I have a genetic disorder called Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT.  It is the most commonly inherited neurological disorder affecting approximately 150,000 Americans (see http://charcot-marie-tooth.org).  People with CMT slowly lose normal use of their feet, legs, hands, and arms as the nerves to their extremities degenerate and their muscles become weakened because of the loss of stimulation by the affected nerves. 

In January 2005 when I first started Bikram Yoga, it was painful to walk any distance, climbing up or down stairs was difficult, my leg muscles were very weak, my right hip was sore and had rotation problems, and range of motion was difficult to achieve in any direction. Fatigue and stress complicated the situation as many times more energy is required than a normal person to do simple tasks.

There is no cure for CMT, but physical therapy is the preferred treatment and involves muscle strength training, muscle and ligament stretching, stamina training, and moderate aerobic exercise. I found all of those elements and more in Bikram Yoga.

Stretching in a hot room makes it easier and also helps to prevent joint deformities that could result from uneven muscle pull on bones. The yoga exercises help build stamina, maintain balance and increase endurance to prevent the fatigue that results from performing everyday activities that require strength and mobility. The aerobic activity helped to maintain cardiovascular fitness and overall health. These are all low-impact or no-impact exercises and will not put stress on fragile muscles and joints.  

Now I can climb stairs without tiring, walk barefoot again, enjoy working in the garden, and have regained a range of motion in my ankles, feet, hands, and arms that I had not thought possible.  As an avid outdoorsman, I’ve been able to hike several miles again and negotiate uneven terrain without losing my balance.  Bikram Yoga has also given me a new found sense of confidence in my physical capabilities as well as helped me discover an inner peace and calmness.

Dennis P., age 52, peripheral neuropathy

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