Occupational therapy examines all aspects of how occupation as a therapeutic intervention enhances and enables health-related quality of life. Individuals who are affected by physical injury, disability or psychosocial dysfunction are among the clientele served by occupational therapists. Occupational therapy maximizes independence, prevents disability and promotes health across the lifespan, from early intervention in infancy to preventive interventions with the well elderly. In the field of mental health, the occupational therapist contributes to clarifying the functional psychiatric diagnosis and assists clients in coping with environmental stress and integration into the community.
Physiotherapy is a primary care, autonomous, client-focused health profession dedicated to improving and maintaining functional independence and physical performance; preventing and managing pain, physical impairments, disabilities and limits to participation; and promoting fitness, health and wellness (
Canadian Physiotherapy Association).
Physical therapists use exercise, physical modalities, manual therapy approaches, assistive devices and lifestyle management to help individuals obtain maximal functional potential. The physical therapist is a health professional who contributes to the multidisciplinary team through patient evaluation, treatment planning and delivery, education, research and consultation in clinics, industry and the community.
