Key points  

• Rehabilitative care offers two main options: occupational therapy  and physiotherapy. 
   
• Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily tasks and functionality. 
   
• Physiotherapy aims to enhance movement, mobility, and function through exercises and manual therapy. 
   
• Both occupational therapy and physiotherapy share the goal of assisting individuals to achieve their goals, improving overall well-being, tailored to individual goals, needs and conditions. 
   
• Physiotherapists assess, plan treatments, guide exercises, manage pain, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. 
   
• Occupational therapists assess, set goals, analyse activities, prescribe adaptive equipment, modify environments, and provide education. 
   
• Ultimately, both occupational therapy and physiotherapy contribute to enhanced well-being and restored functionality. 

Introduction 

Navigating through rehabilitative care options can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when faced with the choice between occupational therapy and physiotherapy.  While both disciplines aim to enhance your quality of life post-injury, surgery, or illness, they have distinct focuses and methods.  
 
In this article, we’ll look at the key differences between occupational therapy and physiotherapy, helping you make informed decisions about your wellness journey. 

What is occupational therapy? 

Occupational therapy (commonly known as OT) focuses on a broad spectrum of activities of daily living, including self-care, productivity, and leisure pursuits. Occupational therapy employs a diverse range of techniques and strategies to address physical, cognitive, social and psychological  challenges.. For instance, occupational therapists may assist stroke survivors in relearning dressing techniques or recommend home modifications for optimal functionality.  

Occupational therapists undergo extensive training to comprehensively assess individuals' needs, considering not just their physical limitations but also cognitive, social, environmental and psychological factors. By addressing these broader aspects, occupational therapy aims to maximise independence and overall well-being. 

How is physiotherapy different from occupational therapy? 

In contrast, physiotherapy concentrates on enhancing movement, mobility, and function.  
 
Through tailored exercises and physical activities, physiotherapy endeavours to strengthen muscles, improve joint mobility, and alleviate discomfort. Individuals recovering from surgeries or injuries often benefit from physiotherapy sessions aimed at restoring their physical capabilities. 

Physiotherapists employ a variety of techniques to achieve their aims, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities such as heat, cold, or electrical stimulation. Each treatment plan is personalised to address the specific needs and goals of the individual.  

The similarities between occupational therapy and physiotherapy 

Despite their distinct focuses, physiotherapy and occupational therapy have a number of things in common: 

• Overall purpose – both disciplines aspire to enhance your ability to achieve your goals, improving functioning and overall well-being. Whether it’s regaining mobility after an injury or learning adaptive strategies for daily activities, both physiotherapy and occupational therapy seek to improve  an individuals’ quality of life. 
   
• Conditions – both physiotherapy and occupational therapy can be beneficial for individuals with neurological disorders, musculoskeletal injuries, or developmental disabilities, among others.  

• Design – each therapy offers personalised, hands-on care to address individual needs. Therapists conduct thorough assessments to develop customised treatment plans tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual.  

• Tasks –There's a degree of task crossover, with therapists occasionally engaging in similar activities to meet individual needs. Whereas physiotherapists may focus more on physical movement and function, occupational therapists may incorporate elements of physical rehabilitation to enhance daily life functional abilities. 
   
• Goals and monitoring – both emphasise setting goals and tracking progress toward achieving them. Whether it’s improving range of motion, reducing pain, or enhancing independence in daily activities, therapists monitor individuals’ progress closely and adjust treatment plans as needed. 

What does a physiotherapist do? 

Physiotherapists are dedicated to improving movement, strength, and range of motion while managing pain.  

From post-surgical recovery to chronic condition management, physiotherapy interventions encompass a wide spectrum of techniques, including targeted exercises, hands-on manipulation, and modalities like ultrasound. 

Physiotherapists work closely with individuals to develop individualised treatment plans that address specific impairments and functional limitations.  Through hands-on techniques and individual education, physiotherapy aims to empower individuals to take an active role in their rehabilitation journey.  

Common jobs performed by a physiotherapist 

• Assessment – conducting thorough assessments of individuals to evaluate their physical condition, mobility, strength, range of motion, and functional abilities. 

