Exercise and physiotherapy for people with Fabry disease

Last updated Aug. 13, 2024, by Susie Strachan
Fact-checked by Inês Martins, PhD

If you have Fabry disease, you might feel unsure about how to safely include exercise and physical activity into your daily routine.

The rare genetic disorder is caused by a mutation in the GLA gene. It affects various parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, skin, and nervous system, and can make being active challenging.

Fatigue — even after mild activity — is common for people with Fabry disease. And in some cases, physical exercise and activity can trigger pain.

However, regular physical activity can be beneficial in many ways, including for your emotional and mental health.

Before starting a Fabry disease exercise program, talk with your doctor about your Fabry symptoms, Fabry disease treatment, and the best way to ensure your chosen activities are safe and appropriate for you.

Benefits of exercise

Regular exercise can help you feel better about dealing with the effects of Fabry disease.

Heart problems are an issue for people living with Fabry due to the accumulation of toxic fatty substances. It can affect your organs and lead to problems with your skin, eyes, nervous system, kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal system.

Engaging in regular physical activity can strengthen the heart and help keep it healthy by improving your circulation, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol levels.

Staying active can also support healthy kidney function and delay the progression of kidney disease.

Due to nerve damage, Fabry can cause pain, numbness, and tingling or burning sensations (neuropathy), particularly in your hands and feet. Exercise can help improve nerve function by increasing blood flow and boosting the production of anti-inflammatory molecules.

A tailored Fabry disease exercise plan can also help maintain muscle strength, balance, and coordination, which can be beneficial for overall mobility.

Is it safe to exercise with Fabry disease?

Exercising when you have Fabry disease can be safe, as long as you approach physical activity with caution and proper guidance.

Before starting to exercise, check with your doctor. You may also want to consider working with a physical therapist who is familiar with managing Fabry disease to set up a safe exercise plan and monitor your progress.

A registered dietitian can help you get the proper nutrition for exercise. They may also have suggestions for relieving gastric discomfort, such as by eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat foods.

Many people with Fabry have exercise intolerance — a limited ability to do physical activities compared with someone their age — from cardiovascular issues and muscle weakness.

Fabry disease can also interfere with sweating, which further contributes to impaired exercise capacity. As you sweat less than normal or not at all, your body may not be able to cool down during exercise. This can potentially lead to overheating and heat exhaustion, which can be dangerous.

If you notice changes in your ability to exercise, contact your doctor.

Exercise tips

When you begin a new exercise program, start with short sessions and gradually increase duration and intensity as your fitness improves. You should also:

• Choose cooler times of the day for outdoor activities or exercise in air-conditioned spaces.
• Drink water regularly to help regulate body temperature.
• Shower before and after exercising.
• Avoid overwhelming fatigue by breaking up workouts into short, frequent sessions rather than a single long one.
• Stop and rest if experiencing pain. Pushing through pain can worsen Fabry disease symptoms.

Suitable exercises

The type of exercise you choose depends on your health, ability, and interests.

Some low-impact sports and activities are:

• walking, which can improve your cardiovascular health without putting too much strain on the heart or joints
• swimming, which is gentle on the joints and the water can help your body stay cool
• stationary or outdoor cycling, for a good cardiovascular workout
• resistance training with light weights or resistance bands, to help build muscle strength without overexerting the heart or causing joint pain
• yoga, to improve flexibility and strength
• stretching routines, to maintain flexibility and reduce muscle tension.

How physiotherapy can help

A physiotherapist can design an exercise routine tailored to your needs, helping manage symptoms like fatigue.

Fabry disease physiotherapy can:

• use techniques such as massage, heat therapy, and electrical stimulation to relax muscles and reduce discomfort
• improve your mobility through activities that enhance range of motion
• teach balance and coordination exercises to help prevent falls
• teach you how to avoid movements that may worsen Fabry disease symptoms.

A physiotherapist can monitor your progress and adjust your exercise plan based on your changing needs and abilities.

Fabry Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.