Focal dystonia, or focal task specific dystonia, is a neurological condition, a type of dystonia, that affects a muscle or group of muscles in a specific part of the body during specific activities, causing involuntary muscular contractions and abnormal postures. There are many different types of focal dystonia, each effecting a different region of the body. For example, in focal hand dystonia, or writers cramp, the fingers either curl into the palm or extend outward without control. In musicians, the condition is called musicians focal dystonia, or simply, musicians dystonia. In sports, it may be involved in what is commonly referred to as the yips. The condition appears to be associated with over-training, and individualized treatment strategies may involve medications, retraining techniques, and procedures. Signs and Symptoms
People with dystonia experience tightness, cramping, fatigue, involuntary sustained or repetitive muscle contractions that can be painless or painful and resulting in abnormal posturing, twisting motions, and even tremors. Focal dystonia typically presents in adults, more commonly in women ranging from ages 30 through 40. Major types of focal dystonia affect the limbs, face, mouth, neck, and larynx. These focal dystonias can be exclusive to specific tasks, like writing or playing an instrument. Focal dystonia will typically have a subtle and slow onset before slowly worsening over years. During the beginning stages, symptoms can be intermittent and without clear associations and provocation. The progression of this disease can vary from person to person.
She worked to retrain her right hand, and since 2009 has been performing again as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Berkley Breathed, American Pulitzer Prize winning comic strip artist and book writer/illustrator. Known for Bloom County,  Opus, and others. His work was featured as that of the main character, as an adult, of the film Second Hand Lions. Stuart Cassells, founder of the bagpipe rock group Red Hot Chilli Pipers, announced focal dystonia in September 2011; he has left the band. Andrew Dawes, noted violinist and co-founder of the Orford String Quartet. Warren Deck, former tubist of the New York Philharmonic. Keith Emerson, pianist and keyboard player
Leon Fleisher, an international concert pianist, dealt with this condition in his right hand beginning in the 1960s and switched to only left hand playing. In the 2000s, he regained use of his right hand and recommenced performing and recording with two hands. Dominic Frasca, guitarist
Reinhard Goebel, Baroque violinist, switched to playing left-handed. Gary Graffman, pianist, who changed to performing only with his left hand. Jang Jae-in, Korean singer-songwriter and guitarist diagnosed with dystonia in her left hand in 2012. In 2015, on You Hee-yeols Sketchbook, she announced that she quit playing guitar. Alex Klein, principal oboist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Alfred Koffler, guitarist of rock band Pink Cream 69, diagnosed in early 2000s. To help him with live shows, Uwe Reitenauer was hired as a second guitarist. Koffler continues to write and perform live on stage with the band.