Combined Occupational and Physiotherapy in supporting rehabilitation
You are probably aware of Physiotherapy (PT) and you might be aware of Occupational therapy (OT) as individual health / rehabilitation specialisms. But for a wide range of patients a combination of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy will aid and enable them to rehabilitate faster and more effectively than just accessing one form of therapy support.
What is Physiotherapy?
The NHS website states that the purpose of Physiotherapy is to
help restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce your risk of injury or illness in the future. It takes a holistic approach that involves the patient directly in their own care.
Physiotherapy supports rehabilitation with a wide range of conditions including:
Musculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash associated disorder, sports injuries, arthritis)
Neurological (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's)
Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD))
Cardiovascular (chronic heart disease, rehabilitation after heart attack)
What is Occupational Therapy
An Occupational Therapists job role is to help people of all ages overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, ageing or accident so that they can carry out everyday tasks or occupations.
An Occupational Therapist will consider all of the patient’s needs - physical, psychological, social and environmental. This support can make a real difference giving people a renewed sense of purpose, opening up new horizons, and changing the way they feel about the future.
(Royal College of Occupational Therapists)
Occupational Therapy supports a wide range of medical conditions for patients of all ages, more detail of the range of conditions that Therapists can support can be found here
What is Combined or Holistic Therapy
Combined or holistic therapy is a when an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist work to together to assess and support a patient where they would benefit from a whole person approach. Many patients affected by illness or recovering from a fall or operation, need a variety of interventions of support to help them.
The OT and PT team develop a plan and strategies to enable the patient to set realistic goals that address their physical needs and occupational need (ability to meet every day needs). This holistic approach enables a patient to rehabilitate, develop confidence and thrive.
About Bristol Home Therapists
Bristol Home Therapists are a combined Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Service, based in Bristol and North Somerset, providing assessment and treatment to support individuals in the comfort of their own home. We believe in taking a collaborative team approach to assessment and rehabilitation, looking at the home environment and individual physical capabilities.