What’s The Difference Between Fine and Gross Motor Skills?

Written By Mikayla Barfield, PT

Fine Motor vs. Gross Motor Skills — and the Difference Between OT and PT

At Abil-OT Kids Therapy, one of the most common questions we hear from parents is:

“What’s the difference between fine motor and gross motor skills — and how do I know if my child needs OT or PT?”

It’s a great question, and understanding the difference can help families feel more confident about their child’s development and the kind of support they might need.

Let’s break it down!

What Are Fine Motor (FM) Skills?

Fine motor skills involve the small muscles of the hands, fingers, and wrists. These skills are essential for everyday tasks like:

  • Holding a pencil or crayon

  • Buttoning a shirt

  • Using scissors

  • Zipping a backpack

  • Feeding oneself with utensils

  • Tying shoes

When a child struggles with fine motor tasks, it might look like messy handwriting, avoiding drawing/coloring, or frustration with dressing skills.

What Are Gross Motor (GM) Skills?

Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the arms, legs, and trunk. These are the skills kids use to move their bodies in big ways, such as:

  • Crawling, walking, running

  • Jumping, hopping, skipping

  • Climbing stairs

  • Throwing and catching a ball

  • Maintaining balance and posture

A child who has difficulty with gross motor skills might appear clumsy, have trouble keeping up with peers on the playground, or get tired quickly during physical activities.

So… Who Helps with What? (OT vs. PT)

Both occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) are trained to help children reach developmental milestones and improve function — but they focus on different areas of movement and daily life.

Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on:

  • Fine motor skills (handwriting, cutting, dressing)

  • Sensory processing (helping kids regulate responses to sensory input)

  • Daily routines and self-care (toileting, feeding, grooming)

  • Visual-motor skills (like eye-hand coordination)

  • Play and social participation

If your child struggles with using their hands, coordinating small movements, or managing daily tasks at home or school, OT can help.

Physical Therapy (PT) focuses on:

  • Gross motor development (crawling, walking, running)

  • Balance and coordination

  • Strength and endurance

  • Posture and alignment

  • Mobility and safety (especially after an injury or with a diagnosis like cerebral palsy)

If your child has difficulty with walking, movement, balance, or core strength, PT might be the right path.

How Do I Know What My Child Needs?

Sometimes, kids benefit from both OT and PT, especially if they’re working on a mix of skills like coordination, motor planning, and posture. At Abil-OT Kids Therapy, our team takes a collaborative approach — and we’re happy to guide you through the process.

If you’re unsure, we offer evaluations that help determine your child’s strengths and areas for growth. From there, we create a personalized plan that supports their development in the ways they need most.

Final Thoughts

Every child develops at their own pace, and occasional challenges are a normal part of growing up. But if your child is consistently struggling with everyday activities — from holding a fork to climbing the playground steps — they don’t have to do it alone.

At Abil-OT Kids Therapy, we’re here to empower families, support children, and celebrate every milestone, big or small.

Have questions or want to schedule an evaluation? We’d love to connect with you!

Mikayla Barfield, PT
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