Charcot-Marie Tooth (CMT) is a disorder that causes damage to the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nerves transmit information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. They also transmit sensory information such as touch and proprioception (position) back to the spinal cord and brain. This can cause difficulty with muscle contraction, weakness, difficulty with mobility and reduced or altered sensation.

CMT usually becomes noticeable in adolescence or early adulthood, but the onset of disease can occur at any age.  Because longer nerves are affected first, symptoms usually begin in the feet and lower legs and then can affect the fingers, hands, and arms. CMT, also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders.

The therapists at Steps have an expert understanding of your condition and will provide a comprehensive and compassionate assessment of your goals and your needs.

How we can help:

Physiotherapy

• Walking training and practice
• Falls prevention and balance training
• Practice of tasks such as sitting, standing, and transferring
• Prescription of assistive technology
• Coordination training
• Spasticity and tone management to maintain flexibility
• Pain management and prevention of chronic injuries
• Sensory retraining
• Set up of aquatic physiotherapy programs to allow you to exercise safely in the water
• Support worker training
• Motor relearning and facilitation to improve your body’s ability to move
• Splinting and orthotics including collaboration with Second Skin and various Orthotists to assist you with your function and daily tasks
• Collaboration with medical specialists
• Provide education about your condition
• Provide home exercise programs

Occupational Therapy

• Upper limb intervention and splinting
• Community access training and assessment
• Assessment and prescription of assistive technology
• Assessment and prescription of adaptive aids and equipment
• Assessment for minor or major home modifications
• Functional retraining for everyday activities including personal care, household tasks and cooking.
• Identifying level of support worker assistance required
• Facilitating return to work goals
• Assisting with holiday planning
• Fatigue management strategies

Exercise Physiology

• Targeted strength training
• Balance training
• Tailored cardiovascular exercise
• Manual wheelchair skills
• Swimming training
• Prescription of a tailored gym program
• Bike and Trike training

Wheelchair and Seating

• Power and manual wheelchair prescription
• Complex seating and positioning solutions

Allied Health Assistant

• Support and supervise exercise programs prescribed by treating allied health professionals to increase frequency of therapy
• Support allied health professionals with clients who require multiple therapists’ assistance

At Steps we pride ourselves on working collaboratively with your interdisciplinary team, including neuropsychologists, speech pathologists, orthotist, dietician, recreation specialists, community nurses, neurologists, general practitioners and other allied health or medical staff.