Don Said:

Anyone a Occupational Therapy Assistant?

We Answered:

Hi,
I'm an OTR/L in California. You don't say which state you are in, but each state has their own O.T. association. If I were you I'd look them up on the web and get in contact with your questions. They will be more than happy to give you some direction. I think science is more important than math, but most important of all is people skills and the ability to communicate, problem solve and follow through on a treatment plan. It's a great profession. Maybe you should consider becoming a therapist rather than an assistant. If you happen to be in Calif. check out the website below. Good luck!

Joseph Said:

Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physical Therapy Assistants what is the major difference? Which is better?

We Answered:

Occupational Therapy
Deal with psychological and social factors,
as well as physical factors
Often patients have had a severe trauma
(head or disabling body)
Set rehab goals with patients
Work with vision, memory and reasoning
skills
construct adaptive equipment to help
patients compensate for disability
Work with patients with a mental illness

Physical Therapy
Deal with patients who have an injury, pain
or are recovering from a recent surgery
Use massage, hot/cold packs and traction
Use ultrasound and other devices to
stimulate healing
Work on improving strength, flexibility and
mobility in patients
Sometimes help patients adjust to
prosthetics

Physical therapy involves rehabilitation from injury. Occupational therapy helps people with mental or physical deficiencies improve their ability to perform tasks. Which one is better will greatly depend on which one you would enjoy better. I suggest you job-shadow in both fields to see which one you would enjoy more. I hope this helped!