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Movement and Exercise

What Is Occupational Therapy?

There's a lot of overlap, but physical and occupational therapy each have their own goals.

Lauren Smith, MAAlexandra Schwarz, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on May 31, 2024
Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD | May 31, 2024

Occupational therapy is a type of program that can help you maintain independence. It may help people who have been in an accident or have a chronic illness. It's different from physical therapy, which helps you regain or improve movement and mobility.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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