• Treatment planning – developing individualised treatment plans based on the assessment findings, individual goals, and evidence-based practice guidelines. 

• Rehabilitation exercises – Prescribing and guiding individuals through specific exercises and therapeutic activities aimed at improving mobility, strength, flexibility, and endurance.  

• Manual therapy – Performing hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue mobilisation to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance tissue healing. 

• Pain management – employing various modalities and techniques, including heat therapy, cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound, to manage pain and promote recovery. 

• Education and counselling –  providing individuals with education on their condition, injury prevention strategies, ergonomics, and self-management techniques to empower them in managing their health and well-being. 

• Functional training – teaching individuals how to safely perform activities of daily living and functional movements to enhance independence and quality of life. 

• Assistive device prescription – recommending and fitting individuals with assistive devices such as braces, splints, crutches, or orthotics to support mobility and improve function. 

• Individual monitoring and progress evaluation – monitoring individual progress throughout the course of treatment, adjusting interventions as necessary, and regularly evaluating outcomes to ensure effectiveness. 

• Collaborative care – collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, surgeons, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, counsellors and chiropractors to optimise individual care and outcomes through a multidisciplinary approach.

Read:  Common Conditions Treated by Physiotherapists

What does an occupational therapist do? 

Occupational therapists specialise in enhancing individuals' ability to perform daily tasks independently.  

From assisting with self-care routines to recommending assistive devices, occupational therapy  interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, fostering independence and productivity. 

Occupational therapists may also address cognitive and psychological aspects of rehabilitation, helping individuals overcome barriers to participation in meaningful activities. By focusing on improving functional abilities and environmental adaptations, occupational therapy facilitates successful integration into daily life roles and activities. 

Common jobs performed by an occupational therapist  

• Assessment – conducting comprehensive assessments to evaluate a individual's physical, cognitive, psychological, and functional abilities, as well as their social and environmental factors and personal goals.  

• Goal setting – collaborating with individuals to establish meaningful and achievable goals based on their assessment results, interests, and desired level of independence. 

• Activity analysis – analysing activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), work tasks, leisure activities, and social participation to identify barriers and develop strategies for improvement. 
   
• Adaptive equipment prescription – recommending and prescribing adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and technologies such as wheelchairs, orthotics, adaptive utensils, and home modifications to enhance independence and safety. 

• Environmental modification – assessing and modifying home, work, school, or community environments to create accessible and supportive spaces that facilitate participation and engagement in meaningful activities. 

• Functional rehabilitation – developing individualised treatment plans focused on improving functional skills, including motor coordination, balance, fine motor skills, visual perception, and sensory integration.  

• Cognitive rehabilitation – Implementing cognitive rehabilitation strategies to address deficits in attention, memory, problem-solving, executive functioning, and other cognitive skills that impact daily life tasks. 

• Sensory integration – Providing sensory-based interventions and activities to address sensory processing difficulties and promote self-regulation, attention, and participation in daily activities. 

• Education and training – Educating  the individual and their,caregivers, and family members about strategies for managing daily challenges, using adaptive techniques, and promoting overall health and wellness. 

• Psychological support – providing education on stress management, values and interests, graded exposure, mindfulness, and relaxation.  

• Discharge planning and follow-up – Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to plan for safe discharge from healthcare facilities, coordinating community resources and support services, and providing ongoing follow-up to monitor progress and address any barriers to maintaining independence. 

Summary 

In essence, while physiotherapy and occupational therapy share overarching goals of improving individuals’ lives, they operate on different fronts. physiotherapy targets movement and strength enhancement, while occupational therapy hones in on facilitating daily tasks. Choosing between the two hinges on understanding your unique needs and consulting with healthcare providers to determine the best path forward. Often a collaborative approach with an occupational therapist and physiotherapist working together will be the best option for individuals to achieve their goals. Ultimately, whether you have occupational therapy or physiotherapy, both therapies offer valuable avenues toward enhanced well-being and restored functionality.

Need a physio or occupational therapist?

Experiencing discomfort or mobility issues? Active+ can help! Our skilled physiotherapists and occupational therapists offer personalised care for all needs. Click here to find your nearest physiotherapist or occupational therapist.