Medically reviewed by Dennis Meszler, PT, MPT, SCS
At Raleigh Orthopaedic, our Therapy Services team provides expert care for a wide range of bone, joint, spine, and muscle conditions. We offer both physical therapy and occupational therapy in convenient outpatient settings, giving patients access to comprehensive, personalized care. While these therapies often work hand in hand, each has a distinct focus—supporting patients in different but complementary ways throughout their recovery and rehabilitation.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Focus on Movement and Mobility
Physical therapy (PT) focuses on evaluating and treating movement-related conditions. Whether you’re experiencing pain behind the kneecap, discomfort in the foot or ankle, or recovering from surgery or a sports injury, physical therapists are trained to address dysfunctions that limit your mobility.
Treatment Goals
Physical therapists work with patients to:
- Improve strength and flexibility
- Restore mobility and balance
- Manage pain and chronic conditions
- Recover from injury or surgery
- Prevent future injuries through education and form correction
At Raleigh Orthopaedic, our licensed physical therapists provide personalized treatment plans that combine hands-on care, therapeutic exercises, and patient education. By actively involving patients in their recovery, we aim for superior functional results—helping individuals return to work, sports, and the activities they enjoy most.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Focus on Daily Function and Independence
Occupational therapy (OT) is a science-based profession that helps individuals of all ages perform everyday tasks more easily and safely. While physical therapy focuses on movement and mobility, occupational therapy emphasizes improving the ability to complete meaningful daily activities—whether at home, work, or in recreational settings.
How Occupational Therapy Helps
Occupational therapists help patients:
- Relearn essential tasks after injury or illness
- Modify their home or work environments
- Develop strategies for living with chronic conditions
- Build healthy routines and habits to support long-term function
Raleigh Orthopaedic’s occupational therapists specialize in treating upper extremity injuries, including the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Many of our OT providers are also board-certified hand therapists, offering advanced expertise in the rehabilitation of hand and arm function.
Specialty Techniques Used in Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapists offer a wide range of treatment techniques, including:
- Therapeutic exercise tailored to each condition
- Manual therapy, including soft-tissue and joint mobilization
- Stretching and strengthening protocols
- Modalities such as ultrasound and iontophoresis
- Custom splinting and upper extremity brace fabrication
We care for both post-operative patients and individuals managing non-surgical injuries or chronic pain, always with the goal of restoring as much function as possible and minimizing long-term limitations.
A Patient-Centered Approach
At Raleigh Orthopaedic, we empower patients through education, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to continue progressing even after formal therapy ends. Whether you’re receiving physical or occupational therapy, our team is committed to helping you reduce pain, regain function, and improve your overall quality of life.