Statistics provided by the Rehabilitation Services Administration relate that more people continually seek the professional services of rehabilitation counselors because of orthopedic impairments than any other single physical category of disorder. In 1976, 25,076 (20%) of the total number of cases reported (125,342), were orthopedically impaired. Orthopedic impairments were second only to mental illness as a disabling condition with 25.2 % or 31,552 cases reported. Primary causes listed for the major disabling orthopedic condition reveals arthritis and rheumatism as the third leading cause of orthopedic impairment (trailing accidents involving the spinal cord — 11.6 % or 2,904 cases, and “all other accidents” with 36.7% or 9,193 cases reported) comprising 10.8% or 2,696 of the total 25,076 cases documented. In fiscal year 1977, the Texas Rehabilitation Commission handled 2,418 applicants reporting arthritic difficulties alone.These statistics disclose the continuing efforts of rehabilitation with arthritics today. Rehabilitation of the arthritic can involve both physical and mental aspects in the total rehabilitation process. Physical aspects, although quite challenging in themselves, can be conquered, but the psychological and psychosocial difficulties encountered in the adjustment processes of the arthritic disease may prove even more difficult or challenging to the rehabilitation counselor, especially since they can be linked to the client's concept of worth and ability.This essay is an attempt to mobilize further insight and awareness on an important but often neglected topic —sexuality and the arthritic and any implications it may involve in the adjustment and rehabilitation process of arthritic individuals. More specifically, the context of this essay will examine and discuss a multitude of factors which exhibit a profound impact on the development and maintenance of sexuality within the arthritic person, factors such as societal expectations, and psychosocial barriers. Before concluding the· essay various management and treatment techniques are related which can assist the reader in gaining a better understanding of the elements involved in the arthritic's sexual adjustment and rehabilitation process. It is hoped that this paper will provide useful insight. into questions frequently posed on the subject of sex· and the ab1l1ties of arthritics to fulfill these sexual roles.