Physical therapy vs Occupational therapy?!
Question: Physical therapy vs Occupational therapy?
if you could answer any or all of my questions that would be great :) thanks
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
short answer, physical therapy involves more psychology and motivation, also more sports oriented.
occasional sports therapist, studied Kinesiology, Grad Health Student
Depends what country you are in.
New Zealand Trained physio-therapist are an embarassment to the profession.
Its completely dependent as a business model on ACC funding which was milked until the cash cow died.
They lobbied for full funding to treat ACC injuries projecting a bill of NZ$50 million P/A. The bill was $190 Million.
They were getting patients to present 2 - 3 times a week and slap hot water bottles on them. 12 treatments no better...
Lets apply for another 12!
Because the patient wasn't paying they put up with it. The rules changed and the physio's now surcharge. Consequently people don't present 2 - 3 times a week to have hot water bottles slapped on them. they can do that themselves at home.
Aussie physios are excellent. Also government funded but very limited. 6 treatments and you are expected to have that patient 80% improved!
American Physio's can be excellent but are expensive. Hospital based ones see as little as 4 patients a day.
OT's do a fantastic role in rehabilitating and improving the quality of someones life.
There job is not very hands on but very rewarding. Not as well paid or prestigious as Physio (outside the US) but a very valuable role in the healthcare system.
In NZ even though 90% of the Physios are a waste of time and money 10% are excellent. So if you want to be the best at your job you still can raise your game and do it better than anyone else particularly if everyone around you is rubbish.
Friend of Lightning.