Healthcare experts often recommend occupational and physical therapy to help people recover from injuries, disabilities, or illnesses and get back on their feet. Therapists use specialized equipment and tools to administer these treatments and increase their efficiency. This post sheds light on what these tools are and their purpose. It also discusses the primary difference between occupational and physical therapy to help patients understand which is more suitable for their condition.
Occupational therapy – Purpose and equipment used
Occupational therapy helps people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities improve or maintain their quality of life. It teaches them life skills, such as planning, anger management, time management, and personal hygiene. Therapists employ simple yet meaningful activities and set goals for their patients. The treatment can be used for people of all age groups.
Here are a few tools and equipment occupational therapists use:
- Adaptive tools
Devices like reachers, dressing aids, and adaptive utensils help individuals with limited mobility perform daily tasks independently. - Splints and orthotics
Customized orthotic devices support and protect the joints, muscles, and tendons, promoting optimal hand and arm function. - Sensory integration tools
These tools help people with an abnormal sense of hearing, touch, or taste. - Cognitive therapy tools
Games and puzzles help enhance cognitive functions like memory, attention, problem-solving, and reasoning. - Work-simulation tools
These specialized tools and equipment simulate work environments and assess an individual’s ability to perform job-related tasks.
Due to its benefits, the demand for occupational therapy is increasing. People are also becoming more aware of this treatment approach. After consulting a healthcare professional, individuals may consider this therapy to manage their condition.
Physical therapy – Purpose and equipment used
Physical therapy aims to improve and restore physical function and mobility in individuals affected by injuries, surgeries, or other health conditions. It can reduce pain and increase strength, flexibility, and coordination, enhancing overall physical performance. Therapists use exercises and other techniques to promote recovery and help patients regain their functional abilities.
Here are a few tools and equipment physical therapists use:
- Exercise equipment
This includes resistance bands, exercise balls, and balance boards to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. - Gait training aids
Devices like parallel bars, walkers, and canes help relearn walking patterns and regain balance. - Machines
Advanced machines like stationary bikes, treadmills, and upper body ergometers facilitate cardiovascular and muscle endurance training. - Manual therapy tools
Therapists may use their hands or handheld devices for massaging the joints and other affected body regions. - Treatment machines
Various modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold therapy reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension.
Those who experience reduced range of movement, joint pain, and muscle soreness may consider undergoing physical therapy after consulting an expert.
Physical therapy vs. occupational therapy
Occupational therapists aim to improve a person’s performance in daily tasks, such as thinking, speaking, and walking, based on their needs. On the other hand, physical therapists help people move their bodies and manage bone and joint pain. Understanding this difference will help individuals visit the right expert for their health condition.
