Introduction to Focal Dystonia by Ruth Chiles

Jul 5, 2024

Introduction to Focal Dystonia by Ruth Chiles

Speaker: Ruth Chiles

  • Experienced in treating focal dystonia
  • Works primarily with musicians, athletes, and general population
  • Personal experience with focal embouchure dystonia

Overview

  • Series of videos discussing causes and treatments of focal dystonia
  • Focus on neurophysiology rather than pure physiology

Background

  • Suffered from focal embouchure dystonia at 17-18 years old
  • Initially worked with performance blocks in athletes and musicians
  • Influenced by neuroplastic techniques

Key Case Studies

  1. Basketball Player

    • Foot contractions during jump shots
    • Treated successfully, resulting in better performance

  2. Trombone Player

    • Diagnosed with focal embouchure dystonia
    • Achieved complete recovery
    • His case motivated Ruth to specialize in focal dystonia

Understanding Focal Dystonia

  • A neurophysiological condition associated with the autonomic nervous system
  • Caused by conflicts in brain signals, creating contradictory movements
  • Prolonged survival mode in the nervous system leads to brain disconnections
  • Result: Dissociative problems and sensation issues in affected body parts

Related Personality Traits

  • Perfectionism, hyperactivity, obsession, intense focus
  • All indicating a nervous system in prolonged survival mode

Brain Structure and Function

  • Neocortex: Conscious thought, 10-60 bits of information per second
  • Subcortex: Governs movements, 11 million bits of information per second
  • Important to work with the subcortex for treating focal dystonia

Treatment Approach

  • Neuroplastic Techniques

    • Main technique: Brainspotting (targeting subcortex)
    • Releasing brain capsules and breaking dissociative barriers
    • Shifting client’s nervous system from survival to well-being

  • Flow States

    • Teaching clients to enter and maintain deep flow states
    • Enhances relationship with their instrument and overall life
    • Engages full brain capacity in a healthy, integrated manner

Closing Remarks

  • Personal passion and commitment to treating focal dystonia
  • Provides website and contact details for further information
  • Encourages those suffering from focal dystonia to seek effective treatment
  • Ruth Chiles's dedication stems from her own recovery and desire to help others regain their full talent and joy in life