Focal Dystonia in musicians

Focal Dystonia is complex and it is not clear what  triggers it. The main causes are believed to be:

• A change in technique
  
• Practising under stress and anxiety
• A psychological trauma (performance related or external)
  

Focal dystonia can be seen as a type of phobia, or defence system, that the mind has created in reaction to heightened anxiety, or stress.

The musician is no longer thinking about the sound they want to create, but focus on perfecting a technique.  The more they notice errors the more they try to control it 

The spasms of focal dystonia are a direct consequence of the body rebelling against the control.

If the musician can learn to stop fighting the dystonia, and relinquish control to the body, allowing the dystonia to happen, he will begin to make progress towards rehabilitation. 

Performance Anxiety

Professional dancers, singers, actors and musicians often suffer from performance anxiety. 

A moderate level of anxiety can improve performance but if this increases it can have a dramatic effect or even lead to stage fright, panic and avoidance.

This can be overcome through tried and tested techniques. We have been able to help many professional performers overcome this disabling condition leading to great improvements in their confidence.

You are shown how to reprogramme your negative thinking to calm your emotions and how to modify any unhelpful behaviours that get in the way of your performance.