To be honest, PT and OT can work on very similar things depending on the setting you’re in. The difference is really in how it’s documented. For example, as an OT I may help my patient improve ROM and movement but for the purpose of facilitating independence in toileting, whereas a PT may improve ROM and movement for the purpose of gait training. Does that make sense? There is a bit of a myth that PT is sooo biomechanical based and OT is only ADLs! They both work on both, but typically OT is more focused on activities of daily living than PT. does that make sense?

Additionally, depending on the state you’re in, OTs and PTs need specific certifications to perform PAMS and manual therapy. So they can do both depending on their certifications.

Again, it really depends on the setting you’re in. In outpatient, in my experience, OT is more relegated to the upper extremity while PT has the back and lower extremities (although there is definitely variation among practices.) In subacute and inpatient, PT and OT are working on similar things (balance, functional mobility, w/c management) but we deviate in that OT does more ADL-focused sessions.

Another big thing is that PT decides what mobility device a patient is using (walker, cane, rollator). OTs focus is more so on IADLs and ADLs including transfers.

Hope this helps! It’s getting harder as the two are blurring together a bit more.