Focal Dystonia is a condition whose physical manifestation is involuntary, uncontrollable and debilitating muscular contractions. It effects musicians in the part of the body used to play - ie fingers, hands, embouchures etc. It has only been recognised by the medical world within the last ten years and as such is still poorly understood. As a result, the notion that it is incurable and career-ending has perpetuated.
However, many musicians have successfully been rehabilitated, not by looking at the physical symptoms, but by addressing the phychological/emotional cause.

This group was set up as a place for musicians affected by Focal Dystonia to swap stories and get some moral support!