Physical therapy is an important part of care for those with bleeding disorders. Physical therapists evaluate patients at each comprehensive clinic as well as provide home exercise programs, outpatient services and resources for community physical therapists treating people with bleeding disorders.

Areas a physical therapist can address

Management of a new bleeding episode:

• Control pain
• Assess need for a splint
• Provide assistive devices for mobility
• Assist in early rehabilitation/pain-free movement
• Determine cause of injury (if not spontaneous) and help with injury prevention

Rehabilitation of joint or muscle bleed after 48 hours:

• Progressive movement/weight bearing
• Exercises to restore range of motion and strength
• Wean any splints/braces
• Prevention of recurrent bleeds/target joint

Management of joint swelling without bleeding:

• Develop exercise program
• Assess need for supportive splint
• Assess need for further surgical evaluation

Management of joints with advanced damage and/or arthritis:

• Manage pain
• Improve range of motion and strength
• Address joint alignment and stability
• Monitor a progressive exercise program

Sports and recreation:

• Assist with selection of appropriate activity based on individual joint issues
• Recommend appropriate protective gear
• Develop activity specific stretching and/or strengthening program
• Recommend pre-season exercise program for adolescents

Comprehensive Clinic

At each visit, the physical therapist will complete an evaluation of the person with hemophilia or other bleeding disorder to develop home exercise programs or to determine the need for more treatment. Any necessary ongoing treatment may be provided by the Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center physical therapist or a physical therapist in the person’s community.

The physical therapist may also teach you how to manage acute bleeds and how to safely participate in recreational and athletic activity.