If you’ve read my story, you’ll know that I became aware of the effects of my Musician’s Focal Dystonia back in 2005. Neither dentists, physiotherapists, nor neurologists were able to provide me with any solutions for my condition. At best, I was told that botox might offer some partial relief, and that I would have to… Continue reading…
I often talk of the differences between a ‘nuts and bolt’s approach to focal dystonia (ie. studying the neurology, changes in the basal ganglia etc) vs. the merits of a hands-on recovery programme. Personally, I have seen far greater rehabilitation rate in musicians with focal dystonia when applying recovery programmes, than when simply talking about… Continue reading…
A valuable tool in the recovery from, and indeed prevention of Musician’s Focal Dystonia is the use of role models. Role models and recovery The best musicians (and athletes) make stunning performances look easy. Why? Because it is easy for them! The obvious question then is, “What do these top musicians do in order to play effortlessly?”… Continue reading…
First published: 30 Sept. 2010 as “Task Specific Focal Dystonia Cured: Trumpet embouchure back on track”. Firstly some background: Cutting a very long story rather short… I began playing trumpet at age 13 in New Zealand. At 18 I started university, and at 21 auditioned for (and was accepted for) post-graduate trumpet studies at some… Continue reading…