What is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy and Physical therapy?

• I was considering a major in O.T. Because my school only offers O.T. However if i wanted to change after graduating with B.A, can i continue a masters degree pursueing Physical Therapy?

• Answer:

  Physical therapy is all about getting a patient's body as close back to normal after an illness or injury. Physical therapists help patients move their bodies and regain strength and range of movement. They also move patients to extend their range of motion. They encourage the patient to move and work to aid the speed and efficacy of their recovery. Occupational therapy is about the patient's activities of daily living and is concerned with how patients can do the things they need to do each day. Examples are; brushing their hair, making a cup of tea, or dinner, getting in and out of bed. Occupational therapists are good at helping patients learn how to do these things within their new limits. They can prescribe aids (such as spoon holders, bread slicers, bed and bath side aids) to help patients do these activities. Both are very valuable colleagues!