Knee care is needed care in hemophilia treatment
A visit to an HTC should include an appointment with a physical therapist
Last week, I drove two hours to my hemophilia treatment center (HTC) in Tampa, Florida — not just to see my hematologist or get my labs done, but to meet with the physical therapist. The distance was long, but the trip was worth it.
My knees have always been a weak spot. When I was a teenager, my right knee dislocated several times, which led to needing two surgeries. Since then, they’ve never quite been the same. Both of them randomly dislocate and give me trouble, and the pain or stiffness can keep me from being as active as I’d like. I know exercise is essential, but my joints often feel like they’re standing in the way.
That’s where physical therapy comes in.
When most people think about hemophilia care, they think about factor replacement or newer therapies that control bleeding. While treatment advances are life-changing, they’re only one part of the story. Physical therapy is a crucial, but sometimes overlooked, piece of the care puzzle.
Staying on top of joint health
At the HTC, the physical therapist isn’t just there to help after an injury. Their job is to keep an eye on joint health, monitor range of motion, and notice changes that might signal an early bleed or long-term damage. They work to prevent problems, not just fix them once they appear. For those of us with hemophilia, prevention is everything.
A physical therapist can also tailor activity plans for people with bleeding disorders and orthopedic issues. In my case, they helped me find safe ways to move more without stressing my already vulnerable joints. The focus might be core strength, balance, or flexibility for someone else.
During my recent visit, I met with the physical therapist to talk about my joints and my struggle to stay active. We discussed realistic steps I can take to move more while protecting my knees. Instead of vague advice like “just exercise more,” I came away with a personalized exercise plan that works with my body rather than against it.
It was reassuring to talk with someone who understands both sides of my situation — the effect of hemophilia on my joints, and the orthopedic complications from dislocations and surgeries. That combination of knowledge isn’t something I can get just anywhere.
What struck me most was how encouraging the experience was. I didn’t leave feeling limited; I went with hope and a sense of direction. For the first time in a long time, I felt that increasing my activity was possible.
The visit reminded me that hemophilia care is more than just medicine. The HTC model is designed to support the whole person — medical, physical, and emotional. Too often, patients skip the “extra” visits with physical therapists or social workers, thinking they’re not as important. But they can make a huge difference in our day-to-day lives.
For me, the two-hour drive to see the physical therapist was worth every mile. My knees may always give me trouble, but now I have a plan to work with them instead of against them. And that’s the power of physical therapy: It doesn’t just address problems, it helps build a path toward better living, even with the challenges of a bleeding disorder.
If you’re heading to your HTC soon, I encourage you to make time for the physical therapist. Ask questions, share your struggles, and be open to suggestions. You might be surprised at how much they can help you.
Note: Hemophilia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hemophilia News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hemophilia.
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