In a message dated 2/27/99 1:29:14 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< physical therapists are concerned with restoration of function and
 prevention of disability and occupational therapists assist patients to
 regain activities of daily living, such as re-learning to drive, cook,
 dress, etc after a stroke, accident, traumatic brain injury or loss of
 limb/function.  >>

I just wanted to clarify this a bit. A physical therapists works with gross
motor activities, or large muscle groups, (lower extremedies).  Where an
occupational therapists works with the fine motor coordination, (upper
extremedies).  Example might be someone who has had open heart surgery, would
have a PT to regain strength in ambulation, transfers,etc.  An OT would work
with dressing, range of motion to upper extremedies, strengthening arms etc.
They do overlap on restoring function to muscle groups.
In babies, both PT/OT do very similar work. Both focus on positioning,
normalizing muscle tone. The therapist, whether PT or OT needs training to
work with babies. As a visiting nurse in mch/peds, we use many therapists. I
usually request the first available, either PT or OT. Sometimes, we do use
both, if the baby has severe problems.
PS. My daughter is an OT at New York Hospital.

Roni M. Chastain, RN, LCCE, FACCE
Long Island, New York
The part of the Island that only got a dusting of snow on Thursday and it is
already gone, with 50 degree temperatures today.