5 Reasons Why Exercise is Crucial with a CMT Diagnosis
A diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth can be discouraging. You’re likely feeling discouraged, frustrated, and sad. It may seem like the spark of your life has been lost or that you’ll never be able to do anything you used to again. Some good news, though: An exercise is a valuable tool for managing your symptoms. It can be an important source of strength and help you maintain a sense of control in your life. Here are 5 reasons why exercise is crucial for managing your CMT symptoms.
1. It aids in weight loss.
Weight is a major factor in the onset of CMT. Exercising can help to reduce your extra body weight, which helps you feel more comfortable, noted YourHealthMagazine recently. It promotes bone density. When you exercise regularly, your bones tend to get stronger and sturdier. Bone health is important because the strength of your bones is directly related to your independence.
2. Regular exercise reduces stress levels and helps you sleep better.
It’s hard to feel good when you are stressed out and exhausted. Exercise releases endorphins that can naturally help relieve stress levels, making a big difference in your overall health. Exercise creates a physical need for sleep, so it’s easier to fall asleep.
3. Exercise improves your overall mood and makes you more active.
Regular exercise improves your brain function, memory, and concentration. It is also a great way to get out of the house and socialize with other people who may have similar experiences. Meeting with others will help lift you out of the isolation that may naturally come with CMT to prevent depression and anxiety from setting in.
4. It reduces the pain you experience due to CMT.
Exercise alleviates many of the symptoms associated with CMT. For example, exercise helps reduce pain in muscles and joints due to the increased blood flow and heightened sensitivity that comes with the desired benefits of exercise. These results are possible because muscle tissue and bone help protect joints from damage when there is a decrease in oxygen or pressure from weight-bearing activities. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association enables you to live a better life by providing information and support.
5. Exercise may reduce the severity of your symptoms.
One study found that those with CMT experienced a significant increase in activities of daily living (ADL) following a 12-week exercise program. These increased ADLs include: Sitting and standing for long periods, lifting and carrying objects, ambulating across rooms, bending and reaching, neck exercises and rotations, shopping, cleaning, and cooking. These benefits are primarily due to increased muscle strength and endurance, which leads to less pain associated with the symptoms.
In summary, exercise is a valuable tool for managing your symptoms. It can be an important source of strength and help you maintain a sense of control in your life. If you have been diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, please understand that it’s important to work with your doctor and find ways to exercise to prevent the progression of your symptoms.