Exercises for CMT Peripheral Neuropathy

The Importance of Physical Activity

Although there is no cure for CMT at the present time, there are many therapies that can greatly improve life and function for CMT patients. The general advice for patients seeking assistance is to look first for the least invasive way to correct their problems. There are many questions regarding exercise and CMT. Advisory Board members Amy Warfield and Sabrina Paganoni both believe that the right amount and types of exercise are critical to CMT. Read more from Dr. Warfield or read more from Dr. Paganoni. It is important for people with CMT to maintain what movement, muscle strength and flexibility they have, but it is impossible to build up muscles already atrophied by CMT (neurogenic atrophy), so the best program works on strengthening unaffected muscles that can help do the work of those that have atrophied because of CMT. Hence, physical therapy and moderate activity are recommended. Overexertion, however, should be avoided. A physical therapist can design an exercise program that fits a patient’s personal strengths and flexibility. Exercises like the following that do not put undue stress on the joints are strongly recommended:

• Swimming
• Walking with balance walking poles – learn how to this is beneficial for CMT.
• Exercises you can do at home – for examples, watch exercise videos with Rebekah Lee, a physiotherapist living with CMT.
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Tai chi

• Exercise and Physical Therapy for Inherited Neuropathies
  NEW! CMTA Board Member Steve O’Donnell realized the tremendous need for a CMT physical therapy-centered exercise video series and partnered with renowned Physical Therapist/Neurologic Clinical Specialist Mike Studer to create a comprehensive fitness program.
  Read more ...
• Let’s Move!
  In sketching a framework for exercise for people with CMT, we are looking at the person as a whole with the goal of making gains in mobility, independence and overall well-being.
  Read more ...
• Physical Therapy and Exercise: Getting the Right Dose
  Because CMT affects each person differently, exercise has to be tailored to the specific impairments identified and dosed effectively. As a mobility expert, a physical therapist can provide guidance in finding the optimal program.
  Read more ...
• Balance ‎Walking Stick Exercises for CMT
  The Balance Walking for CMT Video Series demonstrates how using balance walking poles can dramatically increase the confidence, fitness and mobility of people living with CMT.
  Read more ...
• The CMT Exercise Video Series
  Created by physiotherapist Rebekah Lee, the CMT Exercise Video Series focuses on functional improvement for those living with CMT.
  Read more ...