Exercise for Hemophilia

Overview
Exercise can strengthen your muscles, help protect your joints, and lower your risk for bleeds. Exercise can improve your flexibility and decrease stiffness. Better fitness can help improve balance and cut down on accidents that may result in bleeding.

Joint pain, stiffness, and concern about bleeds lead many people with hemophilia to give up on exercise and become increasingly sedentary. However, muscle and joint weakness leads to more bleeds, and a sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of other conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes.

What does it involve?
Consider consulting a physical therapist to determine which exercise is safest and most beneficial for you.

There is not one correct exercise regimen for people with hemophilia. Which type of exercise is best for you must be based on your current condition, any joint damage or disability, and what kind of activity you prefer.

Safe exercise for hemophiliacs is slow and steady. Exercise should not be painful.

Intended Outcomes
Regular exercise can improve your strength and flexibility, protect your joints from damage, and lower your risk for bleeds.

Results
In a small study, regular physical therapy and exercise were shown to improve joint function and decrease bleeding risk.

Constraints
Some hemophilia symptoms, including joint pain and stiffness, can make it difficult to stay motivated to keep up with regular exercise.

You may feel disappointed that hemophilia limits your choice of sports and activities to some degree.