Physiotherapy for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hemophilic Synovitis

Abstract

Hemophilia is a hereditary lifelong bleeding disorder affecting males. The nature of the condition predisposes the person to bleed intraarticularly and intermuscularly. Without intervention with replacement factor therapy and physiotherapy, the consequences can lead to chronic synovitis and severe joint hemarthropathy. Physiotherapeutic interventions are available that may help to prevent and treat the sequelae of recurrent hemarthrosis. No particular method of treatment has been shown to eradicate hemorrhages; however, there are protocols that can help. The use of physiotherapy techniques including electrotherapy, joint care, and exercise are extremely important, especially in developing countries where blood products are scarce.