People think they understand Physical Therapy (PT), but often their ideas are much more limited than the full scope of PT practice. PT is prescriptive exercise targeted for independence or freedom in movement – leading to health and more and better participation in daily activities (see OT page).
In order for exercise to be effective, the patient/client must understand or learn how to do the exercise or movement. Therefore, educating the patient is a major component of PT practice.
Especially in the circumstance where the patient needs to perform exercise between visits or after treatment has ended (home exercise program), patient education is essential in PT.
Most people do not learn a new behavior/skill/exercise in one session. Most people need guided practice in a new behavior in order to repeat it competently and independently as part of their daily routine. That’s why PT is implemented, usually, in multiple visits. Another important component, the patient-PT interaction, is suited to several or many visits – giving the opportunity for the development of a relationship (however temporary).
In order to conceive/create exercise prescriptions for improved health, function or life, a PT must have a thorough understanding of the human body. PT students study the human body from the cellular (micro) level to the system (macro level; includes cadaver dissection). Specifically, PTs have understanding of:
- cellular structure and function of the muscles, bones and nerves
- drug (medicine) effects on body systems
- organ structure and function
- body by system: cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal, neurological
- interaction, ie. effects of muscle pull on bone growth;
- the physiological basis for movement including the (bio)mechanics of movement
- pathology at all levels and its effects on movement
- the effects of exercise under all conditions
Physical therapists and ‘the profession’ – represented by the professional organization, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA, www.apta.org) work all the time to promote PT. I admire this group for their commitment to the profession.
I love PT – the scientific knowledge, the philosophical basis, the effectiveness of PT. I love talking (and writing) about it as much as I love practicing; maybe more, now that I am older. I am continually amazed at how the human body can heal, and how effectively movement or exercise heals a broad range of problems. I enjoy the mental ‘exercise’ of matching the particular patient to the physical work that will most effectively improve their life.
No other professional can better prescribe and implement exercise in health care than a PT. Exercise is underrated and underutilized in medicine because physicians do not do it themselves (and charge for it) and yet physicians largely control referral to PT.
If you think the word ‘massage’ first when PT is mentioned, I am hopeful that reading my site has expanded your understanding of PT.
What is the difference between OT and PT?
Both OT and PT seek to return the patient/client to a better/improved state of health or function. The two professions tend to use different methods to achieve the same outcome, and they tend to have different approaches to treatment (philosophical underpinnings).
Overlap between OT and PT is common, obvious if you have experienced both, and a good thing!
‘Overlap’ became questionable because insurance and third-party payers used the term ‘duplication of services’ to deny coverage for therapy that seemed the same. And then there’s the drive of ownership from within both professions to have their own unique territory. (Get over that, too!) If it helps, traditional or historical differences between OT and PT can be used to distinguish the two.
OT started (in the late 19th century) when it was discovered that mentally ill patients improved by doing craft activities (woodwork, weaving for example). PT started when technicians trained to use water, electricity and massage were formally trained under one therapy specialty for World War I veterans. Generally, OT more likely includes activities like crafts, games, or play than PT. Generally, PT more likely includes modalities like exercise in a pool, electrical stimulation of muscles, or massage before exercise than OT.
Please notice that these comparisons are not rigid black-and-white distinctions. Over-lap of these two professions happens.
Generally,OT entails work with the upper part of the body, and PT entails work with the lower part of the body (the belly-button divide). Generally, an OT would help a patient learn to bathe, while the PT will help the patient get to the bathroom. Both would likely help the patient move between a wheelchair and the bathchair/tub (called a transfer).
Generally, OTs don’t assist patients to learn to walk again or better. Generally, PTs don’t assist patients to learn to eat again or better. Generally, OT has specialty practice in mental illness, and PT does not. Generally, PT has specialty practice in sports medicine, and OT does not. Generally, you will see some of the same (looking) treatment done by both OTs and PTs. Accept it.
If you read both of my definitions for OT and PT, I may give descriptions under one, that I do not repeat in the other – all the while the overlap may exist. Decide for yourself, if it’s important to you.
Generally speaking…
Many statements on this site are generally true, but may have many exceptions. The presence of exceptions does not mean the statement is untrue.
Many statements on this site are generally true, but may have many exceptions. The presence of exceptions does not mean the statement is untrue.
