Did you know that over 2.4 billion people deal with an illness, injury, or disability?
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with one of these ailments, you might be considering what kind of treatment would be the best for you. Or maybe a friend or family member’s relying on your support and you want the inside scoop.
There are several options when taking into consideration occupational therapy vs physical therapy. Keep reading to learn all about these fields and explore the depths of occupational therapy and physical therapy.
Differences Between Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy
There are many differences between occupational therapy and physical therapy. These include:
Focus
Physical therapy is focused on improving the function of the musculoskeletal system. Whereas, occupational therapy is focused on improving the function of the nervous system.
Physical therapy is often used to improve the function of the joints. But, occupational therapy is often used to improve the function of the brain.
In addition, physical therapy is typically used to rehab injuries. Meanwhile, occupational therapy is often used to help people with disabilities.
Techniques Used
Occupational therapy may also involve the use of adaptive equipment. This is to help people perform activities. On the other hand, physical therapy may involve exercises and other forms of physical treatment.
In addition, occupational therapy typically uses activity-based interventions. Meanwhile, physical therapy uses exercise-based interventions.
End Goal
The occupational therapy guide focuses on helping patients regain independence. This will improve their ability to perform everyday activities. The physical therapy guide, on the other hand, is focused on improving a patient’s physical strength and mobility.
Level of Injury
Occupational therapists typically work with patients who have been injured or have disabilities. But physical therapists work with patients who are recovering from surgery or who have chronic pain.
Additionally, occupational therapists often work with people of all ages. Whereas, physical therapists specifically work with people who are recovering from an injury.
Setting and Duration
Occupational therapy typically occurs in outpatient settings. However, physical therapy can occur in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Also, occupational therapy generally has a longer duration than physical therapy.
Educational Background
There are also different educational requirements for occupational therapists and physical therapists. Occupational therapists need at least a master’s degree. On the other hand, physical therapists need at least a bachelor’s degree.
How Do You Know Which One Is Right for You
In general, if you have a problem with movement, you would see a physical therapist. If you find it hard to perform activities of daily living, you would see an occupational therapist.
However, there is a lot of overlap between the two professions. Many therapists are trained in both disciplines.
If you are unsure which type of therapy you need, your best bet is to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess your specific needs and make a recommendation.
Making a Decision
If you’re trying to decide between a career in occupational therapy vs physical therapy, make sure to understand the key differences between the two.
Both therapies can help people to improve their quality of life. So, it is important to choose the right therapy for your individual needs.
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