DYSTONIA
Dystonia
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive or twisting movements and abnormal postures. These muscle contractions can be sustained or intermittent and may affect one or more parts of the body, such as the neck, face, limbs, or trunk. Dystonia can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact a person's ability to perform daily activities.
There are several types of dystonia, including:
​​01. Generalized Dystonia
Involves muscles throughout the body, leading to twisting or contorting movements affecting multiple body parts.​
​​02. Focal Dystonia
Affects specific body parts or muscle groups, such as the neck (cervical dystonia or spasmodic torticollis), eyelids (blepharospasm), or hand (writer's cramp).​
​​03. Segmental Dystonia
Involves adjacent body regions, such as the neck and face or the arm and leg.​
​​04. Hemidystonia
Affects one side of the body.
The exact cause of dystonia is often unknown, but it is believed to involve abnormalities in the brain regions responsible for controlling movement. Dystonia can be primary (idiopathic), meaning it occurs without an identifiable cause, or secondary, resulting from underlying conditions such as brain injury, stroke, infection, or certain medications.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management of dystonia by focusing on stretching tight muscles, improving posture and alignment, increasing range of motion, and optimizing functional abilities. Physiotherapists may also provide education, support, and strategies to help individuals cope with the challenges associated with dystonia.
Pimpama Neurological Physiotherapists can provide specialized care and support for individuals with dystonia to help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Here's how they can help:
01. Assessment and Evaluation
Neurological physiotherapists will conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the severity of dystonia, identify affected muscle groups, and assess functional limitations. This assessment helps tailor treatment plans to meet the individual's specific needs.​
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02. Muscle Relaxation Techniques
Physiotherapists can teach relaxation techniques and provide manual therapy interventions to help reduce muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain associated with dystonia. This may include stretching exercises, massage, and joint mobilization techniques.​​
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03. Postural Correction
Dystonia often leads to abnormal postures and movement patterns. Physiotherapists can work with individuals to improve posture, alignment, and body mechanics through targeted exercises and postural training. They may also recommend assistive devices or orthotics to support proper alignment.​​​​​
By offering personalized treatment plans and ongoing support, Pimpama Neurological Physiotherapists help individuals with dystonia optimize their physical function, mobility, and overall well-being.
Our Paediatric Physiotherapist has further knowledge of treating Paediatric patients with CP. Pimpama Paediatric Physiotherapy Clinic specializes in providing comprehensive care and support for infants, children, and adolescents with various developmental, neurological, orthopedic, and musculoskeletal conditions.
04. Range of Motion Exercises
Restricted movement and limited range of motion are common symptoms of dystonia. Physiotherapists can prescribe exercises to improve flexibility, joint mobility, and muscle length, helping individuals regain functional movement and reduce discomfort.​​
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05. Functional Training
Neurological physiotherapists focus on improving functional abilities and activities of daily living (ADLs). They may develop customized exercise programs to address specific functional goals, such as walking, reaching, grasping objects, or performing self-care tasks.
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06. Gait Training
For individuals with dystonia affecting their gait and mobility, physiotherapists can provide gait training programs to improve walking pattern, balance, and coordination. This may involve exercises to strengthen core muscles, improve proprioception, and enhance stability during walking.
