What’s the Difference Between a PT, an OT and an AT?

After an injury, it can be difficult deciding which health care professional to see to optimize the healing process. A physical therapist, occupational therapist and athletic trainer all have specialized jobs to help patients heal… but what’s the difference between each and which should you see?

Here are questions to help determine which professional is right for you, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, The American Occupational Therapy Association, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Livestrong.

Physical Therapist

What does a physical therapist do?

A physical therapist is the musculoskeletal expert of the healthcare field. Theywork with people of all ages with both acute and chronic injuries to help them. Physical therapists diagnose and treat medical problems or health-related conditions that limit a patient’s ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. After examining a patient, a physical therapist will develop a rehabilitation plan that will help promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. Physical therapists also promote health, wellness and fitness and provide consulting education and research, according to the American Physical Therapy Association.

Where does a physical therapist typically work?

Hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, nursing homes
Schools
Sports and fitness facilities

Occupational Therapist

What does an occupational therapist do?

For those who need help with day-to-day activities, an occupational therapist specializes in evaluating and improving a person’s functional abilities, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. They help patients through rehabilitation to develop and improve the skills they need for everyday living and working. For example, occupational therapists help children with disabilities to participate at school. Occupational therapists also evaluate patient’s homes and other environments, like workplace and school, to recommend adaptive tools to help make the environment fit the person’s needs and give them more independence.

Where does an occupational therapist work?

Hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers
Home care programs
Private practices
Schools

Athletic Trainer

What does an athletic trainer do?

An athletic trainer is a healthcare professional who help athletes and other athletically active people to prevent and recognize injuries that come as a result of physical activity, according to Livestrong. They help athletes manage and rehabilitate acute athletic injuries in order to minimize impairment, limitations and disabilities, according to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. Athletic trainers often have to be available nights and weekends if they are working with a team so that they can tape, bandage and brace athletes for injury prevention. When an injury happens, they are typically the first to respond.

Where does an athletic trainer typically work?