Occupational therapy vs physical therapy: what's the difference?

When recovering from an injury, managing pain, or adjusting to a new physical limitation, finding the right type of care is essential.

Two approaches that often come up in this process are occupational therapy and physical therapy. While these therapies may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes and can support different aspects of your health and recovery. Understanding the difference between occupational and physical therapy can help you make a more informed, confident decision about your care. In this blog, we’ll break down how each therapy works, what goals they focus on, when each might be needed, and how to decide which one is right for you.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy (PT) is a form of treatment designed to help people improve movement, reduce pain, and restore function after an injury, illness, or surgery. It plays a critical role in helping people regain strength and mobility, whether they’re recovering from a sports injury, managing chronic conditions like arthritis, or coming back from a surgery like a joint replacement.

At its core, physical therapy focuses on the body’s physical mechanics. PT addresses things like muscle strength, joint mobility, coordination, and balance. Physical therapists work closely with individuals to assess movement challenges and build a treatment plan that helps them move more easily and comfortably.

These treatment plans may include guided exercises, stretching routines, balance training, manual techniques, or the use of equipment designed to aid movement and recovery.

The goal of physical therapy isn’t just to treat pain: it’s to address the root cause of physical discomfort and help people return to doing the things they enjoy.

Whether that means being able to climb stairs, return to a favorite sport, or simply move through daily life with less discomfort, PT is about restoring the body’s ability to function well.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT), on the other hand, focuses less on general movement and more on helping people perform everyday activities. These “occupations” can include anything from getting dressed and preparing meals to returning to work or engaging in hobbies.

When illness, injury, or disability makes it hard to complete these tasks, occupational therapists step in to provide strategies, tools, and support to promote greater independence.

Occupational therapy is highly personalized. It begins with understanding which tasks are most meaningful to a person’s life and what barriers are preventing them from doing those tasks comfortably or safely. From there, the therapist might introduce adaptive techniques, environmental changes, or new tools to make those activities more accessible.

Examples of occupational therapy in action

• someone recovering from a stroke might work with an occupational therapist to improve hand coordination so they can button a shirt again
• an adult living with arthritis might learn new ways to grip kitchen tools that reduce strain
• children with developmental delays might receive OT support to improve skills like writing or using utensils
• a manufacturing plant might engage an OT to conduct ergonomic assessments, job modifications, and to provide adaptive equipment to prevent injuries

In short, OT helps people live life more fully by finding ways to overcome the limitations that stand in their way.

Key differences between occupational therapy and physical therapy

Although occupational therapy and physical therapy are both forms of rehabilitative care and sometimes overlap in practice, their goals and areas of focus are different.

• Physical therapy primarily addresses mobility and physical function. PTs help patients with things like walking, lifting, or restoring range of motion in a joint.
• Occupational therapy focuses on enabling people to engage in meaningful activities and routines that are important to their daily lives.

A good way to think about it is: physical therapy helps you move your body better, while occupational therapy helps you use your body to do the things that matter to you.

Differences in methods between PTs and OTs

Physical therapists often guide patients through exercise-based programs to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.

Occupational therapists may provide training on specific tasks, recommend assistive devices, or even work with caregivers and families to create a supportive environment at home.

The settings in which each therapy takes place can be similar. Both are found in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, and in-home care, but their approaches are tailored to different outcomes.

Additionally, physical therapists and occupational therapists follow different educational paths and licensure requirements, each with their own areas of clinical expertise.

When you might need a PT vs an OT

Whether you need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or both depends on the challenges you're facing and the outcomes you hope to achieve.

If you’ve had a recent injury that affects how you walk, move, or carry out basic physical activities, physical therapy may be the right place to start.

Physical therapy is especially helpful for regaining strength and motion after surgeries like ACL repair or hip replacement, recovering from back pain or joint issues, or managing chronic conditions that affect movement.

Occupational therapy is often recommended when the issue isn’t just about movement, but about how movement affects your ability to live your life. For instance, someone who is having trouble with fine motor skills, coordination, or memory may benefit more from OT. It’s particularly useful for people recovering from neurological events like strokes or brain injuries, or for those living with chronic conditions that affect daily routines, like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis.

There are also many situations where both therapies are beneficial. A stroke survivor may work with a physical therapist to improve walking and balance, while also working with an occupational therapist to regain the ability to cook, dress, or write. In many rehabilitation settings, PT and OT professionals collaborate to offer more holistic care.

What to expect from each type of therapy

The experience of working with a physical therapist or occupational therapist can vary depending on your individual needs, but there are some common patterns.

• Physical therapy sessions often involve an initial evaluation of your strength, mobility, and pain level. From there, your therapist will create a plan that might include exercise routines, manual techniques, or the use of movement sensors to track progress. As you build strength and function, the plan is adjusted to meet new goals.
• Occupational therapy begins with a discussion about what activities you’re struggling with and what’s important to your daily life. The therapist might observe you performing certain tasks to identify challenges, then recommend new techniques, modifications, or supportive tools. Over time, the focus is on building independence and confidence in your ability to handle daily routines safely and effectively.

Both therapies usually involve regular sessions over a set period of time, with progress measured along the way. Your therapist may also give you activities to practice at home to reinforce what you’re working on during sessions.

How to choose the right therapy for you

Choosing between physical therapy and occupational therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by thinking about what you’re hoping to achieve. If your main concern is regaining movement, reducing pain, or getting back to physical activities, physical therapy may be the right fit. If you’re more focused on performing daily tasks like getting dressed, cooking, or working more independently, occupational therapy might be the better option.

Talk with your primary care provider, specialist, or another healthcare professional who understands your health history and current needs. They can guide you toward the type of therapy that best aligns with your recovery goals.

In many cases, you may find that a combination of both therapies is recommended for a comprehensive approach. Remember, the right choice is the one that helps you feel supported, confident, and empowered on your path to better health. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, share your concerns, or advocate for a care plan that truly works for you.

Exploring modern options: the digital physical therapy alternative

In recent years, physical therapy has expanded beyond traditional clinics and into digital spaces, offering people a new level of flexibility, personalization, and accessibility.

If you’re considering physical therapy but feel limited by time, travel, or availability, a virtual approach may be worth exploring. Digital physical therapy allows you to receive expert guidance and treatment planning from licensed physical therapists—all from the comfort of your home.

With the help of movement sensors, video check-ins, and personalized exercises, you can progress toward your goals without needing to visit a clinic multiple times a week.

For many, this model makes it easier to stay consistent with therapy, which is one of the most important factors in seeing results. Virtual therapy doesn’t replace hands-on care when it’s truly needed, but it does provide a high-quality option for many people with musculoskeletal concerns.

Whether you’re managing back pain, recovering from surgery, or trying to improve your mobility, digital physical therapy can support you with the same level of clinical expertise on your schedule.

Making the right choice for your recovery

Understanding the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy can bring clarity to a decision that may otherwise feel complicated.

Each therapy has its strengths, and both are rooted in helping people live more fully — whether through better movement, more independence, or improved confidence in daily life. If your goal is to move with less pain, regain strength, or improve your physical function, physical therapy can guide you there.

If you’re looking to better navigate daily routines or adapt to new limitations with dignity and support, occupational therapy may offer the tools you need. And in some cases, combining both therapies creates the most complete path forward. Whatever you choose, know that taking the time to understand your options is a powerful step in your healing journey.

You deserve care that meets you where you are and moves with you toward where you want to be. Want to explore digital physical therapy from home? Sword's digital care may already be covered for you by your employer, health insurer, or union at $) cost to you. Check your eligibility now.