Physiotherapy vs Occupational Therapy (OT)
Is Physio therapy or Occupational therapy right for you?
With so many health professionals to choose from, it’s important to understand the different roles each therapist plays, to help you make the right decision for your health needs.
To help you make sense of physio vs OT, we have outlined some of the key differences to keep in mind when choosing between a physiotherapist or occupational therapist ( OT ).
What does a Physiotherapist do?
A physiotherapist is an expert in the structure and function of the human body. They help people of all ages affected by injury, illness or disability, to reduce pain and restore optimal physical health through movement and exercise.
A physiotherapist can treat a broad range of health conditions including sports injuries, fracture management, osteoarthritis, joint replacements and back pain. During a typical appointment the physiotherapist will assess, diagnose and provide a tailored treatment plan specific to your condition. This may include a variety of treatment techniques such as myofascial release, dry needling, joint mobilisation, manipulation, strapping and exercise prescription.
Physiotherapists are first contact practitioners, meaning you do not need a doctor’s referral to book an appointment. They have undertaken extensive university training, completing either a bachelor, masters or professional doctorate degree. All Physiotherapists and are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA), have insurance and are undertaking continual professional development.
What does an occupational therapist do?
An Occupational Therapist (OT) assists injured, ill or disabled people having difficulty with everyday tasks that ‘occupy’ their time. These may include self-care tasks such as getting dressed, self-feeding or bathing, school/work tasks, social activities and navigating the community. An Occupational Therapist will assess your functional strengths and limitations, and work closely with you and your family or caregiver to provide practical solutions to regain or improve your independence. Treatment may involve advice, motor skill development, behavior training and equipment prescription to help you perform a task with ease in a safe manner.
An Occupational Therapist has undertaken a 4-year bachelor degree in a related field such as biology, psychology, or health science and a master’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy program. All Occupational Therapists are required to be registered with the AHPRA and have appropriate insurance.
So is physio or OT right for you?
Choosing the therapy that is right for you can be a difficult task. Ultimately it will depend on your condition and specific needs. While Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists both help to improve your function and quality of life, there are key differences in their treatment focus.
Physiotherapists take a movement-based approach, helping to reduce pain and restore function through hands-on therapy and exercises that strengthen and mobilise the injured/affected area. While an Occupational Therapist will focus on the client’s ability to perform day-to-day activities, recommending environmental alterations and providing stretches, exercises or equipment to assist in the performance of daily tasks.
In a nutshell, if you have a condition affecting your ability to move without pain then physiotherapy is right for you. Whereas if you are having trouble with daily activities like getting dressed or showering then Occupation Therapy is your go to.
Still Unsure? Then have a chat with your local doctor about your condition and they will help refer you to the best option for your needs.
| Physiotherapy | Occupational Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Restore movement and mobility | Restore functional abilities and independence |
| Focus | Treats the physical source of the injury/ disability Help you move from point A to point B |
Performance of day-to-day tasks e.g. getting dressed, eating and bathing Help you doing thingsb> at point A and point B |
| Conditions they treat |
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| Treatments |
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| Do you need a GP referral | No | No |