Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: where PT and OT fit, per NIAMS
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), part of NIH, lists physical therapists and occupational therapists on the care team for both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It describes physical therapists as helping “improve joint function” and occupational therapists as teaching “ways to protect joints, minimize pain, perform activities of daily living, and conserve energy.” This page quotes NIAMS only.
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current information on those sites. This page is not medical advice and does not describe any patient’s care.
Sources read on November 12, 2026: NIAMS’s Osteoarthritis overview and its Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take page (last reviewed September 2023), and its Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take page (last reviewed November 2022).
Osteoarthritis
NIAMS states: “Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, in which the tissues in the joint break down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people.”
On exercise, NIAMS lists it among first treatments: “Exercising, which can reduce joint pain and stiffness and increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance.” It adds: “You should speak to your doctor or physical therapist about a safe, well-rounded exercise program, which may include:” range-of-motion and stretching, strengthening, water exercise, balance and agility, and low-impact activities. One item reads: “Balance and agility exercises to help you maintain daily living skills.”
On equipment: “Support or assistive devices such as a cane or walker can help you move around safely, provide stability, and lower pain. If you have arthritis in your hands, you may find it helpful to use devices to help you grip, such as jar openers.”
Who treats OA, in NIAMS’s list
- “Physical therapists, who help improve joint function.”
- “Occupational therapists, who teach ways to protect joints, minimize pain, perform activities of daily living, and conserve energy.”
- “Physiatrists (physical, medicine, and rehabilitation specialists), who supervise exercise programs.”
NIAMS also lists rheumatologists, primary care doctors, orthopaedic surgeons, dietitians, nurse educators, psychologists or social workers, and chiropractors.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Under “Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy”, NIAMS states: “Your doctor may recommend physical therapy and occupational therapy. Physical therapy can help you regain and maintain overall strength and target specific joints that bother you. Occupational therapy can help develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.” It adds: “Sometimes, assistive devices or braces may be helpful to optimize movement, reduce pain, and help you maintain the ability to work.”
On splints: “Some people find wearing a splint for a short time around a painful joint reduces pain and swelling. People use splints mostly on wrists and hands, but also on ankles and feet. Talk to your doctor or a physical or occupational therapist before wearing a splint.” NIAMS’s RA care team list uses the same physical therapist and occupational therapist descriptions as its OA list. The Certified Hand Therapist credential is on hand therapy.
What this page does not do
It does not repeat NIAMS’s medicine or surgery lists. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any treatment, medicine, or product. Scope of practice for each profession is set by state law; check your state board.