Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy: Which do you need?

Before we begin, we should first familiarize ourselves with what therapy and the kinds of therapy that we will discuss on this medium, i.e., physical therapy and occupational therapy. After that, we will get a clear idea about therapy and the benefits of taking them, whichever is suitable for us.

What is therapy?

The process of consulting with a counselor or psychotherapist to resolve troublesome behaviors, attitudes, feelings, and physical symptoms is known as therapy. An interpersonal relationship is used in treatment to assist the client gain self-awareness and make adjustments in his or her life. Although there is much overlap between counseling and psychotherapy, there are also recognized distinctions. While both Counsellors and Psychotherapists work with clients in great detail and length, the focus of Counselling is more likely to be on particular difficulties, changes in life adjustments, and nurturing the client’s welfare. Psychotherapy is mainly focused on the development of insight and the remodeling of the psyche or self.

Some key points of taking therapy:

• Therapy is typically done one-on-one, although it may also be done in groups.
• The client has the ability to select the therapist and treatment style that is most suited to their specific circumstances.
• A therapist and client would usually sit together for an hour to address the client’s difficulties.
• Like any new relationship, the counseling process includes a period of ‘getting to know you.’
• The goal of the therapist is to make the counseling process both safe and helpful.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a kind of treatment that focuses on relieving pain and enhancing the body’s mobility and function. It may be either rehabilitative or preventative in nature.

Physical therapists, commonly referred to as PTs, use a thorough knowledge of human physiology and body movement to develop customized treatment plans and choose particular therapy instruments and techniques such as hands-on manipulation and exercises. Physical therapists acquire this knowledge by completing an approved doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program. After graduation, graduates must pass a state licensing examination in order to practice as a physical therapist.

Physical therapists are responsible for identifying, diagnosing, and treating movement disorders. They assist individuals in retaining or regaining as much function as feasible. Physical exercise consistently may improve your physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Additionally, it aids in the prevention or improvement of a variety of chronic diseases, including the following:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Adiposity.
• Depression.
• Certain types of cancer.

Physical therapists assist individuals in overcoming obstacles to physical exercise.

Physical therapists assist patients in managing pain and resolving mobility issues. Certain types of pain and mobility difficulties may develop into chronic conditions, necessitating surgery. Physical therapy aids in the reduction of symptoms associated with a variety of chronic illnesses and sicknesses. Additionally, it may avert the escalation of many issues. Physical therapists can assist you in avoiding the need for surgery, as well as the associated expenses and dangers.

Physical therapy is as beneficial as surgery for a variety of diseases, including the following:

• Meniscal tears and knee osteoarthritis.
• Rotator cuff tears.
• Spinal stenosis.
• Degenerative disk disease.

Before you have surgery, try physical therapy.

Occupational Therapy

From the American Occupational Therapy Association: “Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.”

Occupational therapists (sometimes referred to as OTs) assist individuals of all ages in overcoming physical barriers or illnesses and resuming full participation in their everyday lives. This may include anything from performing an in-home evaluation to assisting them with daily activities like dressing, moving around the house, cooking, eating, gardening, doing schoolwork, using a computer, and driving.

Typical occupational therapy services include the following:

1. A comprehensive assessment of the client’s abilities, requirements, and obstacles, during which the client/family and occupational therapist collaborate to establish the client’s objectives.
2. A client-centered and occupation-based intervention aims to enhance the client’s capacity to carry out everyday tasks and achieve his or her objectives.
3. Observe patients doing tasks, ask the patient questions, and review the patient’s medical history
4. Use the observations, answers, and medical history to evaluate the patient’s condition and needs
5. Assist individuals with a variety of impairments with a variety of tasks, such as assisting an older adult with weak memory in using a computer or guiding an autistic kid through play activities.
6. Demonstrate activities that may help individuals with chronic illnesses to manage their discomfort, such as joint stretches for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
7. Evaluate a patient’s home or workplace and recommend ways to make it more conducive to the patient’s health requirements
8. Educate the patient’s family and workplace on proper patient accommodations and care.

Differences and similarities

Frequently, professions that seem to be identical differ significantly. For instance, there is a significant difference between careers in physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT). While the two share specific characteristics, the distinction is as stark as the one between a “family escape plan” and a “family escape plane.” The difference is in the therapeutic objective. While both an occupational therapist and a physical therapist work toward similar aims, their goals are very different. A PT is trained to assist you in recovering from injuries, regaining mobility, and relieving pain. For OTs, it’s far more than that – it’s about everything that “occupies” your life.

There is a saying in the medical field, “PT helps you walk again, OT makes sure you are wearing pants when you go for that walk.”. Both professions teach clients about injury prevention and the healing process and strive to enhance their mobility and overall quality of life. Both PTs and OTs are often required for injury rehabilitation.