Exercises for CMT Peripheral Neuropathy

The Importance of Physical Activity

Exercise & PT for CMT

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.

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: