Pediatric PT vs. OT: What’s the Difference, and Does My Child Need Both?

If your child has been referred for therapy services, you might be wondering:

“What’s the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?”
“Why would my child need one—or both?”
“How do I know which one is the right fit?”

As pediatric therapists, we get these questions all the time—and they’re great questions to ask! PT and OT often work side by side with children, but we focus on different areas of development.

This post will break it all down in a clear, parent-friendly way so you can better understand each role and feel confident about your child’s care.

What Is Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT)?

Occupational therapy helps children build the skills they need for everyday activities—also called "occupations" of childhood. These include things like playing, dressing, feeding, writing, and regulating emotions.

OT Focuses On:

• Fine motor skills (hand strength, pencil grip, buttoning)

• Hand-eye coordination and visual-motor integration

• Sensory processing (handling input like noise, movement, textures)

• Emotional regulation and coping skills

• Self-care tasks like brushing teeth, feeding, dressing

• Attention, focus, and executive function

Think of OT as helping children with the “doing” part of life—everything they need to be independent and successful in daily routines.

What Is Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT)?

Physical therapy helps children develop, improve, or regain movement and physical function. PT supports gross motor skills, mobility, posture, and strength so that kids can move confidently and safely in their environments.

PT Focuses On:

• Gross motor skills (rolling, crawling, walking, jumping)

• Balance and coordination

• Muscle strength and flexibility

• Posture and core stability

• Mobility devices (walkers, orthotics, wheelchairs)

• Developmental motor delays (e.g., not walking by expected age)

Think of PT as helping children with the “moving” part of life—everything that supports their ability to explore and engage with the world.

So… Which One Does My Child Need?

PT may help if your child is struggling with...

✅ Sitting, crawling, or walking

✅ Balance and coordination

✅ Muscle weakness or low tone

✅ Using a wheelchair or walker

OT may help if your child is struggling with...

✅ Handwriting or using scissors

✅ Feeding (motor or sensory difficulties)

✅ Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to noise, textures)

✅ Getting dressed or brushing teeth

✅ Emotional regulation or meltdowns

Can a Child Receive Both PT and OT?

Yes—many children benefit from both!
While PT and OT have different goals, we often work collaboratively to support the whole child.

For example:

• A child with cerebral palsy may need PT for mobility and OT for self-care.

• A child with developmental delays may need PT to build core strength and OT to develop fine motor control and focus.

• A child with sensory processing disorder might benefit from OT, but also PT to improve balance and motor planning.

In short: the best therapy plan is one that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Final Thoughts from a Pediatric Therapist

While OT and PT have distinct roles, we share one mission:
To help your child reach their fullest potential—physically, emotionally, and functionally.

You don’t need to know all the answers right away. If you’ve been referred for one service and still have concerns in other areas, don’t hesitate to ask. Early support can make a huge difference in your child’s growth and confidence.

Need Help Figuring Out Where to Start?

If you're unsure whether your child needs PT, OT, or both, reach out! A pediatric therapist can help guide you through an evaluation and create a plan that’s just right for your child.