Hand dystonia is a neurological condition that causes involuntary movement or cramps in the hand or arm muscles when performing a task. Let’s take a look at the condition and how it is treated.
What Is Hand Dystonia?
Hand dystonia, or focal hand dystonia, is also known as writer’s cramp, musician’s cramp or even musician’s dystonia. It presents as involuntary movement, cramps or tremors in the hand while trying to perform a task such as writing or playing an instrument.
Focal hand dystonia is a neurological condition involving the way nerve cells communicate which causes these contractures or abnormal postures. It seems to be related to a problem in the basal ganglia, which is the part of the brain responsible for initiating contractions of the muscles.
Treating Hand Dystonia
At this time, there are no medications to prevent or cure focal hand dystonia. However, here at Tanya Coats Occupational Therapy, we can work together to create a home exercise program to reduce your symptoms.
These strategies may include:
- Postural alignment while performing the task
- Ergonomic considerations
- Imagined movements
- Goal-directed repetitive tasks
- Constraint induced therapy
- Strengthening
- Laterality
- Mirror therapy
- Stereognosis
- Graded activities
A thorough assessment can help determine how to tailor the program to suit your needs. Contact me today to help you on your road to recovery.
Article reference: Hand Therapy Group