What is the Difference Between OT and PT

Occupational Therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are two similar professions that many people mistake for one another. While these professions have some similar objectives, they also have significant differences. So, what is the difference between OT and PT? Both types of therapists have a responsibility to help improve the quality of life for their patients, but each has its own specialized techniques and goals. A physical therapist will treat a patient’s condition or impairment, while an occupational therapist will treat the whole person.

In this post, we’ll discuss some of the differences between Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT). we’ll differentiate the therapists based on everything from their goals and who they treat, to where they work and their educational requirements.

Goals

Physical Therapy – Physical therapy aims at evaluating and diagnosing movement dysfunctions. They also work at treating injuries while improving a patient’s movement potential, quality of life and functional abilities after a condition or accident.

Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapy aims at improving a person’s functional abilities. It is a holistic health care profession with a goal to promote better health by helping patients learn how to perform particular activities aimed at benefiting them throughout their lives.

Who They Treat

Physical Therapists- They treat patients with long-term health problems such as chronic back and spine pain, spinal stenosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and osteoarthritis, as well as patients with injuries.

Occupational Therapists – occupational therapists treat people with chronic conditions such as arthritis, developmental disabilities, physical impairments, as well as people with serious health conditions such as a stroke or people with injuries.

Education

Physical Therapists – To be a physical therapist you must at least earn a master’s degree, but the majority require a doctoral degree. Moreover, physical therapists are required to be licensed in all 50 states.

Occupational Therapists – like physical therapists, In order to become an OT, occupational therapists are required to have at least a master’s degree, but the majority of practices also require a doctoral degree. Most jurisdictions require an occupational therapist to be licensed, but the criteria for obtaining a license vary by state.

What Do They Do:

Physical Therapists – Physical therapists are experts who examine their patients’ musculoskeletal systems so they can develop rehabilitation plans designed to restore function, reduce pain, heal and prevent further disability.

Occupational Therapists – Occupational therapists duties include helping patients with their day-to-day activities. An occupational therapist, for example, would evaluate a patient’s workplace and home to recommend adaptive tools that will give the patient an ideal environment for their specialized needs.

Where They Work:

Physical Therapists – They generally work in hospitals, schools, sports and fitness facilities, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, home health agencies and private practices.

Occupational Therapists – occupational therapists jobs involve working in schools, private practices, hospitals, home care programs, clinics and rehabilitation centers.

To Summarize

So, what is the difference between OT and PT? in summary, the main difference between the two is that the occupational therapist treats the entire body to help improve their patient’s overall daily living, while a physical therapist treats specific areas to improve body movement. Besides OT’s, there are also COTA jobs as well.