Embouchure Dystonia & Injury: support and recovery

My story is below. Please be advised that both trauma and S.A are discussed. Also note that my journey has a happy ending! Recovery is absolutely possible for YOU.

The Basic Steps for Recovery and Healing

  1. Physical assessment: start with the doctor you know best. Ask for help. Ask for referrals.

  2. Physiotherapy: once any physical trauma is finished healing (muscle tears, bruising, fractures, etc), look for a physio who understands FINE MOTOR CONTROL tasks. I worked with Bronwen Ackermann, who works only with musicians and understands our mechanics and function well.

  3. Mental Health assessment and treatment: I would not have recovered without trauma and grief therapy. The impact of emotional stress on the body is still much minimized in our industry. Assessment is VITAL. I got a referral to the Musicians Clinics of Canada through O.H.I.P (our provincial insurance plan).

  4. Nervous System work: I discovered the role of my own nervous system in the development of my dystonia BY ACCIDENT. A nervous system in chronic fight/flight actively restricts proprioception (your ability to feel your muscles and tissue) and your fine motor control. Without access to your fine motor control, you can’t play your instrument.

  5. Community Support: No one has healed from this distressing task-specific dysfunction in a vacuum. We are social animals, and despite the incredible self-consciousness and shame our condition can bring, isolation in your studio is not the answer. Find the helpers. The friends and colleagues who are invested in you as a person, not just a musician. They want to be there for you. They want you to thrive. Let them - let us - support you.

Connect and Contact

ROSLYN.BLACK@YAHOO.CA

I am always available. I can help you keep on top of your physio exercises, I can offer emotional support, I can connect you to medical professionals in your area who I think can help.

DYSTONIA DISCUSSION GROUP ZOOM CHAT:

Next date TBA.