How are the therapies similar?

Both physical therapy and occupational therapy help restore mobility and the ability to perform daily activities. Both therapies can also facilitate healing after injury or surgery and educate patients about injury prevention. 

How are the therapies different?

At the same time, there are key differences between the two therapies, as summarized below.  

​Physical Therapy

​Physical therapy:

• Mostly focuses on larger movements, e.g., walking, rolling, and moving from a bed to a chair
• Typically involves the lower body (below the waist) and larger muscles of the legs and the back
• May recommend and help with assistive devices, e.g., braces, canes and wheelchairs
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy:​

• Emphasizes more fine-tuned manipulations and tasks, e.g., writing, turning a doorknob, and buttoning a shirt
• Typically involves the upper body (above the waist) and smaller muscles of the arms and hands
• May recommend adaptive equipment, e.g., reachers, dressing aids, and special eating and cooking utensils

When to consider both therapies

Physical therapy or occupational therapy alone can be sufficient in many cases, whereas conditions such as cerebral palsy and stroke may benefit from a combination of both therapies. For example, during recovery from a severe stroke, physical therapy can allow the patient to regain muscle strength and improve gait and balance, while occupational therapy can help rebuild the fine motor skills needed for various self-care and workplace tasks.

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Related topics:  

     >  Acupuncture​
​
     >  Physical Therapy

     >  Occupational Therapy

     >  Computerized Medical Thermography

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