Category: Focal Dystonia
Nora Krohn on Focal Dystonia: The Danger of Getting Stuck during Recovery
Nora Krohn cautions that being overly cautious when recovering from focal dystonia can be just as dangerous as rushing it. She explains why it's important to keep moving forward and not fear the unpleasant moments that are the key to healing.
Nora Krohn on Focal Dystonia: Structural Instability as a Major Source of Difficulty
The article explains how structural instability in the hand and wrist can contribute to the development of focal dystonia in string players. Nora Krohn describes how, thanks to a change in technique and restoration of natural movement logic, hand stability was restored and dystonic symptoms gradually disappeared.
Nora Krohn on Focal Dystonia: The Role of the Left Thumb in String Playing
The article explains why the left thumb must be dynamic and flexible when playing the violin/viola, not fixed. It describes its role in the three-point mechanism of holding the instrument, its relationship to the playing fingers, principles of healthy thumb structure, and practical exercises outside the instrument. Correct thumb work reduces compensations, tension and promotes recovery from focal dystonia.
Nora Krohn on Focal Dystonia: Hypermobility and Its Effect on Recovery
This article examines the relationship between joint hypermobility and focal dystonia in musicians. Nora Krohn explains how increased mobility can disrupt movement stability and proprioception, contribute to inappropriate technical habits and complicate recovery. It emphasizes the importance of healthy playing technique and targeted strengthening of stabilizing muscles.
Nora Krohn on Focal Dystonia: The Importance of Instrument Setup
This article discusses the key role of correct instrument tuning when playing the violin or viola in the context of recovery from focal dystonia. Nora Krohn explains how an inappropriate combination of chin rest and shoulder rest can lead to tension, compensations in the body and restriction of natural movement, and presents the principles of a neutral and individually adapted instrument hold that promotes healthy technique and fluidity of play.
Nora Krohn on Focal Dystonia: Managing Professional Playing during Recovery
New York-based violist Nora Krohn addresses a topic that is crucial for many musicians with focal dystonia - how to handle work during the recovery process. She shares her personal experience of deciding whether or not to continue performing and explains why returning to work is a key part of recovery.
Nora Krohn on Focal Dystonia: Restoring Healthy Movement When Playing the Viola
Nora Krohn, a violist from New York, describes the recovery process from focal dystonia in her video. She points out that this disorder is extremely complex and current science still does not fully understand its mechanisms, modes of expression or recovery processes. Her approach is based solely on personal experience she gained during her own return to full-fledged instrument playing.
Nora Krohn on Overcoming Focal Dystonia, Part 12: The Whole Hand and the Individual Fingers
The principle of the hand as a whole versus individual fingers helps musicians understand that the fingers work as part of an interconnected unit with the hand and forearm, not in isolation.
Nora Krohn on Overcoming Focal Dystonia, Part 11: Leader and Followers
The leader-follower principle helps musicians understand where movement comes from and how other parts of the body naturally adapt without excessive tension.
Nora Krohn on Overcoming Focal Dystonia, Part 10: Resting Down
The principle of leaning down connects the body with the support in the direction of gravity, reducing tension and creating stability and security when playing stringed instruments.