The condition appears to be associated with over-training, and individualized treatment strategies may involve medications, retraining techniques, and procedures.
People with dystonia experience tightness, cramping, fatigue, involuntary sustained or repetitive muscle contractions that can be painless or painful and resulting in abnormal posturing, twisting motions, and even tremors.
[1] During the first couple years of onset, symptoms can partially or completely disappear for days to months, but return in other parts of the body.
[1] Current medical science does not precisely describe the causes of dystonia, however genetic and environmental factors may play a large role.
[4] Misfiring of neurons in the sensorimotor cortex, a thin layer of neural tissue that covers the brain, is thought to cause contractions.
[6] Exploration of this initially involved over-training particular finger movements in non-human primates, which resulted in the development of focal hand dystonia.
It is thought that the excessive motor training those skills require may contribute to the development of dystonia as their cortical maps become enlarged and begin to overlap.
[1] The diagnosis of focal dystonia is highly dependent on the history of the patient, as physical exam is typically normal, and ruling out other causes of movement disorder.
[2] Physical therapy is commonly used as an adjunct or main form of treatment for focal dystonia, however more studies for its benefit are needed.
Since the root of the problem is neurological, doctors have explored sensorimotor retraining activities to enable the brain to "rewire" itself and eliminate dystonic movements.
The work of several doctors such as Nancy Byl and Joaquin Farias has shown that sensorimotor retraining activities and proprioceptive stimulation can induce neuroplasticity, making it possible for patients to recover substantial function that was lost to focal dystonia.
[4] Evaluation of musician's dystonia should include history before and after symptom onset and observation of playing the instrument, as deficits can be subtle and considered minor to the general population.
[2] It is important to consider the mental health and social aspect of this condition as a musician's self-identity and career can be affected considerably.