PT is the evaluation and treatment to help you prevent injury or to help you recover from a disability caused by an injury, a disease, or a health condition. The term "disability" in physical therapy refers to functional impairments, weakness, loss of flexibility or ROM (range of motion), imbalance etc.

PT can slow or prevent a disability from getting worse. A PT provides treatment by physical or mechanical means including exercise, manual treatments, or modalities (heat/cold, electrical, ultrasound).

Goals for PT generally include improved function and mobility such as walking, negotiating stairs/ ramps/ uneven surfaces, getting in/out of bed, up/down from chairs, and to restore your physical function and overall fitness.

How do I get referral for PT?

In light of direct access passing in NY State July 2006 and active as of November 2006 you can be evaluated and treated by a PT without a MD prescription for 10 visits or 30 days. At this time these visits are not covered by insurance or retroactively reimbursed by insurance.

Due to the progressiveness of CMT, it is advisable to develop a relationship with a Physiatrist, a rehabilitation specialist, who can follow you across the continuum of your life as your PT needs will change as you age.

PTs will accept prescriptions from any MD although a Physiatrist is knowledgeable of your condition and familiar with rehabilitation services available to you.

Where do I go for PT?

You can receive PT at a variety of settings on an outpatient basis. Hospital based PT settings frequently have a well coordinated interdisciplinary team in place should you require other services such a Occupational Therapy (OT) , Orthotists for bracing, Psychology for stress management, Nutritionists for weight management, etc. If you chose to receive PT at a private practice, do not hesitate to ask if they are familiar with CMT or have any experience with treating people with CMT.

You ultimately make the decision where you will receive PT services and need to feel comfortable and involved in the process of rehabilitation. Keep in mind personal trainers often use "PT". They are not trained in evaluation and treatment of specific health conditions. You need to see a Physical Therapist who can establish guidelines for exercise if you choose to work with a personal trainer in the future.

PT evaluation

Your PT will perform a comprehensive physical examination looking at the following:

• Strength
• Posture
• Observation/skin inspection/palpation
• Range of motion
• Balance-to be assessed with shoes on and off
• Flexibility
• Aerobic capacity/endurance
• Sensation
• Pain
• Deep tendon reflexes
• Functional mobility

PT Treatment

• Exercise is important to improve and maintain function, mobility, flexibility, strength, endurance and maintain or lose weight.
• Exercise can help manage the effects of CMT.
• Exercise should be started early and performed regularly.
• Your exercise program may need to be modified over the years as your body will change as you age (postural changes, weight gain, vision changes).

PT will focus on:

Precautions/Exercise Guidelines

You should understand your condition. It is important to learn how your body works.

Follow your exercise prescription. More exercise is not necessarily better and you could actually harm your self. "Overwork weakness” occurs from the result of over exercising atrophied muscles. Too little exercise and you may not receive maximal benefit.

• Over exertion is a precaution.
• You should exercise below the level of exhaustion. PT will use the BORG scale or Perceived exertion scale to assess effort and exertion.
• If muscle fatigue or soreness last for more than 48 hours following exercise then the exercise was too intense/aggressive.
• You Must take precaution for unstable joints when exercising.
• Avoid high impact activities such as aerobics, jogging, jumping activities. Focus on low to no impact activities such as biking or swimming.