Some say that PT addresses the lower half of the body while OT addresses the upper half. Others say that PT works on gross motor coordination while OT works on fine motor.

Physical therapy focuses on big movements, it's generally true. Their goal is often to restore movement and mobility. They assess the ability to roll in bed, sit up, stand up, walk, maintain balance, etc. They use things like stretching and exercise, manipulations, electrical stimulation, heat, and cold to restore these movements.

Occupational Therapy focuses on restoring function. The idea is to help each person become as independent as they can possibly be. This starts with things like brushing teeth and getting dressed, self feeding, getting in and out of the tub, combing hair, or going to the bathroom. After that it extends to roles, jobs, hobbies, etc. OTs use many of the same mechanisms that PTs use to restore function - it's just the approach and the overall goal that might be different.

Most patients initially say that they want to be able to walk again. I ask them, "When you get to the door, how will you open it?"