How Physical Therapy Can Help You Manage Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

By Your Health Magazine

If you’ve been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), you probably know how it affects your daily life. You might struggle with walking, balance, or even doing everyday tasks because of weak muscles or foot drop.

While there’s no cure for CMT yet, physical therapy can help you feel stronger, move better, and stay more independent. According to the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation, about one in 2,500 people in the U.S. live with CMT. If you’re one of them, physical therapy could be a key part in improving your quality of life.

What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder?

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a condition that affects the nerves outside your brain and spine. These nerves help your muscles move and give you the sense of touch. When you have CMT, these nerves stop working properly, which leads to weakness, numbness, and trouble walking or using your hands.

Most people start noticing symptoms in their feet and legs, maybe you trip a lot, feel unsteady, or can’t lift your toes when walking. Over time, the muscles can shrink and get weaker. CMT is usually inherited, meaning it runs in families.

Why Physical Therapy Matters for CMT

Physical therapy won’t cure CMT, but it plays a vital role in playing down symptoms progression and helping you maintain independence. If you’re feeling like your strength or coordination is slipping away, a custom physical therapy plan can help you push back.

With early and consistent intervention, you’ll improve balance, build muscle memory, and reduce the severity of contractures and joint deformities. Physical therapy also addresses one of CMT’s biggest dangers that is loss of mobility, which often leads to fails and injuries.

A 2017 study in Muscle and Nerve found that patients with CMT who followed structured physical therapy routines significantly improved their walking endurance and muscle responsiveness.

Key Physical Therapy Techniques for CMT

Here are some of the most common and effective techniques used to manage Charcot-Marie-Tooth:

Stretching

CMT can cause your muscles and tendons to tighten, especially in your legs and feet. If you’ve noticed stiff ankles or limited movement, regular stretching can make a big difference. Your therapist will guide you through gentle stretches, like calf and hamstring stretches, to keep your muscles flexible and reduce your risk of contractures or joint pain.

Strengthening Exercises

Muscle weakness is one of the main symptoms of CMT, and it can affect how you walk or grip objects. You’ll work on low-impact, resistance-based exercises that focus on your legs, core, and hands. Using light weights, resistance bands, or even just your body weight, these workouts help you keep the muscles you do have strong and active.

Balance Training

If you sometimes feel unsteady, you’re not alone. Balance training is a key part of CMT therapy. Your therapist might ask you to stand on one foot, use a balance board, or walk in a straight line. These exercises help you improve coordination and reduce your chances of falling.

Gait Training

Walking with CMT can be challenging, especially if you have foot drop. In gait training, your therapist will work with you to improve how you walk, adjusting your posture, step patterns, and muscle use. This might involve walking on a treadmill, over obstacles, or with assistive tools to help retrain your body.

Orthotics Support

You may also be fitted for ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or shoe inserts. These support your ankles, prevent trips, and make walking easier. Your therapist will help you choose and adjust the right support for your needs. By sticking to your therapy routine and working closely with your PT, you’ll start to feel more in control of your body and daily movement. Every small improvement adds up.

Benefits of Regular Physical Therapy for CMT Patients

You might be wondering if it’s really worth the effort, especially when progress can feel slow. But the benefits of regular physical therapy are both short-term and long-lasting.

Improved mobility: You’ll walk more confidently, with better foot clearance and posture.
Stronger muscles: Even moderate strength training prevents atrophy and improves daily functioning.
Delayed disability: Physical therapy can slow the progression of weakness, delaying the need for assistive devices.
Pain reduction: Certain stretches and postural adjustments reduce nerve compression and joint pain.
Better mental health: Movement releases endorphins and gives you back a sense of control over your body.

According to Mayo Clinic, tailored therapy programs are among the most effective ways to maintain your quality of life and mobility, even as CMT progresses.

What to Expect in a Physical Therapy Session for CMT

Your first session with a physical therapist will be a full-body evaluation. They’ll assess your muscle strength, flexibility, walking pattern, and balance. You’ll also set realistic goals, like improving endurance, reducing tripping, or managing fatigue. A typical session might involve:

Gentle warm-up exercises
Targeted strength or balance drills
Cool-down stretches
Education on body mechanics and fall prevention

Your therapist may also work closely with your neurologist to track how your symptoms are changing. And yes, you’ll likely get a home exercise plan so you can stay active between visits.

When to Start Physical Therapy for Charcot-Marie-Tooth

If you’ve just been diagnosed with CMT, it’s best to start physical therapy right away. Early intervention is crucial for preserving your strength and flexibility before the disorder progresses further.

Even if you’ve had CMT for years, it’s never too late to begin. Physical therapists can adapt your plan whether you’re using orthotics, walking independently, or already facing mobility issues. For children and teens diagnosed with inherited risk, pediatric therapy can be introduced to build a strong foundation.

You should also consider re-evaluation any time your symptoms change, for instance, if you notice a sudden increase in fatigue or foot drop. Regular therapy updates help ensure you’re working with a plan that evolves as your body does.

Tips for Finding a Qualified Physical Therapy for CMT

Not all PTs are trained to handle neuromuscular conditions like CMT, so do your research. You’ll want someone who:

Specializes in neurological rehabilitation
Has experience with progressive disorders
Can create a customized therapy plan, not a one-size-fits-all routine
Works closely with your healthcare team

Endnote

Living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease may feel overwhelming at times, but physical therapy is one of the most empowering tools you have to fight back. It strengthens your body, protects your mobility, and helps you feel more in control of your day-to-day life. Whether you’re just starting your CMT journey or you’ve been managing it for years, physical therapy can make a meaningful difference, physically, emotionally, and mentally.