Functional activities are movements of your body to allow you to complete everyday tasks, such as carrying grocery bags, reaching for an item in the cabinet, or walking up and down the stairs in your home. Functional activities are important for your physical, social, and psychological well-being and allow you to perform actions for daily life. Losing mobility in your joints and muscle strength often leads to limiting your ability to do functional activities. However, there are certain steps you can take to improve or aid your functional activity limitations.

This section of Functional Activity Limitations covers:

Functional Activity Limitations and Bleeding Disorders

Occupational Therapy

Housing Adaptations

Functional Activity Limitations and Bleeding Disorders

Many people with bleeding disorders experience mobility limitations of their joints. This is often caused by repetitive bleeding episodes into the joints and the resultant joint damage. This is called hemarthropathy. Hemarthropathy leads to decreased range of motion, which limits your ability to do many functional tasks.

For example, hemarthropathy in the elbow may limit your ability to reach into cabinets, remove clothes from the washing machine, or pull things off closet shelves. Hemarthropathy in the ankle, knee, and hip joints can make it challenging to climb stairs, step into a bathtub, or lower onto a toilet seat.

You may also be experiencing an acute bleeding episode or injury, which can impact your ability to do functional activities. Not only will the movement be painful, but also you may want to limit these activities to allow your joint to heal.

Many people with bleeding disorders may also experience anemia. Anemia is defined as not having enough red blood cells in your system. These are needed to carry and deliver oxygen throughout your body. If you have anemia, you may experience fatigue and physical weakness. Feeling fatigue can impair your ability to complete functional activities.

Occupational Therapy

In addition to working with your physical therapist at your Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC), seeing an occupational therapist can be helpful. An occupational therapist will address your physical, mental, psychosocial, and sensory issues. The goal of therapy is to help you participate in everyday activities that positively affect your health, well-being, and quality of life.

Occupational therapy services may include a full assessment of your home and places like your work or school. You may receive recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use. It may also include guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Your Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) or your primary health care provider may be able to refer you to an occupational therapist. If you want more information about occupational therapy, please go to the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Housing Adaptations

Changing your home to fit your physical needs can improve your quality of life. You may find that making changes to your living environment as soon as possible will help lessen pain and make living with joint disease or recovering from a bleed or surgery much easier. Modifying your home to fit your physical needs does not have to start late in life. Below you will find some ideas of how to make your home safe, accessible, and comfortable.

If You Use a Wheelchair

  • Be sure doors and hallways are wide enough for a wheelchair.
  • Replace steps with ramps. Have at least one entry without steps.
  • If possible, adapt the ground floor level of your home for one-level living.
  • Make sure floors are smooth and carpet has a low fiber height and a firm pad.
  • Keep clutter, electrical cords, and extra furniture out of pathways.
  • Consider a roll-in shower with wide doorless entry, grab bars, nonslip pads, built-in seats, and a hand-held shower unit.
  • Make sure there's enough space to move from a wheelchair to the toilet.
  • Look for tables and countertops that can be used while sitting in a wheelchair.
  • Choose appliances that have controls in the front.
  • Consider a side-by-side refrigerator.
  • Keep microwave ovens no higher than 48 inches above the floor.
  • Put a revolving tray inside shelves and cabinets to easily reach items.
  • Look for closet organizers to help you easily reach all your belongings.
  • Lower closet rods to a comfortable level.
  • Consider installing door spyholes at a lower level.

If You Have Limited Reach

  • Cabinet shelves should be no more than 10 inches deep.
  • Keep closet rods at a comfortable height and install organizers that store items within reach.
  • Your washer and dryer should be front loading.
  • Cook tops should have front, easy-to-reach controls.
  • Use a revolving tray in shelves and cabinets to easily reach items.
  • Install pull-out shelves in kitchen cabinets.
  • Consider a side-by-side refrigerator.
  • Keep the microwave oven no higher than 48 inches above the floor.
  • Think about placing electrical outlets 27 inches above the floor where they are easier to reach

If You Have Poor Hand and Arm Strength

  • Use an automatic garage door opener
  • Install lever-style handles on doors
  • Install D-shaped handles on cabinets
  • Use smooth counter tops so heavy pans can slide easily across them
  • Look for push-button controls on appliances
  • Install lever or sensory faucet handles on sinks

If You Have Trouble Walking and Climbing Stairs

  • Make sure floors are smooth and slip-resistant
  • Do not use area rugs
  • Install a ramp to the front door with handrails on both sides
  • If you have stairs, make them slip-resistant by using nonslip stair treads or tapes
  • Make sure door thresholds are no higher than one-quarter inch.

These are just a few suggestions on how you can adapt your home to your physical needs. Talk to your physical therapist at your Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) or schedule an appointment with an occupational therapist.