Physical Therapy vs. Physical Rehabilitation – What’s the Difference? (2025)

By: Grace Ryan, Rehab Tech

View all conditions and services

Physical Therapy vs. Physical Rehabilitation – What’s the Difference? (1)

When we think of physical therapy, many people aren’t aware of all the different therapies and treatments that it includes. Many people associate physical therapy and physical rehabilitation as one and the same; however,physical therapy is actually under the umbrella of physical rehabilitation. So, what is the difference between the two and what are the different types of physical rehabilitation available?

What Are the Main Types of Physical Rehabilitation?

Merriam-Webster describes physical rehab as:

“A medical specialty concerned with preventing, diagnosing, and treating disabling diseases, disorders, and injuries by physical means (as by the use of electrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, or pharmaceutical pain control)”

The therapies used for treatment are intended to help improve your quality of life by restoring your body’s natural functionality. The injuries or illnesses treated could be affecting your joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, spinal cord, brain, or nervous system.

Rehabilitation can not only improve the physical aspect of your well-being but your mental and cognitive state as well. It should also be noted that treatments may differ by age, especially with pediatric and geriatric therapy.

Physical rehabilitation covers three major types of therapies.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) is the treatment of disease or injury with physical techniques such as exercise, cold and heat treatments, massage, and stretching. PT can be practiced in a hospital, an outpatient clinic, and even at home. It can help with conditions like arthritis, joint replacement, sports injury, knee pain, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many more.

Click here to learn more about the different types of physical therapy and for more information about our Sheltering Arms ®Physical Therapy Clinics.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is similar to physical therapy but focuses more on helping you become independent in performing activities of daily life (ADL). These activities may include brushing your teeth, getting dressed, or simply getting out of bed; each session is customized to your normal living behaviors. Many of the therapies and treatments may also be similar to those practiced with physical therapy. While PT focuses on improving the functionality of your body, OT focuses on the actual activity that you need or want to perform every day.

Click here for more information about our Sheltering Arms ®Occupational Therapy Clinics.

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech therapy focuses on the improvement of language, communication, swallowing, and fluency. One of the most common symptoms that we treat at Sheltering Arms is dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia can be caused by a stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, or healing from a physical injury and can affect your tongue, mouth, throat, or esophagus.

When your ability to speak properly is affected, this is called dysphasia. Some physicians may use the term aphasia interchangeably, while others use aphasia when referring to a total loss of the ability to speak.

Click here for more information about our Sheltering Arms ®Speech Therapy Clinics.

Want to learn more about the treatments that modern-day physical therapists use in the field? Click the link below!

Related Article: “A Detailed List of the Different Types of Physical Therapy Treatments

Share This Post:

PrevPreviousFoam Rollers and More: Simple Tools to Ease Neck and Back Pain

NextThe Body Mechanics Guide for CaregiversNext

RehaBlog

More Posts

How to Maximize Physical Therapy Visits from Insurance

As a new year begins, so do new health insurance deductibles and benefits. It’s important to be aware of your healthcare expenses to plan for the year ahead. For those seeking physical rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, it’s important to remember that health insurance may not cover unlimited sessions. Understanding how to make the most of your visits covered by insurance is key to maximizing your benefits. Read on to learn how you can get the most out of your therapy visits while extending the time spent on your recovery to achieve your goals.

Tips To Cure Winter Boredom

It’s common to feel bored during the winter months when you’re spending more time indoors and routines shift. However, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged and have fun at home. From boosting mental sharpness to connecting with others, these activities can help turn boredom into an opportunity for growth and enjoyment.

10 Tips to Prevent a Fall in Winter Weather

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury during winter weather. Keep these 10 tips in mind to avoid an injury in snowy and icy conditions.

An injury to the rotator cuff, or the group of four muscles that help to stabilize your shoulder and allow you to move your arm different directions such as overhead and behind your back, is a common cause of pain among adults. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of adults over age 60 have a rotator cuff tear. Rotator injuries can occur from a traumatic event like a fall; however, it is also common for rotator cuff injuries to develop over time from repetitive use.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Scoliosis

Imagine seeing a tree defiantly growing sideways in your yard, prompting thoughts of how to redirect its growth. In a parallel scenario, teenagers with scoliosis exhibit a noticeable trunk shift in their posture. However, the journey to rectifying their upright stance delves into a realm of complexity and intricacy. Proprioception, the body’s innate sense of movement and position, is the key to unlocking proper posture. Through targeted exercises and activities that enhance balance, coordination, and body awareness, we can reshape the way the brain perceives postural alignment.

View All Posts

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.

Physical Therapy vs. Physical Rehabilitation – What’s the Difference? (2025)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Eusebia Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 5370

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Eusebia Nader

Birthday: 1994-11-11

Address: Apt. 721 977 Ebert Meadows, Jereville, GA 73618-6603

Phone: +2316203969400

Job: International Farming Consultant

Hobby: Reading, Photography, Shooting, Singing, Magic, Kayaking, Mushroom hunting

Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.