Is there really a difference..............

[chrischris]

........between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?

I received a call from a therapy center today to schedule occupational therapy. At one point I said something like how many physical therapy sessions were ordered? and I was quickly corrected. You are being scheduled for Occupational Therapy for your hands.

I'm happy about this, and surprised. Since my I/C denied my RSD I wasn't expecting them to order OT. Now if they will reinstate my meds I'll be even happier. Never know about WC. LOL!!!

[collateraldamage5591]

When you go to the therapy session ask them to explain the difference. It will kind of put them on the spot and test their knowledge and might make them feel more important. You might wait until your session is done in case it makes them angry. As far as knowing the difference I do not know except the spelling is different.

[Bummer Knees]

Physical therapy is for gross motor skills.

Occupational therapy is for fine motor skills.

[katicabogar]

ChisChris,

I am afraid I have RSD, also and for a while, too, but I had no idea as I just heard about this condition. I was just thinking I should be tested for this, but I would have to pay for it. I didn't know, w/c denies this condition? Maybe I shouldn't even try wasting my money?
Thanks.

[Tuffy]

Ot, things like bathing and showering by yourself, cooking, cleaning,dressing one,s self , putting on shoes and socks, activities of daily living. etc

[Bummer Knees]

As Tuffy explained Occupational Therapy is the things you do with your hands (small motor skills).

Physical Therapy is the large motor skills as walking and crawling.

I spent many years in therapy sessions with my disabled daughter,
she had spastic quad. cerebral palsy.

[red1030]

ChrisChris...all of the above are absolutely correct... as bummer said OT is for a fine motor coordination and strengthing.... fine motor is required for the simple things we do everyday that Tuffy mentioned such as brushing your teeth, combing your hair, applying make up, etc... they are the small muscles that are used whereas PT or physical therapy is for the large muscle activities such as walking, hopping, skipping, running, stretching, etc. Good luck Chris...I hope this helps you .... let them know when your pain begins with the activities... they may be looking at adaptive ways for you to complete day to day activities wihtout causing pain...Red

[frustratediw]

Physical therapy deals with the issues of pain, strength, joint range of motion, endurance, and gross motor functioning, whereas occupational therapy deals more with fine motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, cognitive skills, and sensory-processing deficits.

[Lilly]

IMO Chris Chris?
not much difference between the two....just another way for people to have to spend more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I think most PT is a money racket . One can do most of what they do to you at home!!
Good luck I hope it does wonders for you! Prayers that it does!! Lilly

[chrischris]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I think I understand better what the difference is supposed to be so we'll see.