A physical disability is a long-term and substantial condition that affects a specific part of your body, limiting your physical functioning, mobility, endurance, or dexterity.
The decrease in physical capacity leads to a reduced ability or, in some cases, an inability to perform bodily movements like walking, using their hands and arms, sitting, standing, and controlling their muscles.
Having a physical disability doesn’t necessarily prevent someone from performing certain tasks, but it makes those tasks more challenging. This may result in daily activities taking longer to complete, such as dressing or experiencing difficulty with gripping and carrying objects.
It’s important to understand that defining a physical disability focuses on how it affects daily life and the ability to perform various activities, including work-related tasks. Physical disabilities can be present from birth or acquired later in life due to accidents, injuries, illnesses, or as a result of a medical condition.
Examples of physical disabilities include cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Carpal tunnel syndrome, amputations, and spinal cord injuries.
What are the causes of a physical disability?
Just as there are various types of physical abilities and how they impact a person’s daily life, the causes of physical disabilities also exhibit variability. Physical disabilities can stem from hereditary, congenital, or acquired factors.
- Hereditary or Congenital: Individuals with a hereditary or congenital physical disability have had the condition since birth, either due to inherited genetic issues, problems with muscle cells, or injuries sustained during the birthing process.
- Acquired: A person may acquire a physical disability for various reasons, including severe accidents, brain injuries, infections, diseases, and as a consequence of disorders and other medical conditions, such as strokes and dementia.
Types of Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities consist of a wide range of conditions, each impacting individuals uniquely. These types of disabilities include mobility impairment, visual impairment, hearing loss, chronic fatigue or pain, and seizures.
Physical disabilities are typically categorized into specific groups. The primary physical disability groups are:
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Musculoskeletal Disability
Musculoskeletal disability affects the joints, bones, and muscles and encompasses conditions such as limb loss or deformity, Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), and Muscular Dystrophy (muscle weakness). These disabilities result in the limitation of body movement due to deformities, diseases, or degeneration affecting the muscles or bones.
With more than 200 musculoskeletal conditions, it’s noteworthy that 20% of individuals in the UK consult a doctor each year regarding related issues. Common examples of musculoskeletal disabilities include back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, fractures associated with bone fragility, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
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Neuromusculoskeletal Disability
Neuromusculoskeletal disability pertains to the inability to move specific body parts due to diseases, degeneration, or disorders of the nervous system, which result in physical disability. Conditions falling under this category include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, stroke, spinal cord injury, head injury, and poliomyelitis.
Common physical disabilities include:
Acquired Brain Injury: Acquired brain injuries result from traumatic events or medical conditions that damage the brain, leading to physical and cognitive impairments.
Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy primarily affects young children and comprises non-progressive disorders that damage the brain, resulting in motor function impairments. It often accompanies intellectual and behaviuoral disabilities, leading to difficulties with movement and coordination.
Spina Bifida: Spina bifida occurs during the baby’s spinal cord development, causing a gap in the spine and exposing spinal nerves. This developmental defect can lead to paralysis of the lower part of the body and loss of bowel and bladder control.
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI): Acquired brain injuries occur after birth and can be attributed to various factors, such as stroke, head injuries, alcohol, drug use, oxygen deprivation, or specific diseases like cancer. These injuries can result in difficulties with specific body movements and daily activities.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Spinal cord injuries can lead to complete or partial impairment of sensory and motor functions in the body and limbs. SCI may result in conditions like paraplegia, which affects the lower limbs and leads to a loss of mobility and control over bowel and bladder functions, or tetraplegia, also known as quadriplegia, affecting both the arms and legs, as well as certain chest and abdominal muscles, causing a complete loss of sensory and motor functions.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. There are several types of epilepsy, each varying in severity, and individuals with epilepsy experience it uniquely.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong condition that impacts a person’s brain and spinal cord, resulting in various physical challenges related to movement, sensation, and balance. Symptoms consist of a fatigue, motor control impairment, numbness, and visual disturbances. MS is a lifelong condition and can lead to significant disability. While treatments are available, life expectancy for individuals with MS is typically reduced.
Arthritis: Arthritis presents in various forms, causing pain and joint inflammation, and can affect individuals of all ages, including children and adults. More than 10 million people in the UK are coping with arthritis or similar conditions. The most prevalent form is osteoarthritis, which affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joints, leading to reduced mobility, pain, and stiffness.
Treatment and Support for People with Physical Disabilities
Living with a physical disability or mobility impairment can present challenges. To maintain independence and thrive within the community, various disability support plans are necessary. The nature and severity of the physical disability will determine the required care. While some individuals may only require consultations with their primary care physician or a specialist, others might need a multidisciplinary team of medical experts, including physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
For instance, if a child is diagnosed with spina bifida, they will be referred to a specialized support team. Doctors and specialists collaborate to devise a care plan that addresses the child’s specific needs and challenges. This care plan is regularly reviewed as the child grows to accommodate evolving requirements and changing circumstances.
Spina bifida, a neural tube defect (NTD), arises from an abnormal folding of the embryo’s posterior side, which typically gives rise to the vertebral column, its associated muscles, the spinal cord, and spinal nerves.
Doctors use a variety of approaches to address the several challenges associated with spina bifida, which may include initial spinal surgery, as well as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and the use of mobility aids.
How Reignscare Help People with Physical Disabilities
At Reignscare, we advocate for a compassionate and person-centred approach, embracing individuals for their unique qualities. Our comprehensive range of services, which consists of support for those with physical disabilities, has a profound impact on people’s lives, bolstering their mental well-being and fostering greater independence.
Our dedicated and compassionate support staff assist individuals with complex needs, always treating them with the respect and empathy they rightfully deserve.
