Musician's Focal Dystonia
What Is Focal Dystonia?
Musician's Focal Dystonia
Musician’s focal dystonia is considered a neurological motor disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that interfere with playing a musical instrument. It is a task-specific dystonia, meaning that actions involved in playing, such as strumming a chord on a guitar, forming an embouchure, lifting a trumpet into playing position, or pushing piano keys down, trigger involuntary muscle contractions. Sufferers may experience these as extreme tightness, shaking or cramping. Some may also notice a loss of coordination, endurance, range or speed.
In our research and experience, musician’s dystonia usually involves more than the involuntary muscle contractions affected musicians notice most. The condition is part of an overactive nervous system and frequently tangled up with mental and emotional distress such as fear, anxiety, doubt, and confusion; trauma and other negative experiences. Even playing elements, such as breathing and posture, can be impacted. The body is not broken, but, somewhere along the way, playing became a threat. For us, it is a whole body, whole mind condition—one that requires a comprehensive approach based on the individual.
Musician's Focal Dystonia Coaching Process
We designed our coaching package to help you lay the foundation for musician's focal dystonia recovery success. Our clients often experience relief, some immediate shifts and progress during these initial sessions. Recovery can feel like a rollercoaster ride, especially in the beginning, when you are learning to apply personalized, targeted strategies and develop new habits. Long-term success depends on patience, clarity, belief and confidence. We are eradicative, rather than adaptive, and partner with you to help eliminate ALL musician’s focal dystonia symptoms.
Initial 3-Session Coaching Package:
Program Orientation
Session 1: 1-1.5 hours
In your first session, you will meet with Julie Baxes for a discussion of your current situation and an overview of our recovery approach, strategies and concepts. As a recovering musician herself, Julie will share insights to save you time and effort, and answer any questions you may have. You will also get homework to start you on your healing path.
Master Coaching
Session 2: 1.5 hours+
Prepare to be enlightened during your session with Greg Spence! Greg will help you understand your current scenario, assign personalized drills and strategies, and move you forward in multiple ways. He will also set the stage for additional work as you gain competence with initial exercises.
Follow up Support
Session 3: 0.5-1 hour
Julie will meet with you to follow up on your progress, answer questions about your session with Greg, review strategies and make recommendations as needed.
Most clients will need additional guidance and support on their recovery journey. After you’ve completed your initial sessions, you can choose how you want to proceed with coaching and support.
Podcasts and Videos
Brass Mastery-James Newcomb Podcast
In this episode with James Newcomb, Greg Spence and Julie Baxes explore steps required to overcome musician’s focal dystonia. Julie also shares struggles and triumphs of her near-recovery journey with the help of Greg’s structured coaching approach.
Bob Reeves Podcast with Greg Spence and Julie Baxes
Host John Snell interviews Greg Spence and Julie Baxes about their remarkable work to understand musician’s focal dystonia and how to recover from it. Greg and Julie also share tips and insights to help affected musicians.
Book a FREE Fubrian Assessment
We are offering a free service to help evaluate your issue personally.
COMMON MUSICIAN'S DYSTONIA QUESTIONS
Please contact us with any questions we haven’t answered here.