Pediatric PT vs OT: What’s the Difference and Does My Child Need both?

Understanding Pediatric PT vs. OT: Key Differences and How to Determine Your Child's Needs.

PT and OT referrals are common for the pediatric setting for those with developmental delays or physical deficits. What do they do and how are they different?

A physical therapist addresses gross motor skills involving large muscle groups for walking, jumping, balance, and running. They focus on strengthening, bilateral coordination and balance, range of motions, and equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs. PTs help children be able to participate in play as well as accessing their living environment to improve quality of life.

An occupational therapist addresses fine motor skills and activities of daily living. They focus on hand eye coordination, sensory processing challenges, attention and self regulation, grasping and manipulating of objects, and dressing, feeding, and hygiene tasks.  OTs can help a child gain independence in completing their daily routines.

Many children can benefit from both therapies, PT and OT, especially if they have complex needs such as developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, or down syndrome.

PT and OT often complement each other. While PT addresses the strength and balance, OT uses that strength and balance towards self care. A nice way to think of the two together would be to say that PT helps you get to the place you’re going and OT will help you do the activity intended when you arrive.

If you are unsure which therapy your child needs, don’t worry. Start with an evaluation at our clinic and we can assess your Childs individual needs and create a custom plan of care whether it includes PT, OT, or both.

Ready for the next step? Contact us today to schedule your child’s evaluation!