Occupational therapy and physiotherapy are two of the widely trusted rehabilitation approaches for children facing physical or cognitive development challenges. While they both aim to support a child’s growth and independence, they do so through distinct methods tailored to specific needs.
Many parents feel confused when choosing between occupational therapy vs physiotherapy for their child, mainly because both seem to deal with physical challenges. Surprisingly, many of them have only heard about these therapies but aren’t aware of what they actually aim to do or how they can benefit their child.
If you are one of those unsure about choosing the right therapy for your child’s cognitive and physical skills development, this detailed comparison guide is for you. In this blog, pediatric occupational therapist Seema Shah breaks down the key differences between occupational therapy and physiotherapy, explains how each therapy works, and how the two often work hand-in-hand to support a child’s holistic growth.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is a treatment approach for helping children with developmental delays, injuries, or certain neurological conditions to build the skills needed to carry out everyday tasks more independently and confidently.
The therapy is generally carried out by a professional Occupational Therapist (OT) who focuses on building the child’s ability to perform their occupation. Child’s occupation… Doesn’t it sound odd? Yes, a child’s occupation is to play, attend school, feed themselves, keep themselves clean, dress themselves, make their bed, etc.
Although these daily activities seem simple to us, it is actually challenging for children experiencing developmental delays, neurological conditions like autism, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), ADHD, or conditions resulting from stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Occupational therapists focus more on developing a child’s fine motor skills, which are the movements of the body’s small muscles. There are a number of conditions in which occupational therapy can help, including
- ADHD
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Sensory processing disorder
- Poor handwriting issues
- Developing self-care skills
- Spina bifida
Advantages of Occupational Therapy
- Helps build fine motor skills in kids, particularly the pincer grasp, which is the ability to pinch or pick up small objects using the thumb and index finger.
- Improves hand-eye coordination to help children play, carry out necessary academic skills, such as copying from a blackboard, etc.
- Enhance daily life skills, such as bathing, brushing, buttoning clothes, self-feeding, and self-care.
- Helps kids learn positive behaviors and social skills to manage frustration and anger.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, is another treatment approach focused on improving a child’s physical movements, strength, and overall mobility, especially after surgery, injury, or delayed motor development.
Physiotherapy is generally practiced by physiotherapists, also known as physical therapists. These professionals help the child improve gross motor skills, which involve movements of the large muscles of the body to perform daily tasks.
The gross motor skills include hand-eye coordination, gripping skills, sitting upright, standing, walking, and running. The techniques used in physiotherapy include stretching & exercising, manual therapy such as massage, parent education, and therapeutic activities to enhance coordination, strength, balance, and mobility.
There are several conditions where physical therapists can help, which mainly include
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Hypotonia
- Spina bifida
- Poor balance and coordination
- Neurological disorders
- Scoliosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Torticollis
- Orthopedic conditions
Advantages of Physiotherapy
- Improves posture and integrates the child’s reflexes.
- Makes movement easier by training more typical movement patterns.
- Improves gross motor skills and functional mobility.
- Enhances muscle balance and strength.
What are the Key Differences Between Occupational Therapy vs Physiotherapy?
Both occupational therapy and physiotherapy serve different purposes and work in their own special ways. Both aim to improve your child’s quality of life, yet they focus on unique aspects of well-being. Understanding the differences between them can guide you to the right support.
Let’s differentiate occupational therapy vs physiotherapy based on key aspects:
Goals
Occupational therapy’s main goal is to help your child handle daily tasks with ease, like getting dressed, cooking a meal, or going to work, especially if a condition like autism makes it tough. It is all about building independence and confidence so they can become more independent.
On the other hand, physiotherapy focuses on fixing how your body moves and reducing pain. It aims to improve your child’s physical strength and movement skills, such as walking, jumping, or climbing, after an injury, surgery, or a condition like cerebral palsy. The focus is on getting their body moving smoothly and reducing any pain, so they can play and explore without limits.
Approach
Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to improving your child’s daily life. Therapists observe how they handle routines and teach practical skills, like holding a crayon or using a button hook, or adjust tools, like a special cup for shaky hands, to match their abilities.
Physiotherapy zooms in on the body’s mechanics. Therapists use hands-on techniques, such as gentle stretches, playful exercises, or even warm packs, to strengthen muscles and fix movement issues caused by injury, illness, or developmental delays, tailoring each session to your kid’s progress.
Typical Activities
In occupational therapy, kids practice fun tasks like zipping up a jacket, stacking colorful blocks to improve hand-eye coordination, or drawing pictures to get ready for school. They also play with sensory toys to build focus if they have sensory processing issues.
Physiotherapy includes activities such as crawling through a tunnel to strengthen the legs, balancing on a wobbly board to improve stability, or kicking a soft ball to regain mobility after a fall or surgery. These games are designed to be enjoyable while helping their body heal and grow stronger.
Settings
Occupational therapy often takes place in settings that fit a child’s life, like schools to help with learning and social skills, homes to practice daily routines, or clinics for kids with special needs like autism or ADHD.
