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Dystonia - Anyone Know Anything About It?
I have a request for a new client who suffers from this disorder. From what I've researched:
In dystonia, muscles contract involuntarily — causing an uncontrollable twisting of the affected body part. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and
may interfere with the performance of many day-to-day tasks.
Before I take on this client I want to find out as much as I can, so I figured I'd come here as well. Mostly I need to find out if there are any contraindications that I need to be aware about.
In dystonia, muscles contract involuntarily — causing an uncontrollable twisting of the affected body part. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and
may interfere with the performance of many day-to-day tasks.
Before I take on this client I want to find out as much as I can, so I figured I'd come here as well. Mostly I need to find out if there are any contraindications that I need to be aware about.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Daniel Cohen on
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I worked on a child with it several years ago. As long as I worked on him once a week he had enough control to walk and go to school. His family went on a two week vacation and he deteriorated. That time he had trouble walking. Working on him twice a week for two weeks brought him back to about where he had been. at that point finances got hard for the parents and they moved. About 6 months later I heard from the relative that had referred me that he was now in a mouth controlled electric wheelchair.
Insurance paid for medical intervention and the wheel chair but not for alternatives. The Doctors had told the parents I couldn't have any effect other than relaxing him so he might get sleep. The four months I worked with him there was improvement. He was walking better and able to do school work.
Where is real Healthcare Reform?
What stage is your client? I don't know how different his dystonia would be from juvenile dystonia.
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Permalink Reply by Jody C. Hutchinson on
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I have worked with three dystonia clients. I have worked with one for about six years. I've seen mild to very severe. The only contraindications I've noticed are with the cervical spine. Sometimes too much stretching can cause a rebound effect. Otherwise, it's a very interesting condition. While I know that it's not curable, I have found that regular bodywork can help with secondary tightness and make the client more comfortable.
Hope this helps.
jh
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Permalink Reply by Jason Erickson on
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What kind of dystonia? I've seen several, and each requires a different approach.
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