Dystonia

Rehabilitation

 

Dystonia is no longer incurable.
Movement is your new prescription;
Understanding will empower you to overcome this challenge.

 

This website provides information on dystonia,
symptoms and treatments for various types,
and the latest neuroplasticity training methods.

 

G
陳恩加博士，肌張力異常訓練師，專精於音樂家演奏動作的訓練，法里亞斯技巧（Farias Technique）認證的訓練師。

Monica Chen

Dr. Monica Chen, a musician who has personally suffered from dystonia, transformed her personal struggle into a professional driving force. For many years, she studied under Dr. Joaquin Farias, a leading authority on dystonia treatment, and underwent rigorous training, becoming the first dystonia trainer in Asia and the first to be certified in the Farias Technique. She currently serves as a trainer at Dystonia Recovery Program, a dystonia training platform.

Recognizing the scarcity of information in Chinese, Dr. Chen created the first Chinese website in 2014 to introduce “Musician’s Dystonia” and translated Dr. Farias’s classic book “Limitless”, opening a door for the Chinese-speaking world to understand dystonia. As a doctor of violin performance, she empathizes with the difficulties faced by musicians and uses her own experience and keen observation to help them regain lost movements through movement training.
In recent years, Dr. Chen’s professional reach has expanded beyond musicians to include different types and other body parts affected by dystonia. These valuable experiences have given her a more comprehensive understanding of dystonia, like pieces of a puzzle, piecing together the whole picture of dystonia. When the perspective is no longer limited to the local, one can observe the broader context of this complex disease.

From a performer to a translator, website designer, and trainer, each of Dr. Chen’s role transitions stems from her passion and sense of mission for dystonia. This website is not only a crystallization of her professional knowledge but also a demonstration of her deep care for patients. Dr. Chen believes that every patient is unique, with different needs, symptoms, and lifestyles. Therefore, she is committed to providing personalized rehabilitation plans through sufficient communication and in-depth understanding, aiming to help them regain lost functions and confidence in life.

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Find your Puzzle

Find the missing pieces that fit your individual needs with the “Dystonia Rehab” website. Discover your puzzle and start your journey.

What is Dystonia?

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in twisting postures, tremors, or an inability to relax. It is a dysfunction in the nervous system and motor integration, where signals from the brain to the muscles become disrupted, leading to sustained or intermittent muscle contractions.

In the past, dystonia was often considered a rare disease. However, it is actually the third most common movement disorder, following essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease, affecting people of all ages and ethnicities…

Types of Dystonia

“Dystonia” refers to abnormal movements and muscle tone, and such symptoms are not limited to a single disease, but can be caused by various conditions. The term “dystonia” on this website mainly refers to “primary dystonia,” not “secondary dystonia” caused by other diseases.

The exact cause of primary dystonia remains unclear, and the diverse symptoms presented by patients make classification complex. There are three main classification methods: 1) by body part affected, 2) by task specificity, and 3) by the distribution of affected body parts…

By Body Part Affected

Please click the button below and

select the affected body part on the image.

By Task Specificity

Common types include musician’s dystonia,

writer’s cramp, runner’s dystonia, and yips…

By the Distribution

Classified as focal, segmental,

multifocal, and generalized.

Neuroplasticity Training

The neuroplasticity training for dystonia, developed by Dr. Farias over two decades of research with thousands of dystonia patients, has revolutionized dystonia rehabilitation. This approach has brought a breakthrough in the treatment of dystonia, offering new hope and possibilities for those who suffer from this debilitating condition.

The training focuses on cognitive motor function, utilizing neuroplasticity to enhance prefrontal activity and modulate subcortical processes.

Rehabilitation

The path to recovery from dystonia is a winding road, filled with uncertainties and obstacles. Each traveler embarks on a personal odyssey, their pace and progress as unique as their fingerprints. This transformative journey demands unwavering confidence, enduring patience, and relentless perseverance. There may be moments of stagnation or even regression, but these are merely stepping stones on the path to triumph. Remember, every stumble is an opportunity to rise with renewed strength and continue your journey toward a brighter horizon.

 

Blog

A Better Future

A Better Future

by | Mar 12, 2022 | ,

I don’t like to call the process of dystonia rehabilitation a long-term struggle. As if the patient did not fight it seriously, did not try his best to beat the disease (only those who restore function are the winners), so he succumbed to the disease. “Live with Dystonia” is not a matter of winning or losing. We do not need to overcome the disease, but accept it as a part of our lives.

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Basic Exercise to Quickly Adjust the Nervous System (with English Subtitles)

Basic Exercise to Quickly Adjust the Nervous System (with English Subtitles)

by | May 15, 2021 |

The basic exercise introduced in this video was invented by Stanley Rosenberg. It can quickly stimulate the nervous system and restore the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system to a balanced state. Most patients with dystonia have the problem of low parasympathetic nervous system. During rehabilitation, in addition to the movement exercises, improving the balance of the nervous system is also necessary.

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Testimony

Dystonia has not hindered my ability to play music, but has instead made me more aware of each day, to truly feel my body and mind, and to truly be with myself. In Dr. Chen’s classes, I not only learned how to live with dystonia, but also gained a deeper understanding of how to live my life well.

Clarinet / Professional Clarinetist
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The methods and concepts taught by Dr. Chen in dealing with dystonia have significantly improved my symptoms. It can be said that my playing ability and mindset have been restored and even enhanced. Dr. Chen’s teaching content has given me a more accurate and rational understanding of playing. Even when facing technical difficulties not caused by dystonia, I can understand my body’s condition and consciously control my muscle movements, making practice more efficient and refined. I am truly grateful for Dr. Chen’s help in allowing me to continue filling my life with the joy of playing music.

Erhu/ Professional Orchestra Player
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Once we encounter a problem, we tend to blame ourselves repeatedly, leading to anxiety and a feeling of being lost, like a headless chicken. Under the scientific treatment of Dr. Monica Chen, I undoubtedly experienced a profound spiritual transformation, embarking on a brand new journey. My fingers, once like naughty children, gradually became more obedient. I believe this is the power of scientific methods.

Piano/ Professional Pianist