Difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy

What's the difference between occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT)? Children with developmental disabilities are often recommended both and here's what you need to know about them:

What does occupational therapy look like for kids?

Occupational therapy helps children develop life skills. It aims to help children live as independent and fulfilling lives as possible. Your child will work on daily “occupations” which include brushing their teeth, getting dressed, playing with friends, and feeding themselves. OTs (occupational therapists) can also help your child manage their sensory processing differences.

Sensory processing is how the brain processes sensory information like touch, sound, and sight. Many children with autism and other developmental disabilities have difficulty with sensory processing. An OT can help your child learn how to regulate their responses to different environmental triggers. They can help with coordinated movements such as crawling, skipping, catching, throwing, and handwriting. Other focuses include bilateral movements such as jumping jacks, gross motor and fine motor skills.

What does physical therapy look like for kids?

Physical therapy helps special needs children strengthen their movement and mobility. PTs (physical therapists) can teach exercises that help older kids improve their balance and coordination. Your OT might recommend working with a PT to strengthen specific muscles.

Both occupational and physical therapy can help strengthen motor skills. This includes gross motor skills like walking, jumping, and running. Fine motor skills include handwriting and manipulating small objects like tying a shoe. Read more about pediatric physical therapy in our latest guide.

What’s the difference between OT and PT?

Occupational therapy focuses on ADLs (activities of daily living). Physical therapy improves movement and mobility. There is some overlap. Both can help with developing stronger motor skills and sensory processing.

Does my child need both OT and PT?

Most special needs families work with an occupational therapist first. From there, they can refer you to a physical therapist if necessary. Here’s an example of how OT and PT work together. If your child is struggling with getting dressed, their occupational therapist may work with them on fine motor skills like buttoning and zipping. The physical therapist may work with them on balance and coordination to make it easier for them to stand and balance while dressing.

Your pediatrician can help you determine which therapy may be most helpful for your child’s specific needs. You can also check out our child development quiz for personalized therapy recommendations.

Conclusion

Every child is unique, and what works best for one child may not work for another. The most important thing is to work with your child’s healthcare team and follow your intuition to decide what’s best for your family. Find an in-network OT and/or PT near you in the Beaming Health directory.