Physiotherapy is more likely to happen in hospitals after an operation, rehab centers for motor delays, or even outdoor spaces like playgrounds, where kids can do therapy through play. Sometimes, therapists from either field can visit your home, making care convenient and comfortable for your family.
Conditions Treated
Occupational therapy supports kids with a range of conditions. For example, it helps children with autism learn to play with others or eat with a spoon, those with cerebral palsy manage dressing or writing, and kids with sensory issues cope with loud noises or textures.
Physiotherapy targets physical challenges like a sprained ankle from a playground tumble, muscle weakness from being born early, or recovery after surgery, focusing on getting kids back to running and jumping with ease.
What are the Similarities Between Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are similar in a way that both are helpful treatments for children who have disabilities or are recovering from injuries. They focus on helping kids become more independent and confident in everyday life.
For example, if a child is learning how to dress themselves, physiotherapy works on balance and strength, so the child can stand safely while dressing. Meanwhile, occupational therapy helps improve hand control and movement so they can manage buttons and zippers.
These therapies also support gross motor skills like sitting upright, which are important before children can use their fine motor skills for tasks like writing or cutting with scissors. So, while they may seem different, they often work together to help a child achieve the same goal.
Both OT and physiotherapists teach children how the body heals and ways to stay safe, reducing the chance of future injuries. This could include fun exercises, tips on posture, or small changes at home or school.
How to Decide Which Therapy is Right for Your Child?
Deciding between occupational therapy vs physiotherapy can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. The best way is to look at what your child needs help with most in their daily life.
If your child struggles with fine motor skills, like holding a pencil, using scissors, dressing, or feeding themselves, occupational therapy may be the right choice. Occupational therapists focus on helping children become more independent in everyday tasks by improving hand strength, coordination, and problem-solving.
If your child has trouble with movement, like walking, sitting up straight, or balancing, then physiotherapy might be better. Physiotherapists help with gross motor skills, building body strength, posture, and flexibility through exercise and gentle movements.
Sometimes, both therapies complement each other and work in conjunction to support a child’s holistic development. For example, a child who struggles to sit upright or walk may need physiotherapy to build strength, balance, and coordination. Once the child can sit or stand comfortably, they may still need occupational therapy to help with fine motor skills, like holding a crayon, feeding themselves, or using buttons.
To decide what’s best, talk to your child’s doctor or a healthcare professional. They can observe your child, understand their needs, and guide you toward the right support.
Conclusion
By now, you might have a better understanding of what to choose between occupational therapy vs physiotherapy. If not, here’s a short recap – Physiotherapy supports gross motor development like walking or balancing, while occupational therapy helps with fine motor skills such as writing, feeding, or dressing.
In many cases, children benefit from a combination of both therapies, especially when managing developmental delays or recovering from injury. What’s essential is a personalized approach tailored to your child’s physical and emotional needs.
At Kick Start Therapy, we understand that every child develops at their own pace, and that can sometimes make it hard for parents to decide what kind of support their child needs. While we do not offer physiotherapy, our expert team specializes in occupational therapy tailored for children, helping them build essential life skills through a well-rounded, personalized approach.
We work closely with families to understand each child’s needs and ensure they receive the right support from expert therapists who specialize in pediatric development.
FAQs
Is Physiotherapy Better than Occupational Therapy?
Physiotherapy is not exactly better, but it is just different. It focuses on improving physical movement and strength, while occupational therapy helps individuals perform everyday tasks more effectively. The “better” option depends on the person’s needs; rehab after injury often calls for physiotherapy, whereas someone struggling with fine motor skills or daily routines might benefit more from occupational therapy.
What is an Example of Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy?
Imagine someone recovering from a stroke: a physical therapist helps them regain balance and leg strength to walk again; an occupational therapist works on helping them button their shirt or make a meal. OT centers on daily function, while PT targets physical recovery like muscle strength, coordination, and mobility.
Are OT and PT the Same Type of Therapy?
They are both rehabilitative, but not the same. PT improves movement, pain management, and muscle function. On the other hand, OT enhances the ability to perform meaningful tasks like writing, cooking, or using tools. Each plays a unique role in restoring independence, depending on the challenges someone faces.
Can I do PT and OT at the Same Time?
Yes, PT and OT often complement each other. Many rehab programs combine both to accelerate recovery. Physical therapy rebuilds strength and endurance, while occupational therapy helps re-integrate those abilities into real-world tasks. Doing both can be highly effective, especially after surgeries, injuries, or neurological events.
How Often Should a Child Go to Occupational Therapy?
It depends on the child’s needs, goals, and progress. Some may benefit from weekly sessions, others may need more intensive or occasional support. The therapist usually assesses and sets a personalized plan. Frequent re-evaluation ensures therapy continues to match the child’s developmental pace and evolving challenges.
How do you Know If Your Kid Needs Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy?
Look at the challenges your child faces. If they struggle with coordination, muscle weakness, or posture, physiotherapy could help. If they find it hard to concentrate, hold a pencil, dress themselves, or manage routines, occupational therapy might be more suitable.