Exercises for People with Hemophilia

Exercises for People with Hemophiliaby Kathy Mulder was developed in collaboration with WFH
volunteers from around the world. Much appreciation goes to the guide's reviewers: Lily Heijnen, MD,
and physical therapists David Stephensen, Pamela Narayan, Karen Beeton, Nichan Zourikian, Greig
Blamey, and WFH VP Communications David Page. The WFH also thanks medical illustrator Tim Fedak,
whose drawings and diagrams supplement those licensed from VHI.
Table of Contents
Introduction1
Section 1: How Joints and Muscles are Affected by Hemophilia3
Section 2: A Few Words About Exercise and Hemophilia7
Section 3: Suggested Joint Exercises9
Exercises for the Knee10
Exercises for the Ankle15
Exercises for the Elbow18
Section 4: Suggested Muscle Exercises
23
Exercises for the Iliopsoas (Hip Flexor)24
Exercises for the Gastrocnemius (Calf Muscle)29
Exercises for the Hamstrings31
Exercises for the Forearm Flexors34
Exercises for the Quadriceps36
Conclusion41
Glossary of T
erms42
Bibliography44

Introduction
Exercises for People with Hemophilia Introduction1
The question sounds simple enough: "I have hemophilia. What kinds of
exercises should I do?" Or, "What
exercises should I give my patients with hemophilia?" The answer is simpl
e too: "It depends."
There is no such thing as "exercises for hemophilia." Different exercises serve different purposes and
"each person"s situation" is unique. Exercise, like medicine, works best when there has been a complete
assessment done by a trained professional, and specific exercises have been chosen that suit the
"individual"s goals and ability."
This guide is intended for:
• physical therapists with little experience working with people with blee
ding disorders;
•