Physical therapy and occupational therapy are frequently mixed up. One of the main distinctions is that OTs help people perform daily activities independently while PTs focus on helping people recover from injuries. Read this article and decide which one is the better job choice for you.
What Is Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on treating patients who are recovering from a range of maladies (physical, mental, developmental, and emotional) that impact the person’s ability to perform daily activities.
The majority of the time, occupational therapists will work with people who exhibit:
- Birth injuries or birth defects
- Sensory processing disorders
- Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord
- Autism and other developmental disorders
- Mental or behavioral health problems
- Other types of injuries and disorders which may impact their ability to perform tasks associated with everyday life
A patient’s agency over their own life is what occupational therapy aims to give them. Occupational therapists help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life by teaching them how to perform daily tasks or helping them relearn how to do them.
Depending on the patient’s objectives and the occupational therapist’s area of expertise, this may take different forms.
What Is Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) is a medical field that focuses on treating patients who have experienced illness or injury that has resulted in pain, muscle weakness, or decreased range of motion.
Patients who have undergone an illness or injury that has negatively affected their ability to perform bodily functions, such as:
- A fractured bone or sprained joint
- Musculoskeletal conditions, such as a torn rotator cuff, generalized neck and back pain, or temporomandibular joint disorders
- Cardiopulmonary conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, post-myocardial infarction, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Sports injuries (including concussions)
- Women’s health concerns
- And more
Physical therapy aims to control and manage pain, strengthen weak muscles, boost endurance, and generally enhance range of motion. Of course, the needs of each individual patient will determine the precise treatment objectives.
Similarities Between Ot And Pt
Physical therapy and occupational therapy share some characteristics.
Treatment plans. OTs and PTs assess patients and provide personalized care plans. When necessary, treatment plans are modified based on monitoring of progress.
Conditions treated. Both address a range of ailments, such as:
- Amputation
- Sports injuries
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease
- Recovery after surgery
- Concussion and other brain injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
Support team. Both collaborate with caregivers and family members to ensure that their clients receive the assistance they require.
Client base. From childhood to old age, OTs and PTs treat patients with medical conditions.
Settings of practice. In clinics, medical facilities, and nursing homes, OTs and PTs work. By way of home health services, both may offer medical attention to patients in their homes. OTs are employed by schools as well.
Differences Between Ot And Pt
The scope is the primary distinction between physical therapy and occupational therapy. The main goal of physical therapy is to improve mobility.
Occupational therapists, on the other hand, adopt a holistic strategy. OTs work on a wide range of social, emotional, and employment-related issues in addition to improving physical functioning.
Someone who wants to go grocery shopping is an illustration of the differences.
A physical therapist would concentrate on the person’s physical requirements to navigate a large store. This may involve moving up and down aisles as well as getting in and out of the car. Making a list, finding items, and managing checkout are all tasks that an occupational therapist may assist with.
Job Duties
Occupational Therapist
- evaluates the client’s condition and treatment requirements.
- creates tailored treatment plans for clients.
- provides advice on adaptive equipment, assists clients with daily tasks, and encourages self-care.
- Tracks and evaluates client progress.
- Identifies areas for improvement in the client’s home or place of employment and informs family members and employers of the suggested changes.
Physical Therapist
- identifies physical issues brought on by illness or injury.
- creates treatment plans that are specific to each patient.
- increases mobility reduces pain and promotes improved patient health by using exercises, stretches, hands-on therapy, and equipment.
- keeps records and monitors the objectives and development of patients.
- develops injury-prevention wellness programs.
- Patients should be informed about the healing process.
Education & Job Requirements
Occupational Therapist
To become an OT, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree, then pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy (which can take up to three years to complete). Additionally, you’ll need to pass the NBCOT exam and submit a license application to your state.
Physical Therapist
It takes a minimum of three years to complete a doctorate in physical therapy, which is the professional degree required to become a physical therapist. The next step is to pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) and obtain a license in the state where you intend to practice.
Salary
Occupational Therapists
Over the period of 2020 to 2030, employment of OTs is anticipated to increase by 17%, which is significantly faster than average job growth. The median annual salary for OTs was $86,280 as of May 2020.
Physical Therapists
The employment of PTs is anticipated to increase by 21% between 2020 and 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average yearly salary for PTs in the U.S. as of May 2020 is $61,050. was $91,010.
Specialties
Occupational Therapy
If you think an OT would be a better fit for you, both OTs and OTAs can earn advanced certifications from the AOTA in the following areas:
- Driving and Community Mobility
- Environmental Modification
- Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing
- Low Vision
- School Systems
- Gerontology
- Mental Health
- Pediatrics
- Physical Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy
PTs can obtain APTA Specialist Certification in the following specialties if they are interested in pursuing one:
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
- Clinical Electrophysiology
- Geriatrics
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Sports
- Women’s Health
- Oncology
Final Thoughts
We hope that by going into great detail about the duties and requirements for each position, we have made the distinctions between these two fields clear. So, which option is better for you? Your choice will likely be influenced by the kind of work you would like to do and the patients you would like to work with.
