Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are both rehabilitative services that help people recover from injuries or disabilities. Although they share similarities, there are distinct differences in the approach each takes with a patients rehabilitative care. Here are some key differences between occupational therapy and physical therapy:

Occupational Therapy

• Focuses on improving the patients ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) .
• Treats the whole person, not just one issue.
• Helps patients recover from physical injuries and cognitive or developmental disabilities that affect their motor skills, behavior, or emotions.
• Adapts, modifies, or changes daily activities that a person is required or wants to do.
• Alters the activity, environment, or skills of the person to improve their ability to perform ADLs.
• Helps patients improve their fine motor skills, which are typically small movements made with the upper body.

Physical Therapy

• Focuses on improving the patients ability to move their body.
• Treats the patients actual impairment from a biomechanical perspective.
• Tries to improve the impairment itself by increasing mobility, aligning bones and joints, or lessening pain.
• Helps patients recover from physical injuries and improve movement[[4]](https://www.usa.edu/...