Search citation statements
Paper Sections
Citation Types
Year Published
Publication Types
Relationship
Authors
Journals
People with hemophilia (PWH) have impaired blood coagulation and hemostasis. Bleeding into joints and muscles is the main manifestation of the disorder, causing severe joint damage and muscle complications. Lifelong, regular physical therapy is therefore important for PWH, in order to support recovery from bleeds and reduce recurrences. Ideally, these individuals should be in the care of a hemophilia treatment center (HTC), where a physical therapist (PT) should be a regular part of the comprehensive team. However, not all PWH have convenient access to an HTC, and they may be referred to local non-specialist PTs, who may have only limited experience with the condition, for day-to-day physical therapy treatment. This article, written by four experienced hemophilia PTs, introduces key aspects of the pathology of the hemophilic joint in adult PWH with musculoskeletal complications or established joint disease (or those with inhibitors) that are relevant to PTs. The characteristic differences between the joints of PWH and those of people with similar pathologies are clarified. Practical advice on how the physical therapy consultation can be adjusted for PWH is given, and the importance of communicating with the HTC emphasized. The aim of this narrative review is to raise awareness of hemophilia and joint disease for non-specialist PTs, and serve as helpful background information for PTs who encounter PWH with musculoskeletal complications or established joint disease in their clinics.
People with hemophilia (PWH) have impaired blood coagulation and hemostasis. Bleeding into joints and muscles is the main manifestation of the disorder, causing severe joint damage and muscle complications. Lifelong, regular physical therapy is therefore important for PWH, in order to support recovery from bleeds and reduce recurrences. Ideally, these individuals should be in the care of a hemophilia treatment center (HTC), where a physical therapist (PT) should be a regular part of the comprehensive team. However, not all PWH have convenient access to an HTC, and they may be referred to local non-specialist PTs, who may have only limited experience with the condition, for day-to-day physical therapy treatment. This article, written by four experienced hemophilia PTs, introduces key aspects of the pathology of the hemophilic joint in adult PWH with musculoskeletal complications or established joint disease (or those with inhibitors) that are relevant to PTs. The characteristic differences between the joints of PWH and those of people with similar pathologies are clarified. Practical advice on how the physical therapy consultation can be adjusted for PWH is given, and the importance of communicating with the HTC emphasized. The aim of this narrative review is to raise awareness of hemophilia and joint disease for non-specialist PTs, and serve as helpful background information for PTs who encounter PWH with musculoskeletal complications or established joint disease in their clinics.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.