And where would we be without Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs)? Probably still in need of skillful psychiatrists. Which is a short way of saying that physical health and mental health are closely linked. “Fitness for Mind and Body,” as the slogan for Power for Parkinson’s succinctly says it.

I just received, in my full of junk mail inbox, a link to an article that lays out the differences and specific tasks of OT and PT:  Occupational and Physical Therapy – What’s the diff?

The key takeaways are here:

• Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping people with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities learn necessary skills while physical therapy (PT) focuses on improving mobility, strength, and flexibility after illnesses, trauma, or medical procedures.

• Occupational therapists (OTs) assist patients with a wide range of day-to-day tasks such as eating, bathing, or getting dressed (and much more), regardless of the health condition, injury, or trauma that may have affected their skills.

• Physical therapists (PTs) treat conditions, injuries, or trauma that cause reduced mobility, pain, and movement problems, helping patients reduce pain, regain strength, and increase flexibility after surgeries, trauma, or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. (bold emphasis added)

I had the privilege (?!) of receiving services from both OTs and PTs within the past few years, and can attest to the skills they have and how they can improve one’s enjoyment of the tasks Of Daily Living (ODL).

May you never need their services, but if you do… do it!

###