The Difference Between physical therapy and physiotherapy

 Physical therapy and physical therapy form a crucial pillar of medicine that improves functional, muscular and structural stability in individuals; however, it's noteworthy that physiotherapy and physical therapy are entirely different and distinct tools of rehabilitation.

Physical therapy deals with improving the muscular and structural support of the tissues and tendons after an acute or chronic insult. The aim of physiotherapy is to revive activity without affecting the traditional healing process.

Physical therapists utilize their vast knowledge of the human system , anatomy and physiological functioning of muscles, joints and ligaments so as to revive mobility and full range of joint activity. At an equivalent time, physiotherapy exercises and maneuvers also decrease the danger of joint destruction and muscle injuries.

Occupational therapists help in enhancing coping skills in individuals after injuries. Occupational therapists work with family, relatives, friends and colleagues so as to form the transition less painful and more helpful for the recovering patient.

Physical therapist works soon after the injury within the initial recovery course after primary injury while the services of occupational therapists are generally needed within the rehabilitation course when the patient has fully recovered from the initial injury.

Provision of physiotherapy may improve things and mobility of people . Physical therapists perform interventive therapies like massage, acupuncture, exercises and manual therapies to enhance the functioning of the body.

Occupational therapy is performed when the patient has fully recovered and therefore the sole purpose is to enhance the standard of life by not letting the incapacity to affect the lifetime of individuals. Occupational therapists modify the environment and therefore the lifestyle mainly; rather than devising any treatment modalities.

Physical therapists mainly work with sports teams and athletes (since athletes are most susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries and need the help of physical therapists most). additionally , physical therapists also work with surgical units, burn centers, nursing homes and trauma centers so as to attend to patients who are affected by moderate to severe injuries involving joints (limb joints or spinal joints).

Occupational therapists are usually employed in rehabilitation centers to manage the patients who have suffered permanent damage and disabilities. Occupational therapists train patients to use special devices and equipment like hearing aids, walking aids, visual aids and other equipment that decrease the dependence on caregivers; thereby reduces economic and psychological dependence. Almost 48% of all occupational therapists add the offices of speech and physical therapists (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Physical therapists are mainly involved within the management of musculoskeletal stability while occupational therapists generally cover all aspects of an individual's life including social (by improving physical independence), psychological (by counseling), economic (by decreasing the caregiver dependence) and professional (by modification of work-environment or skill-set training).

Physical therapists require a Bachelors or Masters in physiotherapy followed by training during a physiotherapy setting. Similarly so as to become an occupational therapist, individuals require a Bachelors or Masters in Occupational therapy; however no training or experience is usually needed so as to start out the practice (according to the reports of Bureau of Labor Statistics).

At a mean , there are almost twice the maximum amount job openings for physical therapists than occupational therapists (198,600 job openings in 2010 for physical therapists as compared to 108,800 job openings for occupational therapists).

To sum up, physiotherapy and physical therapy both constitute important tools of rehabilitation and recovery after moderate physical, musculoskeletal, vascular or neurological injuries. Although the first functioning and aims of the therapies overlap significantly, it are often safely stated that in certain cases, individuals need both physiotherapy and physical therapy to get maximal benefits.