What is musician's dystonia?

Q: What is musician's dystonia?

A: Dystonia, motor dystonia, and focal dystonia are all similar terms to describe a condition of cramping just like "writer's cramp." Muscles of the fingers and hands contract and don't let go causing twisting and abnormal positioning that prevents the musician from playing his or her instrument.

This condition affects pianists, violinists, and woodwind (e.g., flute, clarinet, saxophone) players most often. There may be a genetic predisposition to the condition but in most cases involving musicians there is an element of repetitive overuse. Stiffness, cramping, and involuntary movements seem to come on slowly at first.

These symptoms often only occur while playing the instrument. The symptoms disappear when the person is at rest. This phenomenon can make it appear as though there is an emotional or psychologic cause (i.e., the person doesn't really want to play), but this is not the case most times.

With retraining and sometimes a little medical help (e.g., Botox injections, anticholingergic medications), a more normal motor pattern can be re-established. Deep brain stimulation is a newer treatment for this problem that is under investigation. Since there may be excessive excitability in some areas of the brain, this approach may provide another safe and effective treatment option.

Reference: Andrew J. Rosenbaum, MD, et al. Injuries Complicating Musical Practice and Performance: The Hand Surgeon's Approach to the Musician-Patient. In The Journal of Hand Surgery. June 2012. Vol. 37A. No. 6. Pp. 1269-1272.



Thank you for being so professional and genuinely caring!

– J S

I appreciate the thoroughness of this clinic. When I come here I feel my concerns are being heard and treated accordingly..

– B M

Attentive, right on top of everything!.

– S M

I will not hesitate to return or refer friends and family..

– D P

Thanks SO much for all of your help and dedication! Your commitment is so appreciated.

– C L

Thanks a million for helping me. I am gracious for your compassion and extraordinary professionalism.

– M T

My recovery and my confidence in my knee is all thanks to you. I couldn’t have done it without Sport And Spine.

– B S

The team works like a well oiled machine, from start to finish. I’m truly grateful!

– J B
SPORT AND SPINE
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Jim Tsaprailis, PT
1152 London Road
Sarnia, On
519-337-8881
Find out about your injury
or condition. Go there