Though musicians dystonia presents initially as task-specific, one study found that the dystonia can progress outside of playing their instrument.Treatments such as splinting and sensorimotor retraining for focal hand dystonia have shown to be beneficial with varying results. It is important to consider the mental health and social aspect of this condition as a musicians self-identity and career can be affected considerably. The approach to treating musicians dystonia requires an understanding and collaboration with the musician to obtain a complete history and tailor treatment and education effectively. The most successful treatment for musicians dystonia has been a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians, physical therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and music instructors, focusing on rehabilitation that can involve retraining the brain to play their instrument again and even learning to play other instruments. Noted patients
Scott Adams, the writer of the Dilbert comics, has focal dystonia of the right hand, which impedes his artwork. Tom Adams, bluegrass banjo player, has focal dystonia in his right hand, and has switched to the guitar. Badi Assad, Brazilian singer-guitarist, was diagnosed with focal dystonia in 1999; she  eventually recovered and resumed her career. Andy Billups, bass guitarist with British rock group, The Hamsters, has made a partial recovery; he plays by using modified guitar plectrums. Liona Boyd, Canadian classical guitarist, publicized as the "First Lady of the Guitar", retired from the concert stage for six years in 2003, due to focal dystonia that affected her right hand.
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.