The differences between physiotherapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) are often misunderstood, as both work in rehabilitation settings. However, both target different aspects of rehabilitation. For example, physiotherapists and occupational therapists both work towards improving mobility, but address this in different ways. In this instance, PT involves improving the movement of the human body, whereas OT focuses on techniques to restore the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks.
The two professions also have very different terms and conditions related to restoring quality of life. Physiotherapy typically targets gross motor movements such as gait, and occupational therapists focus more on fine motor tasks where they are required to apply themselves in more intricate ways.
Read on for a full breakdown of physiotherapy vs occupational therapy and what sets the two disciplines apart.
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists (physios) improve gross motor skills. These are skills that require the whole body to move and involve using large muscles groups in the body. Physios help patients with mobility issues to perform daily functions. These functions include running, standing, walking, and sitting upright.
The main goal of a physio is to treat a specific condition of the patient. Their treatment involves lessening the pain, improving mobility and aligning joints and bones. At the discharge of physiotherapy treatment, the patient should be able to perform regular movements to the best of their ability. Physios can use massage, exercise and other techniques to intervene with patients.
Physiotherapy healthcare treatment involves treating patients with issues caused by injuries or medical conditions. A customised treatment program focuses on the specific needs of the patient.
Physiotherapy techniques can restore muscle functions and reduce pain. Physiotherapists can use such treatment techniques to substitute expensive medication or surgery. Physios look at the patient’s mobility, focusing on patients’ posture, movement, safety and alignment.
Physiotherapists work with patients on the following skills:
- Functional mobility
- Endurance
- Orthotics and equipment training
- Pain relief
- Gait mechanics
- Gross motor skills
- Motor control and planning
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Balance & coordination
- Body awareness
- Wound care
Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapist’s (OT) goal is to help a client complete daily activities as independently as possible through using a broad, holistic approach to improving function. Patients who suffer from both short- and long-term cognitive or developmental impairments, disability, injury or illness that impacts functional performance should consider OT intervention.
The OT profession uses treatment techniques that have the end goal of improving functioning in different daily activities. OTs work with patients on the following skills:
- Self-care tasks
- Executive functioning
- Sensory processing abilities
- Visual-spatial awareness
- Gross motor skills
- Cognitive skills
- Body awareness
- Visual-motor integration
- Fine motor skills
- Attention
- Motor planning/ praxis
- Hand-eye coordination
Do physiotherapy and occupational therapy take place in different settings?
Both physiotherapy and occupational therapy services are delivered across the same range of settings, including the home, aged care facilities, schools and community locations. The key distinction is that occupational therapists often place greater emphasis on assessing the client’s actual living environment, as understanding how a person navigates their home or workplace is central to their work. Physiotherapists, by contrast, are equally effective in clinic or gym-based settings alongside home and community delivery.
Physiotherapist vs occupational therapist: at a glance
Need physiotherapy or occupational therapy? GenPhysio can help
Both physios and OTs provide crucial hands-on rehabilitative techniques. The techniques assist clients in performing daily tasks, which means both OTs and physios are central to maintaining independence and quality of life.
If you are looking for a provider from one or both disciplines, GenPhysio delivers both mobile physiotherapy and mobile occupational therapy directly to your home, school or community setting. Our employed clinicians work across South-East Queensland and Melbourne, supporting NDIS participants, Support at Home clients and private clients with goal-focused, evidence-based care.
To find out more or to book, get in touch with us today on 1300 122 884.
