Arthritis can impact your life in a variety of ways. In addition to experiencing arthritis pain, you may experience symptoms such as joint weakness and limited mobility. If you have arthritis, you may have trouble engaging in simple activities like walking up stairs. Arthritis often leads to physical ability limitations. According to a report from the Illinois Department of Public Health, approximately 38% of adults in the United States with diagnosed arthritis report arthritis-attributable activity limitations. If arthritis is limiting your ability to work, you may be qualified to receive disability benefits.

In the United States, disability benefits provide assistance to people who are no longer able to work due to a physical or mental condition. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have arthritis, you may qualify for the two main Social Security benefits programs. These are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI can help you continue paying your bills after you stop working. SSDI can help you get the treatments you need to manage your arthritis.

When it comes to treating arthritis, physical therapy is a popular option. A licensed physical therapist can provide results-driven treatments based on your personal needs. With targeted exercises and an array of other treatment techniques, your physical therapist will work with you to manage your symptoms. Social Security Disability Insurance may cover some or all of your physical therapy costs. This can enable you to receive effective and affordable care.

How physical therapy can help you manage your arthritis

Physical therapy can be helpful before and after qualifying for disability benefits. Before qualifying, physical therapy can help you maintain performance at work. With function-focused treatments, you can find better ways to work without making your pain or inflammation worse.

After qualifying for disability benefits, physical therapy can continue to provide many benefits. By engaging in PT, you can improve your condition and reduce the risk of complications. Some of the most significant benefits offered by physical therapy may include::

• Improved range of motion — Arthritis often causes joint stiffness. You may have trouble bending your arms and legs, which can hinder your ability to participate in your normal routine. Fortunately, physical therapy can help you regain your flexibility. Targeted stretches are one effective way to alleviate joint tension and increase your range of motion. Your physical therapist may also use manual therapy techniques to boost your flexibility. Manual therapy refers to hands-on treatments used by physical therapists. Top manual therapy techniques for treating arthritis include joint manipulation and joint mobilization. With joint mobilization, your physical therapist will guide stiff joints through various motions. These assisted stretches can help loosen your joints, allowing more ease of movement.
• Stronger muscles — Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around your joints. By building these muscles, you can take some of the strain off your joints. This can be a great way to reduce pain and discomfort. Your physical therapist will recommend tailored strengthening exercises based on your capabilities and improvement goals. Strength training exercises that use resistance bands are often incorporated into treatment. With these exercises, you can become stronger while reducing the stress on your joints.
• Pain relief — Physical therapists use a range of techniques to deliver pain relief. Manual therapy can be especially helpful; manual techniques designed to alleviate tension, your physical therapist can help you experience improved comfort. Modalities such as electrical stimulation may also be used to alleviate pain.
• Enhanced balance — Arthritis often comes with balance and gait issues. These are especially common when arthritis affects the joints in a person’s hips or legs. Balance and gait issues can increase your risk of falling, which may cause injuries and worsen your condition. With balance training from a licensed physical therapist, you can stay confident and secure on your feet.
• Increased independence — Managing arthritis can be hard for a lot of reasons. In addition to causing physical symptoms, arthritis tends to have a psychological impact as well. People with arthritis often feel frustrated by a loss of independence. When your physical capabilities are limited by your condition, you may feel like you have to rely on other people too much. If you want to regain your independence, physical therapy can help. Physical therapy treatments can help restore your strength and joint flexibility. As you make progress with physical therapy, you can start engaging more actively in your day-to-day routine. 

Is rheumatoid arthritis a disability?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis. An autoimmune disorder, RA causes your immune system to attack the tissue lining your joints. RA is not currently linked to one cause. While factors like genetics and hormones may be involved, the exact cause is unknown. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may experience stiffness and joint pain throughout your body. The condition typically starts in smaller hand and foot joints. As RA progresses, though, it can start to affect other areas, such as the knee and shoulder joints. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, the symptoms of RA may worsen for periods of time. During a flare-up, you may experience more symptoms, including fever and greater pain. Physical therapy can be key to managing and preventing flare-ups. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive condition that can impose several physical limitations. Because of this, it is often considered to be a disability. In order to qualify for disability benefits, your RA may need to cause symptoms that prevent you from working. RA affects everyone differently. The condition’s impact on your ability to work will depend on your job, the joints affected and a range of other factors. Not sure whether you qualify for disability benefits? An assessment from a physical therapist may provide valuable insights.

Is degenerative arthritis a disability?

Degenerative arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis. Like rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis is a chronic joint condition; however, it differs in some important ways. Degenerative arthritis develops when the cartilage around the joints deteriorates. This can lead to increased friction and pressure between the joints, bones and soft tissue. Osteoarthritis affects everyone in different ways. A person with shoulder osteoarthritis and a person with hip osteoarthritis will likely have different limitations and abilities. Symptoms can vary as well. Your osteoarthritis symptoms may include pain, stiffness and swelling. You may also notice a grating sound or sensation when moving your joints.

Osteoarthritis can be recognized as a disability if it impairs your ability to work. Osteoarthritis often causes difficulty standing, walking and lifting. Due to these factors, affected individuals often qualify for disability benefits. This can make it easier to receive care for your condition. When it comes to treating degenerative arthritis, a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective. A good physical therapist will tailor treatment to the needs of each individual patient.

Manage your arthritis symptoms with help from Lattimore Physical Therapy

At Lattimore Physical Therapy, our team is committed to offering the top-notch care you need to address and manage your arthritis symptoms. From manual therapy to lifestyle guidance, our personalized treatment plans incorporate an array of evidence-based strategies. We’re dedicated to helping you improve your condition each step of the way.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment to start managing your arthritis.