Written by: Anna Pasternak / Treatment / October 07, 2020 / 10 minutes read

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), Occupational therapy (OT), and Physical therapy (PT) are all types of rehabilitation therapy. All three professions have different roles but often work together especially in settings such as hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Rehabilitation therapy provides assessment and treatment for people to help regain their function whether it be there speech/language, physical, or everyday life skills.  Here we will discuss each individual therapy and the similarities and differences between all three professions. 

Speech-language pathologists work with clients both adult and children to help improve their communication skills and/or swallowing ability. SLPs can work with individuals who have language delays, speech delays, fluency issues such as stuttering, and voice.  SLP’s cover a variety of different speech and language deficits that may include autism, down-syndrome, lisp, traumatic brain injury, stroke, cancer, and the list goes on. 

Here at the clinic, we specialize in areas where many clients are not disordered but are looking to enhance their communication skills. So, we also work on accent reduction, transgender voice, professional communication such as presentations, and general voice issues. We recognize that an individual doesn’t only need therapy when they are disordered but many professional adults struggle with communication in their daily lives, and they should also not be left out from the benefits a speech-language pathologist can offer.

 As you now see SLPs can work in so many different areas when it comes to speech and language, but they make sure to create individualized plans for each client they see to improve their quality of life and help the person develop their skills unique to the situation that they are experiencing.  

Occupational therapists help people regain life skills in the areas that are important to them. They help people in areas such as eating, writing, getting dressed, going to work and school, sports, cooking,  gardening,  and whatever is the most important to the individual.  Like SLPs they also work with individuals who have difficulties after stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism, and many other disabilities or disorders. 

Physiotherapists focus on the movement of the body. They are able to assess and provide appropriate therapy to the root cause of pain or dysfunction, to improve function and movement of the body and ease or eliminate pain.  Physiotherapists often work with those who have been injured but also those with disabilities who have difficulties with motor movements. They work with head and neck injuries, disabilities as a result of heart or stroke problems, loss of mobility due to diseases such as Parkinson’s, car accidents, and the list goes on.   

These three professions all assess and create individualized plans for their clients and work in similar settings. They may work in hospitals, schools, homes, and rehab centers.  They are all regulated professionals and all focus on working with children and adults. All three professions work to improve the individuals quality of life and provide plans for home therapy after discharge. 

Though all three professions are similar as they focus on rehabilitation. Speech-language pathologists focus on many important areas of communication and swallowing. Occupational therapists focus on activities of daily living working with someone, from teaching them to make a cup of tea, to driving. Physiotherapists may work with similar clients though often can also work with sports teams and athletes, something that OTs and SLPs do not often get a chance to work with.   

All three professions whether working individually or as a team work their hardest to provide the best service to their clients and improve their quality of life. 

To speak with one of the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation by clicking the link below or calling (647) 795-5277.