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Protection, treatment and recovery from injuries

Treatment and recovery while engaging in sport or exercise will be different for everyone and will also depend on your fitness level. Talk to the HTC team about a specific plan for you – the specialist doctor (haematologist), nurse and physiotherapist.
 
You can help to prevent bruising and bleeds from exercise by:
 
  • Building up the muscles around the joints specifically for the sport or activity you are doing
  • Using appropriate equipment such as helmets, pads etc as required, and using it correctly!
 
Although it’s not essential, letting your coach, trainer or instructor know about your bleeding disorder would be very helpful. Making sure they’re aware of any pre-existing injuries and your limitations can help them modify exercises for you if needed. It’s important that someone you are with is aware of your bleeding disorder, a coach or a team member, and knows what to do in an emergency, especially if you have an accident and are unconscious.
 
Having a plan for treatment, your ABDR patient card in your wallet or accessible and a first aid kit in your sports bag and at home will make sure you’re ready for anything that may happen. Don’t forget to make sure your emergency contact details are also up-to-date just in case.

 

What to have in your first aid kit

  • Your regular treatment, or the treatment for an injury in your treatment plan
  • Emergency contact number
  • Crepe bandage and padding
  • Tissues
  • Band-aids
  • Ice pack
  • HTC contact details/ABDR patient card.


If you experience any bleeding from engaging in sport or exercise:

 
  • Undertake first aid including P.R.I.C.E. (protection and product, rest, ice, compression, elevation). This reduces swelling and joint and muscle pain.
  • Follow up with your HTC for guidance on rehabilitation and returning to exercise.
  • If it is a musculoskeletal injury, most HTCs will have a physiotherapist attached to the Centre who can give specific advice.
 

Other things to think about

 
  • Many of the sports supplements have ingredients that are not recommended for bleeding disorders. Before you take a supplement, talk to your specialist doctor (haematologist) or pharmacist about what to be cautious with or avoid.
  • You can meet other girls and young women with bleeding disorders through your local Haemophilia Foundation – a great way to share tips and experiences and just have fun together.

Download the full fact sheet - PDF 1.6MB

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Date last reviewed: 17 May 2021