There were 814 occupational therapists and 1,801 physical therapists in practice in Missouri in 1993. These specialized providers are, however, as concentrated in metro counties as are physicians. Eighty-nine percent of the occupational therapists and 86 percent of the physical therapists were practicing in one of the metro counties. Forty-four percent of all occupational therapists were practicing in St. Louis City.
Occupational therapists are few and far between in rural Missouri.
Sixty-two of the 93 rural counties have no occupational therapists and only four counties have more than five. As with other specialized providers, rural north and southeast Missouri have the greatest relative deficiency in occupational therapy services. Twenty-seven of the rural counties have no physical therapists. More than half the counties without physical therapy services are in north Missouri. An additional 27 rural counties have one practicing physical therapy.