Supporting Healthy Movement and Physical Development for People with Sickle Cell Disorder
Being active and moving your body regularly can help you stay healthy, strong, and feel good. For people living with sickle cell disorder, physical activity can support fitness, flexibility, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. It can also help with everyday activities and improve quality of life.
It is important to choose activities that are right for your age, fitness level, and health needs. Always listen to your body and follow advice from your healthcare team.
NE & Y HCC has created a range of short videos and helpful resources for children, young people, adults, parents, and carers. These resources were developed with healthcare professionals and people living with sickle cell disorder.
The videos and resources provide simple, practical advice on staying active, exercising safely, and supporting physical development at every stage of life.
Why Exercise Matters
If you’ve been told not to exercise in the past, you might feel unsure or worried. Staying active can help you feel better and support your health. Gentle movement can:
- Help your blood flow better
- Ease pain
- Keep your joints healthy
- Boost your mood and energy
You don’t need to do anything hard or tiring. Even small movements can make a big difference.
Hear from Others Like You
Hear directly from Dunstan and Nkechi, individuals living with sickle cell disorder about how movement has helped them manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
| My Sickle Cell Journey | Real stories from people like you |
Watch Our Video Series
These short videos are made for teenagers and adults with sickle cell disorder. You can use them at home, in hospital, or while recovering.
Exercise Videos
| Video Title | What It Helps With |
| Upper Limb Exercises | Shoulder, arm, and hand movement |
| Hip Exercises | Flexibility and strength in hips |
| Core (Trunk) Exercises | Posture, balance, and strength |
| Knee Exercises | Joint health and knee comfort |
| Exercise Advice | Tips for safe movement |
| In Crisis or Hospital | How to rest and move safely |
| Physical activity advice for young children | Why being active is important for young children with sickle cell disorder and how movement supports both physical and emotional development |
| Physical activity advice for young people and teenagers | Age appropriate guidance on staying active |
| Physical development advice for babies | Guidance on supporting your baby’s physical development through play and everyday movement. |
| Staying active | Why staying active is important for children and young people with sickle cell disorder |
Watch the videos now and take your first step toward feeling stronger and more confident.
Thank You
These resources were created with the help of people living with sickle cell disorder, parents, carers, healthcare professionals, and partner organisations. Their experience, knowledge, and support have been invaluable.
Special thanks to the Sickle Cell Society, Dunstan and Nkechi, Anna Taylor (University College London Hospital), and Jenny Lavington (Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales).
