Physical therapy for hemophilia at Penn Medicine
Hemophilia, a condition that impairs blood clotting, can lead to bleeding in muscles and joints, resulting in long-term damage. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing hemophilia, preventing complications, and improving quality of life. At Penn Medicine, our team of specialists provides personalized care to address these unique needs.
- Physical therapy for individuals with hemophilia is designed to:
- Prevent joint and muscle damage
- Improve strength, flexibility, and mobility
- Address pain and stiffness caused by bleeding into muscles or joints
- Reduce the risk of falls and injuries
- Support recovery after a bleeding episode
In hemophilia, internal bleeding can cause serious damage to muscles and joints:
- Muscle Bleeds: Bleeding inside muscles increases pressure and can lead to compartment syndrome or damage to muscle fibers. This results in weakness, stiffness, and limited movement.
- Joint Bleeds: Blood in the joints can harm cartilage and bone, and over time, repeated bleeding can lead to joint deformity. Joints like the elbows, knees, and ankles are particularly at risk.
When you visit Penn Medicine, our hemophilia physical therapists conduct thorough evaluations to assess your condition and tailor a treatment plan to your needs. These evaluations include:
- Health history review: We discuss any recent bleeding episodes, activity levels, and orthopedic issues.
- Range of motion assessment: We measure the flexibility and movement of joints to detect changes over time.
- Gait analysis: We observe your walking pattern to identify any mobility concerns.
- Fall risk evaluation: We assess your risk of falling and suggest preventive measures to protect against injury.
- Based on your evaluation, our physical therapists may recommend:
- Strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises to build muscle strength and improve joint stability.
- Stretching routines: Stretching exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
- Assistive devices: Recommendations for braces, canes, or walkers to provide additional support.
- Outpatient therapy: Continued therapy sessions, either at Penn Medicine or a location of your choice, to further improve mobility and address complications.
If your physical therapy assessment reveals joint or muscle damage, we may recommend additional treatments:
- Orthopedic consultations: For severe cases, a referral to an orthopedic surgeon for evaluation and potential treatment options such as joint replacement may be necessary.
- Home exercise plans: A set of exercises you can do at home to maintain your mobility and prevent further damage.
Physical therapy is a key component of lifelong care for hemophilia. Regular checkups with our team help monitor your condition and ensure that your treatment plan is working effectively. At Penn Medicine, we are committed to providing the comprehensive care you need to maintain your health and mobility.
In addition to managing muscle and joint health, our therapists support recovery from bleeding-related complications such as strokes and monitor your progress if you are participating in a clinical trial for a bleeding disorder. Our goal is to support your overall well-being and improve your quality of life through expert care and personalized therapy.