and function.

PT practitioners use a variety of interventions, such as exercises, manual techniques, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation, to help individuals improve their physical function. They work with individuals to evaluate their physical impairments and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. 

The treatment plan may includes interventions such as:

• Improving range of motion
• Strengthening muscles
• Improving balance and coordination
• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Restoring mobility after surgery or injury
• Managing symptoms of chronic conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia
• Providing education and guidance on proper body mechanics and injury prevention
• Helping athletes improve their performance and prevent injury

Key Differences Between OT and PT

When it comes to occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT), there are several key differences between the two professions. While both focus on helping individuals improve their function and independence, they have different scopes of practice, interventions, and goals. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right healthcare profession for you or your loved one.

Scope of Practice

One of the biggest differences between OT and PT is their scope of practice. OT practitioners work with individuals across the lifespan who have physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges that affect their ability to perform daily activities, such as self-care, work, and leisure activities. They use a holistic approach that considers all aspects of a person's life, and they help individuals achieve their goals by addressing the underlying physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments that interfere with their ability to engage in meaningful activities.

PT practitioners, on the other hand, primarily work with individuals who have physical impairments due to injury, illness, or surgery that affect their ability to move and function. They focus on improving physical function, such as strength, range of motion, balance, and coordination, using exercises, manual techniques, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

Interventions

Another difference between OT and PT is the interventions they use. OT practitioners use a range of interventions to address their clients' needs, such as adaptive equipment, modifications to the environment or task, or task-oriented training. They address physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments to help individuals achieve their goals and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

PT practitioners primarily use exercises and manual techniques to address physical impairments. They focus on improving physical function, such as strength, range of motion, balance, and coordination, using interventions like exercises, manual techniques, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation. They address the physical impairments that affect a person's ability to move and function, helping them regain their mobility and independence.

Goals

While both OT and PT focus on improving function and independence, they have different goals. OT practitioners focus on helping individuals achieve their goals and participate in meaningful activities, such as self-care, work, and leisure activities. They address the underlying physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments that interfere with a person's ability to engage in these activities and help them achieve their desired level of participation.

PT practitioners focus on improving physical function, such as strength, range of motion, balance, and coordination. Their goals are centered on restoring physical function and mobility, and they work with individuals to help them regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Populations Served

OT and PT also differ in terms of the populations they serve. While OT practitioners work with individuals across the lifespan who have physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges, PT practitioners primarily work with individuals who have physical impairments due to injury, illness, or surgery. OT practitioners may work with children who have developmental delays or adults with mental health challenges, while PT practitioners primarily work with individuals who have orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions.

Related:

• Occupational Therapy for Autism – 7 Strategies for Children With Sensory Challenges
• The Development of Children: A Brief Look 

Final Words

Occupational therapy and physical therapy are both valuable healthcare professions that can help individuals improve their function and independence. However, they have different focuses, scopes of practice, and interventions. If you or a loved one is struggling with daily activities, occupational therapy may be the right choice for you. At Chicago Therapeutic Intervention, we specialize in occupational therapy and offer personalized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each individual.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at (331) 299-8003 or email us at [email protected]. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals and live their best lives possible.