When recovering from an injury, surgery, or medical condition, you may be recommended physical therapy (PT) or occupational therapy (OT)—or sometimes both. While these therapies share common goals, they focus on different aspects of recovery. Understanding the differences can help you determine which one is right for you.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy focuses on improving mobility, strength, and overall physical function. If you’re struggling with pain, stiffness, or limited movement, PT can help restore flexibility and strength through therapeutic exercises, gait training, and pain management techniques.

PT is ideal if you need rehabilitation for:

• Post-surgical recovery (e.g., joint replacement, ACL repair)
• Sports injuries (e.g., sprains, fractures)
• Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis)
• Chronic pain and arthritis
• Balance and fall prevention

Physical therapists use techniques like ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, and neuromuscular re-education to speed up recovery and prevent future injuries.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy focuses on helping you regain the ability to perform daily tasks—from dressing and cooking to returning to work. If an injury or illness affects your fine motor skills, coordination, or cognitive function, OT helps you develop strategies and adaptations to regain independence.

OT is beneficial for:

• Stroke and neurological recovery
• Hand therapy for injuries or arthritis
• Work hardening programs for returning to work
• ADL (Activities of Daily Living) retraining
• Cognitive rehabilitation

Occupational therapists often recommend adaptive tools, home safety modifications, and specialized exercises to make daily activities easier and safer.

If your goal is to regain strength and mobility or reduce pain, physical therapy is likely the best choice. If you need help with daily activities and fine motor skills, occupational therapy is ideal. In many cases, a combination of both therapies provides the most effective recovery.

At Rehab MAXX, we offer personalized PT and OT programs to support your journey to recovery. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and start your rehabilitation!