A physical therapist for more than a decade, Michael Milnes of Rochester, MN is always meeting patients who are curious to learn the difference between occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT). He acknowledges there may be confusion regarding the two professions, which many think are similar or even interchangeable with regards to the terms.
As Michael Milnes acknowledges, there are areas in which the two professions overlap, but for the most part, they are quite different. Below, he offers insights into both professions.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT tends to focus more on improving a patient’s use of their functional abilities, says Michael Milnes. In a day of work, an occupational therapist will most likely work to help a patient optimize their ability to be independent and accomplish daily tasks following physical injury or impairment. According to Milnes, occupational therapists’ main focus is on improving the patient’s life skills and using adaptive tools to help them regain their ability to perform daily tasks.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Compared to OT, physical therapy tends to be focused more on the diagnosis and treatment of the physical injury, states Michael Milnes Rochester MN. According to him, a PT will more likely have in-depth knowledge of the workings of the muscle tissue and bone structure, information that enables him/her to properly introduce exercises and routines that, in addition to helping a patient regain physical strength and movement, treat the source of the problem.
The overlap between the two professions is that both set of therapists often educate patients on how to avoid injuries and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
Read more at Michael Milnes of Rochester, MN on Prnewswire
As Michael Milnes acknowledges, there are areas in which the two professions overlap, but for the most part, they are quite different. Below, he offers insights into both professions.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT tends to focus more on improving a patient’s use of their functional abilities, says Michael Milnes. In a day of work, an occupational therapist will most likely work to help a patient optimize their ability to be independent and accomplish daily tasks following physical injury or impairment. According to Milnes, occupational therapists’ main focus is on improving the patient’s life skills and using adaptive tools to help them regain their ability to perform daily tasks.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Compared to OT, physical therapy tends to be focused more on the diagnosis and treatment of the physical injury, states Michael Milnes Rochester MN. According to him, a PT will more likely have in-depth knowledge of the workings of the muscle tissue and bone structure, information that enables him/her to properly introduce exercises and routines that, in addition to helping a patient regain physical strength and movement, treat the source of the problem.
The overlap between the two professions is that both set of therapists often educate patients on how to avoid injuries and improve their ability to perform daily activities.
Read more at Michael Milnes of Rochester, MN on Prnewswire