A common misconception is that OT's simply work with the upper extremity (upper body) and PT's work with the lower extremity (lower body) (and by the way we too were amongst those who believed this). This is an untrue phenomenon and unfortunately many people who work outside of the healthcare profession believe this to be true.
In a typical rehab setting where there are both OT's and PT's working simultaneously on a patient it is definitely true that an OT will focus more on the upper extremity and the PT will focus more on the lower extremity. But in reality PTs, generally, are responsible for assisting patients with issues related to mobility (i.e. balance, lower extremity strength/range of motion, safety awareness), whereas OTs, generally speaking, are responsible for assisting patients with activities of daily living (i.e. dressing, bathing, grooming, upper extremity range of motion, household activities).
Well said!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cat lover very well said. When I went to observe my mother's therapy setting in the rehabilitation center that she was staying I recognized how the OTs did the upper body and the PTs worked on the lower body. I did happen to ask one of the OTs if thats how they break down the body and she actually explained to me what you had said. Very helpful.
ReplyDeleteThis is very true. As a nursing student on a orthopedic med-surge floor, the roles of an OT and PT are clearly differentiated. In this acute setting, patients are discharged once they're clinically stable and the PT's say they're able to ambulate. Then, they could be sent to a rehab center where OT's will generally work with them on ADL's and PT's will continue working on mobility.
ReplyDeleteThank you for clarifying that. I think it is important to note that OTs also work on balance and coordination and may work on everything that PTs work on but the focus is to enable the patient to gain as much functional independence as possible. Is that correct?
ReplyDeleteYes that is correct! You hit the target! We work on many of the same things as PT yet, are treatments are different in many ways. PT works on gait we dont.Our primary goal is to help the patient function to the best of their ability. If we needed to work on balance we could have the client put away dishes in the kitchen using tilt and restore methods. This is doing something functional while working on balance issues by having them reach into high and low cabinets etc...Any other ideas you can think of how we can make goals and activities realistic and functional to our clients?
ReplyDeleteI am an OT student and I am currently taking Geriatric and Physical Disability classes. I had not done any clinical fieldworks with this population yet. However, based on my knowledge about OT, I believe you explained the distinct roles correctly. I am looking forward to my fieldwork where I can see this difference more pronounced. OTs definitely do a whole lot more than PsT. I agree with Erica and we focus on ALMOST everything that PTs do but our focus is for functional independence. Looking forward to reading more.
ReplyDeletehi this is a great idea!! As a teacher am always talking to the therapists that work with y students. Remember it is very important to team up with teachers to find out how your clients are acting in the classroom. I find the OT's are doing a great time and helping to work with students who have poor fine motor skills as well as classroom behavior.As a teacher I give input to the OT's how the child is acting in class and how we can work together to improve the childs skills. Do you find weighted vests and seat cushions help to reduce behaviors? I dont understand why this would help a student who is constantly jumping put of the chair. The OT explained to me some benefits yet, I would like to know more. Thanks
ReplyDeleteYes, I have learnt in my pediatric classes that weighted vests are very helpful for children. It provides them with the proper sensory input which many children with numerous diagnoses like ADHD, sensory processing disorders, autism etc need to relax them, reorganize themselves and calm them down. They are proven to be helpful.
ReplyDeletecheck out this site. It may provide you with additional info and be helpful:
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/weighted-vests.html
Interesting idea to utilize a weighted vest for children that can not sit still. OTs are very creative. No wonder my daughters choose that profession.
ReplyDeleteThe reason these vests work so well is because they provide CONSTANT, EVEN, DEEP PRESSURE INPUT to your child when his body is craving this important calming and organizing proprioceptive input. I saw this on the website its very interesting. I find many kids need this to calm down. one child in my class likes ot wear heavy boots and loves stamping his feet on the steps.By what your saying this child craves that imput. I was watching the OT do something with his arms and wrists? It looked like she was pressing down on them like pushing them in-almost like interlocking two peices whats that for?Is that the same concept?
ReplyDeleteFor so many children, their parents and teachers, it is the "miracle" they have been waiting for.I have not seen this yet! I will have patience to see if the kids calm down. Thanks
One more thing I am trying to decide on a new lesson plan we are learning how to match and group items. Do you have any ideas how to teach these skills with a game or fun activity??
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