What is the difference between OT and PT therapy?
In today’s modern world, having good health is no less than a miracle. Most recent reports state that there are more unhealthy humans than healthy ones. But in recent years, the mortality rate has become quite manageable. It is mainly due to advancements in the field of medicine.
Apart from the doctors, many other health professionals are trained in providing specific medical assistance as per the needs of the patients. The doctors are well versed in diagnosing and predicting diseases and proving the necessary treatment solutions.
Apart from the doctors, occupational and physical therapists provide mental, emotional, and physical assistance to needy patients. But what exactly are they, and what is the difference between OT and PT therapy? This informative piece provides answers to questions. Moreover, one will gather vital related information as one reads along.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy plays an important role in the healthcare sector. It is referred to as the type of therapy that helps individuals from all age groups suffering from any type of physical or mental disability. It is also used to provide the mentioned services to various groups and communities.
The experts that are trained in occupational therapy are called occupational therapists. These therapists work alongside healthcare professionals like nurses, psychologists, social workers, doctors, physical therapists, and many others.
Simplifying the definitions, the major work of an occupational therapist includes assisting the people using the therapeutic techniques to react to the occupations or everyday activities.
It includes helping older patients and even kids and middle-aged individuals experiencing cognitive and physical disabilities. It will allow them to live their lives to the fullest and gain the ability and confidence to perform all the normal and healthy human activities easily.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a related sector and another major part of the healthcare services industry. It is also known as ‘physiotherapy’ in many places. The professionals that are trained in this therapy are called “physiotherapists’. They are provided with extensive training to help assist patients suffering from a motor or other related physical health-related disabilities.
While many patients are known to get physical therapy after surgery to promote faster and quality recovery, others use it to treat the physical disabilities that one has been suffering from since birth or old age. Most of these physical issues hinder the movement and locomotion of these patients.
These therapists are also trained to examine the reports of medical tests, x-rays, MRI’s and even CTY scans and types of nerve conduction velocity tests, etc., to determine the before-after condition of the respective patient. With a thorough examination of these reports, the respective therapist will determine the degree of damage and the type of needed therapy.
They make use of exercises and other related manual modes. In some cases, the therapist might even use mechanical devices and electro-physical modalities to treat the motor dysfunctionality of the patients.
Which career is better, OT or PT?
Any healthcare-related profession is a demanding yet extremely rewarding one. But are both the same? And if not, then what is the difference between OT and PT therapy? One of the major differences is that a patient is treated as a whole in occupational therapy. Their area of focus is the promotion of wellness and rehabilitation. In contrast to that, in physical therapy, only motor disability of the patient. They focus on providing messages and exercises to improve the issue.
Hence, since it is proved from the differences mentioned above that an OT and PT are two different professionals with minute similarities, then both the professions are of equal importance. While one solely focuses on providing motor disability assistance, the other involves assisting individuals who are suffering from all types of mental and physical disabilities.
Therefore, now you know what is the difference between OT and PT therapy? Both fields of work are highly rewarding ones. The experience that one gains while working as an occupational or physical therapist will greatly value the career and personal sectors of life.
Hence, however, the minute the discomfort or disability might be, it should never be left untreated. Because when a person neglects health-related issues for a long time, extreme and incurable conditions will develop. Thus, seeking the assistance of doctors along with the OTs and PTs can prove to be beneficial in the long run. It will let the individual live a long, healthy, and meaningful life. If you are looking for an OT or PT, there are many such service providers that you can choose from online.
