Everyday Function Blog | Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What Is the Difference?

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 03:13:17 GMT

What is Occupational Therapy?

If your doctor has sent you to therapy, you may wonder which kind you need. Do you need Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy?

Many people are not sure. The two types of therapy have things in common. Both can help you get stronger, move better, and return to the things you enjoy. They often work well together, but they do not have the same focus.

Here is a simple way to think about it. Occupational Therapy helps you do the tasks that are part of your daily life. Physical Therapy often helps you improve the way your body moves.

Occupational Therapy helps people do things each day. These tasks are called occupations. An occupation is not just your job. It can be any activity that is important to you.

Your daily occupations may include:

Getting dressed and taking a shower
Cooking and cleaning
Gardening and reading
Driving or going into the community
Working or going to school
Caring for your home or family
Taking part in hobbies

An Occupational Therapist looks at the whole picture. This includes your strength, movement, pain, daily routine, home, work, and goals. Treatment is built around helping you be as safe and independent as possible.

The American Occupational Therapy Association explains that Occupational Therapy uses daily life activities to support health and help people take part in the things that matter to them.

Occupational Therapy can help with many needs, including:

Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand problems
Weakness or loss of arm use after a stroke
Dressing, bathing, grooming, and toileting
Cooking and home tasks
Fine motor skills and coordination
Pain, fatigue, and joint protection
Returning to work, hobbies, or community activities
Caregiver training
Adaptive equipment and home changes

For example, you may have good shoulder motion but still have trouble washing your hair or putting on a shirt. You may be able to hold a spoon but have trouble feeding yourself. Occupational Therapy connects your recovery to the real tasks you want to do.

What Does Occupational Therapy Work On?

After a stroke, an Occupational Therapist can work with your affected arm to help you regain movement, strength, coordination, and functional use. The goal is to help you use the arm during daily tasks, not just during exercise.

You may practice using your arm while getting dressed, brushing your hair, preparing a snack, or doing a favorite activity. Your Occupational Therapist may also teach new ways to complete a task while your arm is healing.

How Does Occupational Therapy Help After a Stroke?

Occupational Therapists teach people how to use tools that can make daily tasks safer or easier. These tools are called adaptive equipment.

Examples include:

A reacher, sock aid, dressing stick, or button hook
A tub bench or handheld shower
An electric jar opener
Large-handled utensils
A food chopper or right-angled knife
A plate guard
A large-handled pen grip

An Occupational Therapist does more than give you a list of products. The therapist helps choose the right tool, checks that it fits your needs, and teaches you how to use it safely.

Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy has many of these products in the clinic, so you can try and practice with an item before you decide to buy it.

How Can Adaptive Equipment Help?

Physical Therapy often focuses on movement, balance, walking, strength, and endurance. It may help when pain, weakness, surgery, or illness makes it hard to move safely.

Physical Therapy may work on:

Walking and using stairs
Balance and fall prevention
Leg strength
Joint movement
Endurance
Getting in and out of a chair or bed
Recovery after an injury or surgery

For example, after a knee replacement, a Physical Therapist may help you improve knee movement, leg strength, walking, and stair use. After a stroke, Physical Therapy may focus on standing, balance, walking, and safe transfers.

What is Physical Therapy?

Both are forms of rehabilitation. Both therapists complete an evaluation, listen to your goals, and make a treatment plan for you. Both may use exercise, hands-on care, daily activities, and education.

There can also be overlap between Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. The scope of both professions allows trained therapists to work on similar body parts, for example, the shoulder and hand. Both Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists can choose areas of specialty. They may build their skills through experience, continuing education, advanced training, and specialty certifications.

Areas of specialty may include hand and upper-extremity rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, stroke recovery, sports rehabilitation, vestibular therapy, pelvic health, pediatrics, geriatrics, wound care, lymphedema, chronic pain, and orthopedic rehabilitation. Not every therapist treats every condition. It is always okay to ask about a therapist's training, certifications, and experience with your needs.

After a stroke, an Occupational Therapist may help you regain use of your arm for dressing and meal preparation. A Physical Therapist may help you stand, walk, and move from one place to another. You may need one type of therapy or both.

