Occupational vs Physical Therapy - What's the Difference?
77OT vs PT
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?"
Websites
- American Physical Therapy Association
"The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization representing more than 71,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education." - The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
"The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy develops and administers the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants." - American Occupational Therapy Association
"The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the q - The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
"The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®) is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession."
Occupational Therapy Reference Materials
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Occupational Therapy Examination Review Guide, Third Edition
Price: $28.70
List Price: $44.95 |
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Occupational Therapy for Children
Price: $71.96
List Price: $89.95 |
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Conceptual Foundations of Occupational Therapy
Price: $52.99
List Price: $66.95 |
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The Conditions in Occupational Therapy: Effect on Occupational Performance (Spiral Manual Series)
Price: $38.36
List Price: $60.95 |
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Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy
Price: $60.80
List Price: $83.80 |
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Quick Reference Dictionary for Occupational Therapy (Jacobs, Quick Reference Dictionary for Occupational Therapy)
Price: $26.94
List Price: $39.95 |
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Willard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy
Price: $43.54
List Price: $84.95 |
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Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction
Price: $45.79
List Price: $85.95 |
Physical Therapy Reference Materials
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Physical Therapy for Children
Price: $71.55
List Price: $89.95 |
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The American Physical Therapy Association Book of Body Maintenance and Repair
Price: $10.88
List Price: $24.00 |
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Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Secrets
Price: $28.69
List Price: $44.95 |
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Starting and Managing Your Own Physical Therapy Practice
Price: $34.85
List Price: $59.95 |
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Introduction to Physical Therapy (Pagliaruto, Introduction to Physical Therapy)
Price: $39.99
List Price: $50.95 |
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Handbook of Pediatric Physical Therapy (Long, Handbook of Pediatric Physical Therapy)
Price: $37.00
List Price: $45.95 |
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Physical Therapy Documentation: From Examination to Outcome
Price: $40.74
List Price: $47.95 |
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Guide to Evidence-Based Physical Therapy Practice
Price: $26.74
List Price: $64.95 |
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Comments
nice hub. very informative. now i know the difference between the two.. i thought they were the same. http://www.siakoi.com/recreation/sports-in-beijing
Clear, succinct explanation. Thanks a lot!
We have Occupational Therapists in Elementary schools now. That helps kids deal with their stress. That's a great idea.
MrMarmalade says:
2 years ago
Val is enjoying reading about you. Keep it up please