Other Approaches to Treatment

Stretching exercises may be important for maintaining or recovering range of motion for affected joints (such as of the arms, legs, etc.). For example, a regular program of stretching exercises may assist affected individual in regaining full range of motion after a BTX injection has weakened a dystonic muscle.

Some patients use so-called "sensory tricks" to temporarily relieve their symptoms. These frequently involve touching or stroking a particular spot on the skin. The exact mechanism of relief obtained by these "sensory tricks" is not understood. It is possible that skin stimulation may interrupt abnormal nerve impulses that cause muscle overactivity. In addition, in some patients, certain types of braces may provide the same stimulation and be equally effective.

A number of clinical trials have studied the use of biofeedback techniques for the treatment of individuals with dystonia. Some patients have benefited; however, in most patients, no long term, clear-cut improvement has been demonstrated. Clinical trials have demonstrated that manipulation-based therapies (chiropractic, etc.) have not been effective for people with dystonia; however, some patients report that they obtain some benefit from these techniques. Practitioners are advised not to use force, but to assist their patients in using their own resources to compensate for postural abnormalities.

	Dystonia DYT1 Gene FAQ