How Are Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Alike?

Occupational Therapy may be right for you if you have trouble using your arm or hand or doing daily tasks. Physical Therapy may be right for you if your main concerns are walking, balance, leg strength, or neck or back problems.

Still not sure? That is okay. A healthcare provider or therapist can help guide you. You can also contact Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy to talk about what you are having trouble doing.

At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, your goals guide your care. Therapy is not only about doing exercises. It is about helping you get back to your life.

Which Type of Therapy Do I Need?

Frequently Asked Questions

This article is for general education. It does not replace a medical evaluation or personal treatment advice.

What Happens During Your First Occupational Therapy Visit?

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 02:51:48 GMT

We Will Start by Talking

It is normal to feel nervous before your first occupational therapy visit. You may wonder:

What will the therapist ask me?
Will I have to do exercises?
Will anything hurt?
What should I wear?
How long will the visit take?

Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. Your first visit is a chance for us to learn about you, answer your questions, and begin making a plan to help you feel and function better.

At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, your first appointment is a one-on-one evaluation with an occupational therapist. It usually lasts about 60 minutes.

Your first visit will begin with a conversation. We want to know what brought you to occupational therapy and how the problem is affecting your life.

We may ask:

When did the problem begin?
Did you have an injury or surgery?
Where do you feel pain, weakness, or numbness?
Which activities are hard for you?
What have you stopped doing because of the problem?
What would you like to be able to do again?

There are no right or wrong answers. You do not need to use medical terms. Just explain what you are feeling and what has become difficult.

Maybe you want to get dressed without help. You may want to cook, garden, drive, work, or use your hand with less pain. You may want to improve the use of your arm after a stroke.

These everyday goals are an important part of occupational therapy. You can learn more about occupational therapy and how it may help you return to the activities that matter to you.

Next, we will talk about your health history. This helps us make sure your care is safe.

We may ask about:

Past injuries or surgeries
Current health conditions
Pain, swelling, or numbness
Falls or changes in balance
Medications
Treatments you have already tried
Instructions from your doctor or surgeon

Please tell us about any recent changes in your health. Even something that seems small may be helpful for your therapist to know.

We Will Review Your Health History

The hands-on part of your occupational therapy evaluation will depend on your needs.

Your therapist may check:

Shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand movement
Arm and hand strength
Grip and pinch strength
Swelling
Pain or tenderness
Feeling in your arm or hand
Coordination
Muscle tightness
Your ability to complete daily tasks

You may be asked to reach, bend your arm, squeeze a testing tool, or pick up small objects.

You may also be asked to show how you complete an activity that has become hard for you.

These are not tests that you can pass or fail. They simply help your therapist understand what is working well and what may be getting in your way.

The American Occupational Therapy Association explains that an OT evaluation looks at your needs, your daily activities, and the goals that matter to you.

Your Therapist Will Check How You Move

The goal is not to make your pain worse.

Some movements may bring on your symptoms. This can help us understand what is causing the problem. However, you should always tell your therapist if something hurts or does not feel right.

You are in control during the visit. We can stop, change, or skip an activity when needed.

Will the Evaluation Hurt?

Will I Start Treatment During My First Visit?

Your first visit is mainly an evaluation. However, treatment may begin that day if there is enough time and it is safe for you.

You may learn:

A gentle exercise
A better way to move or position your arm
Ways to protect a sore joint
Ideas for managing pain or swelling
Simple changes that may make daily tasks easier

You may also receive a few activities to practice at home. Your therapist will show you how to do them safely.

After the evaluation, your therapist will explain what was found. Together, you will talk about your goals and the next steps.

Your treatment plan may include:

Exercises to improve movement and strength
Hands-on treatment
Activities based on your daily needs
Pain or swelling management
Joint protection
Home exercises
Training for a family member or caregiver

You will also talk about how often you may need occupational therapy. Your treatment plan will be made for you. It will not be the same plan given to every patient.

At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, your goals are my goals. We will focus on the activities that are most important to your life.

