Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy International Service
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Authors: Anna Norton, Ella Bonner, and Livi Kovach
Physical therapy and occupational therapy are two fields of healthcare that are often confused due to their similar titles and other characteristics. The core difference between the two fields is the focus of the treatment they provide. Physical therapy is centered around ensuring that every patient is able to complete desired activities and skills for their daily life, such as climbing stairs. To ensure this, physical therapists work to increase muscle strength, and range of motion to complete the activity Occupational therapy is also centered around working to complete daily living activities, such as being able to brush their hair or reach for something in a cabinet. They also work to modify the activities so the patient can still be productive on their own. The two occupations also differ in educational requirements, healthcare areas, and specific ailments treated. Overall, physical therapy and occupational therapy are two very important fields of healthcare. Their differences, although subtle, can be understood and applied to make the most effective treatment decisions.
A major difference between the fields of physical and occupational therapy are the educational requirements. Physical therapists require a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, while occupational therapists require a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) or an optional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD). Undergraduate prerequisites vary as PT admissions focus on physics and chemistry, and while PT does require psychology courses, the OT has a heavier emphasis on psychology and development. The higher level programs also differ in their core curriculum, clinical experience, and licensing exams. DPT programs have a heavy emphasis on anatomy, exercise physiology, and biomechanics, and they feature clinical fieldwork involving manual therapy, modalities, exercises, and functional training. Physical therapists obtain state licensure by passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Occupational therapy programs place more emphasis on psychosocial health, fine motor skill development, and sensory processing. While PT also can focus on these areas, the education for a PT has more coursework so it is not as heavily emphasized. OT clinical fieldwork is centered around returning to independent daily living activities or modifying them to meet the patient. Occupational therapists must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to be licensed to practice. Overall, these educational differences set apart the fields of physical and occupational therapy,
The areas of healthcare that you see PT and OT in are very similar, it just depends on the treatment type. A few examples of areas where you may see both are hospitals, outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation centers, schools, and in-home healthcare. PT works to provide functional training to get people to be able to do activities anywhere from sitting on the toilet to running a marathon. OT on the other hand, are often more limited to fine motor skills. For example, if a patient does not have the strength to get out of bed in the morning, PT will work to regain that strength while OT can help the same patient with fine motor skills such as buttoning a shirt. In many areas, you will see OTs and PTs working together to help in a collaborative care model.
While physical therapists and occupational therapists work with many of the same patients, the conditions they treat and the goals of treatment can be slightly different. Physical therapists commonly help people recovering from sports injuries, fractures, joint replacements, chronic pain, neurological conditions, and balance or mobility issues. Their main goal is to improve strength, reduce pain, increase range of motion, and help patients move more comfortably with functional independence. Occupational therapists may also treat many of these same conditions, but they focus on helping people regain independence in other daily living activities often involving fine motor skills and sensory processing. Although their treatment approaches are different, both professions work toward the same goal of helping patients recover and improve their overall quality of life.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy are both valuable parts of the healthcare system, but they each have a slightly different focus with treatment styles. They also differ in their education and areas of focus. In many cases, PTs and OTs work together to create a treatment plan that helps patients achieve the best possible outcome. Understanding the differences between these two professions can make it easier to know which type of care is the best fit for a patient's individual needs.
Resources:
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. (n.d.). Should I see a physical therapist or occupational therapist? https://health.osu.edu/wellness/exercise-and-nutrition/physical-or-occupational-therapist
Regis College. (2023). Occupational therapy vs. physical therapy: Key differences. https://www.regiscollege.edu/blog/occupational-therapy/occupational-therapy-vs-physical-therapy-key-differences
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