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Physical therapy focuses on evaluating and diagnosing interruptions in fluid movement, as well as treating a specific injury. After diagnosis, a physical therapist will treat the physical source of the problem, including the injured tissue and structures. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening injured and/or weak tissues and structures to allow a person to gain strength and benefit from a higher level of functioning.

When compared to physical therapy, occupational therapy focuses on evaluating and improving functional abilities. Occupational therapist helps a person optimize their independence and their ability to accomplish their daily activities following an injury or in situations of physical impairment.

Occupational Therapists work directly with injuries, but more often occupational therapy focuses on improving life skills and incorporating adaptive tools at times designated by the therapist. Helping people improve their ability to carry out their daily tasks is a primary goal of the occupational therapist.

Although the two health care professions have differences in their focus, there is crossover between occupational therapy and physical therapy. For example, both physical therapists and occupational therapists are often involved in educating people on how to prevent and avoid injuries, as well as educating people about the healing process. In addition, physical therapists often help people improve their ability to be successful with daily activities through education and training.

While there is this crossover between the professions, each therapy plays an important role and is specialized in an area of expertise. In many situations, both types of health-care professionals are involved in each injury recovery. Both physical and occupational therapists are trained extensively in anatomy and the musculoskeletal system, resulting in both being more knowledgeable about musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation than a general practice medical doctor.

Aegis's Speech-Language Pathologist work diligently to assess and correct speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in the patients they serve. Being in an environment that allows for multiple sessions per week create an environment for success in the majority of the patients they treat.

If you have questions or would like to know more about the services offered at Good Neighbor Society, please contact Jessie Tibbott, Community Development Director.