We Will Make a Treatment Plan Together

Please bring:

A photo ID
Your insurance cards
A list of your medications
Your doctor's order or referral, if you have one
Any rules or precautions from your doctor or surgeon
Any braces or supports you currently use
A list of questions you want to ask

Please complete your intake forms before the visit if possible. This gives us more time to focus on you during your appointment.

What Should I Bring?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move.

If we are looking at your shoulder or upper arm, wear a loose shirt or short sleeves. For a hand, wrist, or elbow problem, wear clothing that allows us to easily see the area.

You do not need to buy special clothes or equipment.

What Should I Wear?

Your first visit is also a time for you to ask questions.

You may want to ask:

What do you think is causing my problem?
How often should I come to therapy?
What can I do safely at home?
Are there activities I should avoid?
When might I notice improvement?

We want you to understand your treatment and feel comfortable with your plan.

It Is Okay to Ask Questions

Your first occupational therapy visit is not a test. You do not need to perform perfectly or have all the answers.

Simply tell us what has changed, what is hard, and what you want to do again. We will take it from there.

Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy provides one-on-one care for adults and teens age 14 and older. We treat hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions. We also help people recovering from a stroke or neurological condition and those living with arthritis or chronic pain.

Your First Visit is a Partnership

Frequently Asked Questions

5 Signs It Might Be Time to See an Occupational Therapist

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 02:19:07 GMT

1. Pain Is Making Daily Activities Harder

Pain in your shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand can affect many parts of your day.

· Reaching into a cupboard

· Getting dressed

· Washing or styling your hair

· Preparing a meal

· Opening jars or containers

· Carrying groceries

· Driving

· Working

· Gardening

· Sleeping comfortably

You may also notice that you are changing how you complete a task. For example, you may use your other arm more often or avoid lifting certain items.

An occupational therapist can look at how your arm moves and how pain affects your daily activities. Treatment may include hands-on care, exercises, changes to how you complete a task, joint protection, and education.

The goal is not only to reduce pain. The goal is to help you return to the activities you need and want to do.

Are pain, weakness, or stiffness making daily tasks harder? Are you using your arm or hand less than you used to? You may be wondering if occupational therapy could help.

Many people wait until a problem becomes severe before asking for help. However, you do not need to wait until you can no longer complete an activity.

Occupational therapy helps people take part in everyday life. This may include getting dressed, cooking, working, driving, caring for your home, enjoying hobbies, or returning to activities after an injury, surgery, illness, or stroke.

Here are five signs that it may be time to schedule an occupational therapy evaluation.

2. You Are Losing Strength or Movement

It may be time to see an occupational therapist if your arm or hand feels weaker or does not move as well as it once did.

· Reaching overhead

· Reaching behind your back

· Holding a cup

· Turning a doorknob

· Opening a container

· Cutting food

· Fastening buttons

· Writing or typing

· Picking up small objects

· Using tools

Weakness and limited movement can happen after an injury, surgery, illness, or period of rest. They can also develop over time due to arthritis, swelling, pain, or other health problems.

You may not notice a large change at first. Instead, tasks may slowly take longer or require more effort.

An occupational therapist can check your strength, movement, grip, coordination, and ability to complete daily activities. Your treatment plan will be based on what you need to do in your own life.

Learn more about our occupational therapy services for upper-extremity and functional concerns.

Recovery after a stroke can continue for a long time. However, some people begin to notice new or worsening problems after leaving the hospital or finishing earlier therapy.

Your affected arm may feel weaker. You may use it less during daily tasks. Your hand may stay closed more often, or it may become harder to open your fingers.

· Increased tightness in your shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand

· A bent elbow that is harder to straighten

· A hand that pulls into a fist

· Trouble placing your hand flat

· Pain when moving or stretching your arm

· Less control of your arm or hand

· More trouble getting dressed, bathing, or eating

· Increased trouble caring for the affected arm

Muscle tightness after a stroke may be related to a condition called spasticity. Spasticity can cause muscles to feel stiff or resist movement. The American Stroke Association explains that spasticity may affect movement and daily activities after a stroke.

