Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What's the Difference?

Published on: February 12, 2025

A nurse helps a patient stretch their arm.

When recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition or improving mobility, two types of therapy often come to mind: occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT). In the sections below, we delve into the key differences and similarities between OT and PT while highlighting the unique impact of occupational therapy, especially for those considering a career in this rewarding field.

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What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy helps individuals develop or regain the skills needed for daily living and independence. It focuses on improving a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks (e.g., dressing, cooking or working) following an injury, illness or disability. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, using personalized interventions to enhance motor skills, cognitive function and overall well-being.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy accompanies the objective of improving movement, strength and function through targeted exercises and hands-on techniques. It helps individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic pain and prevent mobility issues. Physical therapists work with patients of all ages to restore movement, reduce pain and advance overall physical performance. Treatment may entail:

Stretching

Strength training

Balance exercises

Manual therapy

Key Differences Between OT and PT

While occupational and physical therapy share some similarities, they have distinct goals, methods and patient focuses. The main difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy can be seen in their treatment goals, therapeutic approaches, patient populations and the duration of care — all of which play a part in determining which therapy best suits a patient’s needs.

Treatment Goals

The primary goal of occupational therapy is to help individuals regain independence in daily activities by improving motor skills, cognitive function and adaptability. In contrast, physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, strength and flexibility to reduce pain and enhance physical function.

Therapeutic Approaches

Occupational therapy relies on a holistic approach that incorporates adaptive techniques, assistive devices and environmental modifications to help individuals perform everyday tasks more easily. Depending on a patient’s needs, therapists may focus on fine motor skills, sensory integration or cognitive training. On the other hand, physical therapy relies on targeted exercises, manual therapy, stretching and strength training to improve range of motion and reduce pain.

Patient Populations

Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages, from children with developmental delays to older adults recovering from strokes or managing chronic conditions. They help patients adapt to daily tasks and improve their ability to live independently. Physical therapists also treat a wide range of patients but more specifically those recovering from injuries, surgeries or conditions affecting mobility (such as arthritis or neurological disorders).

Treatment Duration

The duration of occupational therapy varies based on a patient’s needs — often lasting weeks to months — focusing on long-term adaptation and independence. Treatment may continue as patients adjust to routine tasks, use assistive devices or modify their environments. However, physical therapy typically follows a more structured timeline, aiming to restore strength, mobility and function within a set period (like after surgery or an injury).

Collaborative Care: When OTs and PTs Work Together

Collaborative care between occupational therapists and physical therapists plays a crucial role in patient recovery. Combining their expertise, OTs and PTs can address functional mobility and daily living skills to create a holistic treatment plan. This collaboration is especially beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, as it combines rehabilitation and adaptive strategies for improved long-term outcomes.

Common Misconceptions About OT and PT

Despite their shared goal of improving patients' quality of life, several misconceptions surround occupational therapy and physical therapy. By clarifying these common myths, we can better appreciate how OT and PT contribute to holistic patient care and recovery.

OT and PT Are the Same Thing

One common misunderstanding is that occupational therapy and physical therapy are the same. Although both therapies focus on improving a patient’s quality of life, they serve distinct purposes. PT primarily helps patients regain mobility, strength and function after injury or surgery, often emphasizing physical movement. In contrast, OT focuses on assisting individuals to perform daily activities independently by teaching adaptive techniques and using assistive devices.

OT Is Just for Fine Motor Skills, PT Is Just for Strength

Another misconception is that occupational therapy is only for fine motor skills, and physical therapy focuses solely on strength. While OT does help improve fine motor skills, it addresses a wide range of daily activities, too, including cognitive and sensory challenges. PT, on the other hand, is not just about building strength; it also involves improving coordination, balance and mobility.

Only Injured or Elderly Patients Need OT or PT

Some people may think that only injured or elderly patients need occupational therapy or physical therapy. However, in fact, people of all ages and with all health conditions can benefit from these therapies. OT and PT can help individuals with chronic conditions, developmental disabilities, neurological disorders or even post-surgical recovery. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications, improve function and elevate quality of life.

Cost and Insurance Coverage for OT vs. PT

The cost and insurance coverage for occupational therapy and physical therapy can vary significantly depending on the provider, treatment plan and insurance policy. Exploring these factors can allow individuals to make informed decisions about treatment options and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Differences in Costs

The cost of occupational therapy and physical therapy can vary based on treatment complexity, location and provider. OT often requires more specialized sessions, which may lead to higher costs. At the same time, PT focuses more on physical rehabilitation, which can differ depending on the type and length of therapy needed.

Insurance and Coverage

Insurance coverage for occupational therapy and physical therapy can vary widely depending on the policy. Some plans may cover both therapies equally, whereas others might limit the number of sessions or require higher co-pays for OT. Thus, patients should review their coverage details before seeking treatment.

Access and Availability

Occupational and physical therapy access can depend on geographic location, healthcare providers and referral requirements. While PT is more widely available in clinics and hospitals, OT may be less accessible in some areas. Both therapies may require a doctor’s referral — in turn influencing how quickly patients can start treatment.

Educational Pathways and Licensing

Occupational therapy and physical therapy educational pathways require extensive training and certification. OTs typically complete a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy, followed by a national certification exam. Conversely, PTs must earn a doctoral degree in physical therapy and pass a licensing exam. Both professions require continuing education to maintain licensure.

Occupational vs. Physical Therapy: Which Career Path to Pursue

Choosing between occupational therapy vs. physical therapy as a career, of course, depends on personal interests and career goals. Both careers offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ recovery, but to recap:

OTs focus on helping patients perform routine tasks and improve their quality of life through adaptive strategies.
PTs specialize in restoring mobility and physical function.

Forge Your Own Path in Occupational Therapy at Husson

For those ready to advance their education, Husson University offers a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program featuring comprehensive training to equip students with the skills needed for a successful career in occupational therapy. Request more information about this graduate degree program or start your application today!