This web site will provide information on adaptive equipment used in physical therapy and in the home. Links to important physical therapy web sites will  be provided as well as links to several notable physical therapy schools.

What is adaptive equipment and what purpose it serve?  Adaptive equipment in many cases are everyday objects, tools or utensils that have been modified in some way to make them easier to use.  People who are disabled or have some sort of physical limitation use these modified tools.  These things enable patients to live independently or become less dependent.  Every room in the house can accommodate adaptive equipment.  Faucets can be fitted with long levers.  Appliances can be fitted with large buttons.  Adaptive equipment can increase safety around the house.  Those with balance problems or hip trouble risk falling when they bend over.  Playing cards, once a lost pleasure for some can be had again.  Adaptive equipment enables disabled people to drive again.

What is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?  Physical therapists are concerned with gross motor activities such as walking, balance and regaining your strength.  
In general occupational therapists are concerned with ADL (activities of daily living) skills.  For this reason they work more on the upper extremities of the human body. They are concerned with fine motor skills, things most people take for granted, like tying your shoe or opening a jar. 

photo courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes Rehab Department