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Both occupational and physical therapy deal with the physiological rehabilitation of individuals who are ill or injured. While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are actually two different types of treatment. The guide below explains both in more detail.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy aims to increase functional mobility in patients. The ultimate goal is to help individuals restore and maintain their maximum physical abilities. This goal might be achieved in any number of different ways, depending on the nature of the illness or injury and the physiology of the patient. Some common physical therapy treatments include range-of-motion and strength training exercises, heat and ice therapy, massage, and ultrasound.

Occupational Therapy

By contrast, occupational therapy is more focused on increasing mobility for the purposes of meeting the demands of daily living. Physical therapeutic approaches may be more general in nature, such as building strength in a recently-healed broken arm so it can be used again, while occupational techniques are more targeted. For example, they might teach the patient exercises to increase mobility in the fingers so they can hold a pen and write again. Occupational approaches are primarily concerned with giving the patient improved self-care and self-maintenance skills.

Benefits

physical therapyThese treatments are meant to complement one another. While a patient is working on broader, bigger-picture goals with the physical therapist, they are concentrating on specific, daily tasks with the occupational therapist. One technique naturally supports the other. This is especially true for older individuals; physical therapy can help them maintain their independence through physical strengthening, while occupational therapy can help them utilize that strength to accomplish the various activities of day-to-day life.

 

Lakeview Christian Home is an assisted living and long-term care facility that has been serving the Eddy County, NM, area for over half a century, receiving a National Quality Award in 2008. In addition, they offer residents both occupational and physical therapy. To learn more or to schedule a tour, contact them by calling (575) 885-3161, visiting them online, or messaging them on Facebook.

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