The Difference Between a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist

The Core Difference: How You Move vs. How You Live

At the heart of the matter, the two professions have different goals.

What a Physical Therapist (or Physiotherapist) Does

A physiotherapist (or physio) is all about the body itself. Their main focus is on restoring and improving a person’s physical function. They work with things like:

• Strength: building muscle to support the body.
• Balance: improving stability to prevent falls.
• Mobility: increasing the range of motion in joints.
• Pain Relief: using techniques to reduce discomfort.

A physio’s goal is to help you recover from an injury, manage a chronic condition, or rehabilitate after an operation. For example, if you’ve had a knee replacement, a physio will guide you through exercises to strengthen your leg and help you walk without a limp. Their work is often centred on the specific body part that needs attention.

What an Occupational Therapist (or OT) Does

An occupational therapist is all about a person’s ability to participate in the activities they want or need to do every day. An “occupation” to an OT isn’t just a job; it’s anything that occupies your time and gives your life purpose. An OT’s goal is to help you adapt to a situation so you can regain independence. They work with things like:

• Daily Routines: helping you get dressed, shower, or cook a meal.
• Hobbies: finding new ways to do things you love, like gardening or painting.
• Environment: adapting your home or workplace to make it safer and more accessible.
• Cognitive Skills: using activities to improve memory or concentration.

For example, if you have limited use of your hands, an OT might introduce a special tool to help you button your shirt or show you a new way to chop vegetables. Their work is focused on the task and how a person can successfully complete it, no matter their physical or mental limitations.