To the Occupational & Physical Therapists...?!

To the Occupational & Physical Therapists...?

What is the difference between the two? I'm considering a career in the Alternative Health field. When researching schools I find that the description given is basically the same and it is driving me crazy! Could someone clarify for me? I am interested in weight training and sports medicine; Which path would be best for me? Thanks again.

Both of the above are very accurate descriptions. I understand your confusion, and the boundries are not always clear. In fact, the fields do overlap somewhat. For instance, at our clinic, PT handles treating all patients with orthopedic injuries to all joints except the elbow and hand. Where as the clinic down the street will give the "shoulder patients" to the OT as well.

Generally speaking, OT will treat people who have a lot of difficulty with tasks that require upper extremity functioning such as dressing, eating, grooming. Yet, they will also focus on tasks such as standing tolerance so one can prepare a meal, do their laundry. Usually, OT has a very specific personal or household task in mind when they are performing treatments. Some unique things that OTs do that PTs do not really do is: low vision programs, driver's evaluation, handwriting, and some even focus their practice in the mental health field.

PT will often focus on the "lower half" and more general function...walking, running, balance, jumping, etc. Some things that are more specific to PT include: treatment of people with spinal pain (although OT can show them how to dress themselves) by use of hands on techniques or specific exercise, walking, sports specific rehabilitation, etc.

I know it is probably still very vague...our ultimate goal of both professions is to restore function. But if you are interested in sports medicine, it sounds like PT may be the way to go.

I would suggest you observe in a clinic for both professions to get a better understanding.