"Does my child need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or both?"
Perhaps one of the most asked questions in the pediatric therapy care. What is the difference and what does your kiddo need?
Sometimes explaining the differences between these two professions is tough. I thoroughly know the difference between the professions and explain the differences on a regular basis, and it's still confusing at times. That's because, there are actually a lot of similarities and overlap between the groups, just adding to the ambiguity. First let’s look at who each of these professions are and what services they offer.
Physical therapists are movement specialists. We are educated in all things gross and fine motor, from anatomy and physiology to the physics and biomechanics of movement. With regards to pediatrics, that includes understanding developmental norms and rehabilitation for injuries. PT are experts at diagnosing movement dysfunction with an understanding of underlying reasons of why the movement dysfunctional may have happened in the first place or what could be going on with an injury. We provide treatment for those movement dysfunctions and we do so with a functional activity goal in mind.
Occupation therapists are experts in functional movements and activities of daily living (ADLs). They treat the components that would help someone regain their ability to perform an ADL. That may include practicing parts of an activity, broken down into easier movements to build the ability for the harder skill. OTs also evaluate and treat cognitive, behavioral and other neuro atypical presentations (like sensory processing issues, for example) to help someone learn how to perform an ADL.
So, what does that mean for your kiddo and what therapy they need?
For kiddos that are behind with their motor development, either a PT or an OT would likely be fine. Both OTs and PTs see children for motor development delays. There is a lot of overlap between physical and occupation therapy and either profession would likely yield a similar positive outcome. For kiddos that need more specific treatment regarding understanding the underlying reason of why a kiddo may be weak, poor balanced, lacking ROM, etc…a physical therapist may be a better fit. For a kiddo who needs more treatment with cognition, behavior or sensory integration treatment…an OT will be a better fit.
And not to completely throw more confusion into the equation…. but sometimes kids need both. When a kiddo needs assistance with motor development and there is a neuro-atypical component, PTs and OTs team up to address all contributing factors. Through collaboration, a PT/OT team can design therapy programs that work together to best serve the kiddo.
If you have any questions on what services your child may need, please reach out to our office. We are happy to direct care when and where it’s appropriate.
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