Living with Focal Dystonia

Identity Grief

Musician’s focal dystonia places sufferers in a state of grief, as they experience a profound experience of loss and adjustment that makes them feel as if a fundamental part of who they are loses meaning or disappears.

Some people project their self-esteem and life purpose, especially in the professional sphere. This is particularly evident in musicians and makes them more vulnerable to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and a feeling of emptiness if their performing career is cut short for any reason, such as focal dystonia.

Being forced to reconcile their previous identity with the limitations imposed by this condition can lead these people to a sense of loss of identity.

Going Beyond the Performer

As with any grief, the process of accepting and adapting to this new situation imposed by dystonia is a painful and challenging process that tests our resilience and invites us to reinvent ourselves and explore music beyond the limits of musical interpretation, finding new meanings and purposes in our new reality.

Perhaps this is a good starting point toward recovery, so we can face it from a more constructive emotional state.

Tips

  • Eliminate caffeine and alcohol from your daily diet.
  • Try to go to bed before midnight and get eight hours of sleep.
  • Exercise.
  • Practice yoga and meditation.
  • Seek psychotherapeutic support, if necessary.

Few people explain how to live with dystonia and continue to work as musicians while we recover.

Based on my personal experience, I recommend continuing to make music in all its possible facets, even those you never imagined you could explore because you were too focused on your own instrument. This will greatly enrich you as a musician, and you will surprise yourself.

  • As a guitarist, I recommend you keep playing.
  • Try to play new and accessible pieces.
  • If you have symptoms in one finger of your right hand and you’re right-handed, you still have three left!
  • Explore new fingerings. You’ll discover technical resources you didn’t use before, which will give you a totally innovative rhythmic and dynamic dimension.
  • Use a pick if necessary!
  • Remember that the important thing is to continue making music and the result, not how you do it.
  • Don’t try to control the uncontrollable.
  • Controlling tension generates more tension.
  • If you’re still active as a performer, distinguish between re-education work for Focal Dystonia, if you’re following a recovery program, and performing on stage. The two are as different as they are complementary.
  • Recover that ability you had as a child to have fun playing music.
  • Don’t blame life for what happens to you, and don’t blame yourself.

Don’t feel like a failure

TRY TO BE HAPPY!

Neuroplasticidad recuperación distonía focal

Make a complete recovery from Focal Dystonia. Personalized online coaching

With the correct guidance, recovery from Musician’s Focal Dystonia is possible.

Recovering from musician’s focal dystonia requires the support of a specialized guide, but also the commitment, perseverance, and patience of those embarking on this path to recovery, which is a completely personal process.

SEE MORE INFORMATION
RECOVERY FROM MFD ONLINE COACHING

Walter Silva Distonía del Guitarrista

If you have any question, do not hesitate to contact me by phone or WhatsApp. I will respond you as soon as possible.
Thank you!

+ 34 630 993 873

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