When it comes to building your capacity and independence through NDIS therapeutic support, the role of an Occupational Therapist or a Physiotherapist can make a world of difference. Both of these therapy services offer benefits and play an important role in supporting you to achieve your full potential. Determining which therapy, or perhaps a combination of both, is best suited to your needs can be guided by a comprehensive functional capacity assessment provided by an Ability Action Australia Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. To help you get started, let’s take a closer look at the difference between physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Role of Occupational Therapist
NDIS occupational therapy helps participants to perform their daily activities, with the overall aim to gain more independence. The role of an Occupational Therapist means working closely with NDIS participants to:
– understand their unique needs and challenges
– create personalised plans that focus on improving functional skills (at home, work, or in the community)
– use practical strategies to adapt their environments
– overcome barriers and engage in meaningful activities.
Occupational Therapists do this through:
Daily Living Activities:
Supporting independence starts with focusing on basic living activities. Whether it’s bathing, dressing, or preparing meals, our therapists assess your unique situation and develop a personalised plan including everyday living and community access support, so that you can get through everyday tasks with as little assistance as possible.
Assessment and Customisation:
Our caring Occupational Therapists take the time to really listen to you so that they can understand your circumstances and preferences, and then create tailored strategies that are most suitable. You’ll also find they work to build a rapport so that we know how best to work with you and support you on your journey towards greater independence.
Skill Development:
- Occupational Therapists will also support you in mastering activities outside the home, such as:
- using public transport
- crossing roads
- vehicle modifications
- accessing community services (sporting clubs, schools, and libraries)
- and improving social skills to build friendships and maintain meaningful relationships.
Assistive Devices:
Occupational therapy equipment plays a crucial role in helping people living with a disability lead a more active and independent life.. Through the NDIS, a wide range of assistive devices and assistive technology is available to help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as household tasks such as cleaning, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. Our Occupational Therapists will work with you to identify the most appropriate assistive equipment, technology and home modifications for your situation. Once identified, we then go on to select, buy, set up and train you in the chosen devices or aids, so that they’re correctly fitted, used and you’re set up for safety and success.
Role of Physiotherapy
NDIS physiotherapy service uses a range of techniques to enable participants to achieve their independence, social participation and health and wellbeing goals.. Physiotherapists work closely with NDIS participants:
- developing personalised therapy plans that enhance balance, mobility, strength, and coordination
- assisting in preventing injury and managing pain
- improving everyday functional movements
- and enabling participation in sports, community and recreational activities.
Common conditions a Physiotherapist can support with are:
Pain Management:
Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to address the root causes of pain. By focusing on reducing inflammation, enhancing mobility, and strengthening muscles, physiotherapists help you manage pain more effectively. They also provide education on posture, movement, and lifestyle changes that can prevent further pain or injury. With their expertise in tailored exercise programs, manual therapy, and specialised equipment, you can achieve a more comfortable and active life.
Mental Health:
Our NDIS-registered Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to treat mental health conditions, many of which affect movement and function. In doing so, participants are able to not only manage the mental health issue itself, like anxiety, but also the problems associated with their illness, such as pain, dizziness and falls.
For example, a participant with anxiety may have shortness of breath that contributes not only to their anxiety but also to dizziness and falls. A physiotherapy treatment plan might involve pacing techniques and controlled breathing exercises to manage the breath, as well as exercises to increase balance and strength. In managing the physical symptoms of anxiety, the participant is then able to achieve greater mental wellbeing.
Fall Prevention:
People living with disability and especially complex disability, where they may be living with two or more conditions and require high levels of support with daily life, are often at increased risk of falls. But falls are not inevitable, and many are preventable. By designing an individualised plan that covers education, exercise prescription and safe activity, our NDIS registered Physiotherapists can reduce falls risk and keep people active and living independently for longer.
Mobility
Physiotherapists play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and increasing independence for individuals facing physical challenges. Through personalised treatment plans, they focus on improving strength, coordination, and balance, enabling participants to perform daily activities with greater ease. Physiotherapy sessions often include targeted exercises and retraining techniques that help individuals regain fine and gross motor skills, essential for moving from one place to another safely and efficiently. By involving support people in the process and teaching them simple exercises, physiotherapists ensure continuous support and progress at home. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals to achieve maximum independence and participate fully in their communities.
Physiotherapy vs Occupational Therapy – Is Occupational Therapy Better Than Physiotherapy?
There’s no doubt that each therapy plays a part in supporting individuals, and deciding which is suited to you often depends on your personal goals and circumstances.
The difference between Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy:
Scope of Practice
Physiotherapy: Concentrates on improving physical function, movement, and managing pain through exercises, manual therapy, and other treatments.
Occupational Therapy: Aims to enhance the ability to perform daily activities and improve overall independence through functional activities, adaptations, and skill development.
Goals
Physiotherapy: Focuses on improving mobility and mental health, and preventing future injuries.
Occupational Therapy: Emphasises adapting the environment, modifying tasks, and teaching new skills to help individuals live more independently.
Approach
Physiotherapy: Uses techniques like exercises, stretches, massage, and physical modalities to manage physical pain or challenges.
Occupational Therapy: Involves training in daily activities, recommending adaptive equipment,, environmental modifications, and assistive devices to improve functionality in everyday tasks and interactions.
Participant Interaction and Settings
Both Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists can provide supports in different environments that is convenient to the participant, these include:
- at a participant’s home
- at a community venue
- at the local gym or pool
- at the local school
- in a sports setting
- via telehealth service
How Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Complement Each Other
Both therapies can be integral to a comprehensive therapy plan, and sometimes, a combination of both is the best approach to achieve optimal outcomes.
Holistic Care:
Physical and Functional Integration
Physiotherapy focuses on improving physical strength, mobility, and pain management, while occupational therapy enhances daily living skills and independence.
Comprehensive Therapy Plans
Combining both therapies ensures a well-rounded approach, addressing both physical conditions and practical daily activities.
Multi-disciplinary Collaboration:
Team Approach
Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists often work together, sharing their insights and strategies to provide you with cohesive and coordinated support.
Shared Goals
Both professionals align their therapy plans to ensure that you receive seamless and comprehensive support.
Enhanced Participant Outcomes:
Improved Recovery
Depending on your goals and challenges, the combination of physiotherapy and occupational therapy can lead to more efficient and effective goal progress.
Greater Independence
NDIS participants benefit from improved mobility and wellbeing (physiotherapy) and enhanced daily living skills (occupational therapy), which can lead to greater independence and community participation.
Personalised Support
Integrating both therapies allows for tailored interventions that address the unique needs of each participant.
Ready to get started?
If you or a loved one need NDIS Occupational Therapy services or NDIS Physiotherapy services, et in touch with us today, and let our dedicated Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist support you in getting more out of life!
