Abstract
27 patients with spasmodic torticollis were treated biweekly by the Guiding and Shaping technique using a combination of EMG-biofeedback and mirror-assisted self-monitoring, which helped the patients to gain self-control of vicious-cyclic torticollis in daily life. As a result, the symptom completely disappeared in 13, almost completely remitted in 6 and fairly well improved in 6. 2 of 27 patients dropped out. The normal condition was restored in 81%, excluding 2 who dropped out and 9 who are still under treatment. The healing rate amounted to 93% in patients who started the treatment within a year after the onset. This suggests the importance of early treatment by the Guiding and Shaping technique. At the onset, 95% of them were under some stress and 52% were busily pressed with work. Underlying factors for the induction of spasmodic torticollis were detected in 85%. A long, fixed working posture which induced chronic stiffness and Pein in the neck and shoulders was forced in 43%. The lengths of the legs differed in 24%. Stooped shoulders were found in 21%. A defense posture against pain was found in 19%. These underlying factors which impaired the physical balance contributed to the onset and exacerbation of their vicious-cyclic behavior. This suggests the importance of treatment such as the Guiding and Shaping technique combined by mirror-assisted self-monitoring which is effective for recovery of the total balance of the body.
