CMT patients often develop foot and hand deformities. It is important to prevent or slow down development of contractures (loss of motion of your joints due to the shortening of muscles, ligaments or other tissues around the joints), especially for the joints in your hands and feet as they significantly complicate shoe wear, walking and dressing.

Physical therapists can help by teaching you how to perform daily range of motion exercises or using positioning to slow the progression of loss of motion. They will work closely with Occupational Therapists to help you maintain strength, motion and function in your hands. For your feet and ankles, they work closely with the orthotist (brace maker) or the orthopedic surgeon if exercise and positioning are not enough and surgery is needed.

Sensory changes in your feet may make walking and balance more difficult, and it is important to understand how to manage your daily activities within the limits of impaired sensation.

Learning to use your vision to substitute for missing sensation in your feet can improve balance and help decrease falls. A physical therapist can develop an individualized program to address these issues.

It is important for everyone to perform an adequate amount of physical activity every day. The Department of Public Health recommends at least 30 minutes of daily activity, such as walking, swimming, cycling or other recreational activity. For children, 60 minutes daily is recommended.

Physical therapists teach you how to safely participate in the kinds of physical activities you enjoy so you get enough exercise to maintain an optimal level of endurance and fitness. They collaborate with personal trainers and other fitness instructors so that you can safely use weight training equipment, treadmills or other gym equipment.

There are numerous assistive devices that can be used to improve your balance and decrease fatigue while walking. Assistive devices such as braces and crutches or canes increase your ability to walk with a reduced risk of falling and fatigue from weakened foot or leg muscles. The PT can ensure what devices fit you well and that you have the information you need to decide which device is best for you. They will also assist with the fitting and use of wheelchairs or scooters for longer distance transportation should that become necessary.

Many CMT patients consequently need to wear special footwear, foot orthoses and ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) to maintain independent ambulation. But there are a variety of braces available for ankles, knees, feet, hands, and other areas weakened by CMT. Even your neck and spine can be braced. For many with CMT, braces can bring newfound ability to walk quickly and smoothly and provide greater independence in everyday activities.

Learn more about Bracing here.

Sometimes people with CMT will have pain from overuse or from altered activity patterns caused by muscle weakness or contractures. Physical therapy offers many techniques for reducing pain without medication. For more information see Pain & CMT.

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• To find a licensed health care professional visit the APTA.