The power of movement in the context of hemophilia

While cleaning up recently, I found a physician-authored exercise guide from 2002 for Filipinos with hemophilia.

It was fascinating to read, especially knowing that at the time, synthetic factor products were still scarce here in the Philippines. Treatment options were limited, and many people with hemophilia still relied on fresh blood products given on demand — meaning they only received treatment after a bleed occurred. (To this date, on-demand dosing remains the primary treatment standard here. Thankfully, we now have access to factor.)

Despite these limitations, the handbook encouraged movement. It even recommended basketball drills — a bold suggestion, considering how physically intense the sport can be. Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, and it’s deeply ingrained in the culture. Kids start playing at a young age, often joining community leagues in their teens.

Even at a time when treatment options were minimal, there was already a push to encourage people with hemophilia to stay active rather than remain on the sidelines. One line in particular stood out to me: “People with hemophilia need to have control over their body. And the best way to have this control is to stay active.”

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That word — “control” — caught my attention. It seemed almost ironic to use it in the context of hemophilia, a condition that often feels anything but controllable. A single injury can lead to an unexpected joint bleed. A spontaneous hemorrhage can occur without warning, especially among severe types. The unpredictability of hemophilia makes movement feel risky, and many hesitate to be active, fearing that exercise might cause a bleed rather than prevent one.

And yet the quoted statement holds true. The right way forward isn’t avoidance; it’s taking control. Strengthening the body through movement helps people with hemophilia attain a stable pattern of injury and recovery. As they get stronger, the risk of bleeding also decreases in the long run.

The importance of strength and mobility

Even today, many still believe that people with hemophilia should avoid physical activity altogether. While caution is necessary, total avoidance of movement can lead to weaker joints and muscles, more bleeds, and a lower quality of life. Joints that aren’t used tend to stiffen and weaken, making them more prone to injuries. Muscle atrophy can also happen when rest exceeds a period of 48 hours, according to the handbook.

Modern hemophilia care now recognizes the importance of exercise and strength training — a shift that was already beginning, even decades ago.

I see this approach in my husband, Jared. Despite having severe hemophilia B and epilepsy, he’s always been active. He stretches, moves, and adjusts based on how his body feels. Some days, he knows he needs to rest. Other days, he knows he needs to push himself close to his limit to keep his body from becoming stiff and fragile. Even after an injury, he takes small steps to regain mobility.

Watching him, I realize that staying still out of fear isn’t the answer. Avoidance may feel safe in the moment, but in the long run, it leads to less mobility, less strength, and more complications. The more familiarity and control people with hemophilia have over their physical state, the better equipped they are to face the uncertainties of their condition.

That old guidebook may be outdated in some ways, but its core message still holds true: Movement is power.

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.