Occupational and physical therapists both play an important role in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and more. While there are many similarities between the two, there are also some key differences that are important for therapists to understand when planning the rehabilitation of any patient.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy concentrates on improving the physical functions of the body, particularly those necessary for leg and arm movements.
Physical therapists help patients regain the function of their bodies after accidents and surgeries. For example, if someone is in a car accident and breaks their leg, they may be referred to a physical therapist. The therapist will make sure they complete the necessary physical exercises to ensure that their leg heals and retains its function.
Surgery can also result in the need for a physical therapist. After surgery, it can take quite a while for areas of the body to heal. Patients need direction when taking steps to heal properly and regain or improve bodily function. A good example of physical therapy after surgery would be if a patient has a hip replacement. While this surgery is more common than it used to be, a patient must still gradually learn to put weight on their new hip and regain strength and function in their leg.
After a long illness, injury, or surgery recovery, muscles can atrophy greatly if care is not taken to retain as much muscle as possible. A physical therapist can help patients maintain some muscle tone and rebuild what is lost after they regain strength.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists help patients regain or improve their ability to take on the daily tasks required for independent living and care.
Occupational therapists can make a huge difference in the quality of life for those who find themselves unable to complete basic daily tasks. An occupational therapist can help patients hone their fine motor skills by using a fork, knife, and spoon to feed themselves.
Occupational therapists can also help people find resources and make recommendations for retrofitting their homes to make them more accessible for someone with a specific disability or condition. For example, a wheelchair ramp can help someone with mobility issues or someone recovering from a major surgery.
Disabilities and injuries can make it difficult for patients to dress or drive. An occupational therapist finds strategies and methods that can make these tasks possible or, at the very least, easier on a daily basis.
Occupational therapists also provide some mental health support and services. Recovering from an injury or illness or learning to live with a disability can be very challenging to mental health. By offering support throughout the process, a patient is more likely to maintain a good level of morale and thus recover and adapt faster.
Becoming an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists need to attain a bachelor’s degree, and sometimes even a master’s, before they can begin practicing. There are numerous ways for individuals to complete the educational requirements expected by potential employers. There is even an excellent doctor of occupational therapy degree available online through the American International College.
This program is an excellent way for those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy to advance their career while continuing to work at their current job. Those with a bachelor’s degree especially will appreciate that the American International College offers a three-course program to bridge the gap in education up to a master’s degree. This allows those with a bachelor’s and experience in the field to pursue a doctorate right away and become a leader in occupational therapy.
Advantages of a Therapist Career
There are a lot of advantages to a career as a physical or occupational therapist. Here are a few advantages that interested individuals should consider if thinking about either as a career.
Help people improve their daily lives
Ensuring a job is rewarding and fulfilling is important when it is intended to become a long-term career. Therapists help people consistently, every day. At the end of their workday, they will have helped people take steps towards improving their lives mentally and physically. Building strength and learning to do daily tasks builds confidence and improves patient morale. There is a strong correlation between a good mental mindset and the body’s ability to heal and recover after injury.
Competitive salary and benefits
Like all major healthcare jobs, physical and occupation therapists enjoy a good salary and enviable benefits compared to a lot of careers out there.
Facilities and private practice
Hospitals, specialty care centers, university health centers, correctional facilities, and assisted care centers are all in need of skilled physical and occupational therapists. This means that qualified individuals have a lot of choice about where they work and the type of people they care for throughout their career.
They can even start a private practice in an area that needs occupational therapists after gaining the experience and skills required to be competitive and offer a high level of care.
Opportunities for advancement
There are many high-level healthcare professionals reaching retirement age. It is critical that the next generation of healthcare workers consider taking on leadership roles. When there are highly skilled leaders, patients receive a higher level of care no matter what facility they are at. Occupational therapy leaders provide mentorship and support to other therapists too, so they can increase their skills and help more people in less time.
Conclusion
Occupation and physical therapy are both great careers that offer a rewarding working environment and reliable job security. Therapists provide invaluable services for those recovering from injuries or illness. In addition, therapists can help those with chronic or genetic conditions lead more productive and fulfilling lives. Over the years, there will be a steep rise in demand for therapists as there are many aging adults and a growing population living with chronic conditions.
