A case of focal hand dystonia effectively treated with manipulation of the trapezium bone

Abstract

Abstract：[Introduction] The methodology and effectiveness of physical therapy for focal dystonia has not been reported yet. This report explains one example of the effective use of manual therapy on symptoms resulting from focal hand dystonia without abnormal findings, and it also reflects on the time it took for the diagnosis of focal hand dystonia to be made. [Case] A female in her forties presented for examination as she felt that she was holding items too strongly, because it was difficult for her to control the bending movements that her thumb and index finger had to make when holding items. [Evaluation and Treatment] There were no noteworthy abnormal findings, and it was difficult to interpret and treat the symptoms. However, when the patient experienced sharp pain in the CMC joint of the thumb, manipulation of the trapezium bone was conducted, and this resulted in a significant improvement in involuntary finger movement. [Conclusion] The results suggest that there is a possibility of muscular skeletal abnormalities such as positional fault of bones or hypermobility enhancing the symptoms of focal hand dystonia.