Kosher Fitness
By Michael Ungar
Over 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis), even though I have never played a game of tennis in my life; it turns out that there are other causes. A few months ago, I began developing symptoms that reminded me of my Tennis Elbow; I saw a doctor in my primary care physician’s practice who suggest icing, wearing a brace, and treating the pain with acetamenophin (Tylenol). It did not improve much and then I took a tumble while traveling earlier this month; I landed on my knees, as well as (you guessed it) my elbow. The bruises were quite impressive.
After consultation with my PCP, I was able to get an appointment with a Physical Therapist (PT) for an evaluation. Imagine my surprise when she informed that she could only deal with my knee, since my elbow was considered to be in the realm of Occupational Therapy (OT)… at least that is how it works at the Cleveland Clinic. Instead of being able to have it all cared for at one time with one therapist, I now have two therapists and twice the number of appointments!
What is the difference between physcial therapy and occupational therapy? There is a lot of overlap, but some important distinctions, as well.
Physical therapy focuses on improving a patient’s physical function, mobility and strength. PTs treat patients of all ages with many different diagnoses, including neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions. They treat the whole body, from head to toe (unless, apparently, it is your elbow!), and may focus on restoring range of motion.
Occupational therapy focuses on improving a patient’s ability to perform meaningful activities as independently as possible. OTs treat patients who have experienced birth injuries or defects, sensory processing disorders, traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, autism, and other developmental disorders, or mental or behavioral health problems. OTs may work on the upper extremity, or the whole body, to help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for day-to-day living. This could include helping a child with autism participate in classroom activities, a young adult with down syndrome develop job-related skills, or an older adult who had a stroke learn self-care tasks. OTs may adapt, modify, or change daily activities by altering the activity, the environment, or the patient’s skills. For example, they may teach stretches or exercises.
In my case, the PT is dealing with my knee to improve my function, mobility and strength. My OT is dealing with my elbow because the problems I am having interfere with my ability to carry out certain tasks with my arm and hand that I need to do on a daily basis.
In the final analyis, I wish I could get one therapist who could do both of those things…but that is not the way it played out here. At the very least, it has helped me to understand the different roles that each kind of therapy plays. I am confident that my therapists will both work in concert to get me back to 100%. After all, I have to learn to play tennis before it’s too late!
This lightly-edited blog was originally published on kosher-fitness.com on 7/23/24 by Rabbi Ungar.