Do not ignore worsening arm use or increased tightness. An occupational therapist can check how your arm is moving and how these changes affect your daily life.

Treatment may focus on safe movement, positioning, arm and hand use, daily tasks, and caregiver training. An occupational therapist can also help you decide if another medical provider should be involved.

3. Your Arm or Hand Use Is Getting Worse After a Stroke

You may still be able to complete your daily activities, but they may take much longer than they used to. You may also need more help from a family member or caregiver.

· Getting dressed

· Bathing

· Washing or styling your hair

· Preparing meals

· Cleaning your home

· Doing laundry

· Shopping

· Managing medications

· Using a phone or computer

· Completing work tasks

You may have changed how you complete these activities. You may avoid using one arm, take more breaks, or ask someone else to do the hardest parts.

These changes matter, even if you can still finish the task.

An occupational therapist looks at the whole activity. This may include your strength, movement, coordination, pain, home setup, habits, and daily routine.

Treatment may include exercises, new ways to complete tasks, adaptive equipment, or changes to your home. The goal is to help you complete daily activities with more safety, comfort, and independence.

4. Everyday Tasks Take More Time or You Need More Help

Healing does not always mean that you are back to your normal activities.

You may still have pain, weakness, stiffness, swelling, or trouble using your arm or hand. Daily tasks may take longer or require more effort than they did before.

You may also feel that your recovery has slowed down or stopped. Perhaps you were making progress at first, but now you are not seeing much change.

Occupational therapy can help bridge the gap between healing and returning to daily life. An occupational therapist can look at what is keeping you from your usual activities. Treatment may address pain, strength, movement, coordination, endurance, and safe ways to complete tasks.

Your treatment plan is based on what you need and want to do. The goal is not only to treat a diagnosis or body part. The goal is to help you return to the activities that are important to you.

5. You Are Not Returning to Your Usual Function After an Injury, Surgery, or Illness

During your first visit, your occupational therapist will ask about the problems you are having and the activities you want to improve.

The evaluation may include checking:

· Pain

· Strength

· Movement

· Swelling

· Grip

· Coordination

· Sensation

· Arm and hand use

· Daily activities

You and your therapist will then create goals and a treatment plan.

Occupational therapy is personal. Two people with the same diagnosis may have very different needs. Your care should focus on your life, your activities, and your goals.

What Happens During an Occupational Therapy Evaluation?

You do not have to wait until pain or weakness takes away your independence. If a problem is changing how you work, care for yourself, manage your home, or enjoy your life, it may be time to ask for help.

Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy provides personalized, one-on-one care for adults and teens in Monroe, Michigan. Services focus on upper-extremity conditions, orthopedic concerns, stroke and neurological recovery, chronic pain, and daily function.

Contact Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy to find out if an occupational therapy evaluation may be right for you.

Insurance note: Insurance rules vary. Some plans may require a referral or approval before treatment begins.

Everyday Function Blog | Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What Is the Difference?

What is Occupational Therapy?

What Does Occupational Therapy Work On?

How Does Occupational Therapy Help After a Stroke?

How Can Adaptive Equipment Help?

What is Physical Therapy?

How Are Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Alike?

Which Type of Therapy Do I Need?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens During Your First Occupational Therapy Visit?

We Will Start by Talking

We Will Review Your Health History

Your Therapist Will Check How You Move

Will the Evaluation Hurt?

Will I Start Treatment During My First Visit?

We Will Make a Treatment Plan Together

What Should I Bring?

What Should I Wear?

It Is Okay to Ask Questions

Your First Visit is a Partnership

Frequently Asked Questions

5 Signs It Might Be Time to See an Occupational Therapist

1. Pain Is Making Daily Activities Harder

2. You Are Losing Strength or Movement

3. Your Arm or Hand Use Is Getting Worse After a Stroke

4. Everyday Tasks Take More Time or You Need More Help

5. You Are Not Returning to Your Usual Function After an Injury, Surgery, or Illness

What Happens During an Occupational Therapy Evaluation?

Could Occupational Therapy Help You?

Frequently Asked Questions