A Physical Therapist's Guide to Moving Better and Feeling Better.

Featuring Makenzie Sledd, MPT

In this session we will discuss safe and effective pain management strategies for patients living with hemophilia B. Participants will learn how to recognize early warnings signs of joint and muscle bleeding and how this differs from arthritis and other sources of pain.

We will work to understand the role of therapeutic activity in managing your pain, along with other non-pharmacological pain relief methods. By the end of this session, we hope to leave each participant empowered to manage their pain while optimizing mobility and enhancing their quality of life.

Makenzie is a Physical Therapist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She’s been practicing physical therapy since 2008 after graduating from St. Louis University. She has spent her career partnering with other therapists and physicians in the orthopedic, neurology and hematology clinics with Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Over recent years, Makenzie has expanded her practice to include both adults and pediatric patients with all bleeding disorders. The highlight of Makenzie’s summers is her long tenure as co-director of Gateway Hemophilia Association’s (GHA) Camp Notaclotamongus. She works closely with GHA not only for camp, but many other events throughout the year. She also partners with PTs across the nation via the NHPCC PT COP, where physical therapists work together to share knowledge and create resources to better the management of patients with bleeding disorders.