Page 11 - A Guide to Physical and Occupational Therapy for CMT

Physical Therapy

Goals of Physical Therapy:
An overarching goal of physical therapy is to maintain or improve your
ability to participate in your desired roles. This is accomplished by providing
strategies and compensatory techniques to optimize participation. Safety
tips and assistive devices, including orthotics, may also be recommended to
optimize your function, reduce energy expenditure and maximize participation
in daily activities. Your PT may also provide education to you and your family
members about the effects of disease progression on function, lifestyle and
potential therapeutic interventions. In addition, your therapist may also support
realistic expectations regarding functional progression and the impact of
intervention over time.

Understanding how strength and flexibility relate to your functional concerns is
an important starting point of physical therapy intervention. At present,
there is evidence supporting exercise as a way of addressing impairments
related to strength. Physical therapists are well-trained in making the best
recommendations possible by considering the evidence available, your
preferences, and your individual clinical picture. The therapist may recommend
a course of care with an intensive clinic-based program followed by periodic
visits to monitor your condition, update your home program and make
appropriate recommendations for additional therapy services.