Re:Writer's Block?

There is a question buried in this post so please read on.

First of all, the author of the original post said he specifically meant writer's cramp, not writer's block. In my opinion these are not necessarily related at all. As an injured pianist, I have had many years to study the problem,and while it may have originated in a tension pattern, there is a little understood pathology going on. The closest thing to a diagnosis I ever received was the term "focal dystonia". The way i understand it, the brain is sending messages to agonistic and antagonistic muscles, which are paired. That's how we instruct our bodies to move. We somatically inhibit one set of muscles while instructing it's "opposite" to move. When signals are sent to both muscles at the same time through tension or inefficient self use, a "cramp" can occur. If this is not corrected the incorrect neural pathways will become "hooked up" resulting in symptoms such as cramping, involuntary lifting of a finger or a tightening of the wrist etc. My experience with this condition is that one must develop new habits through very careful retraining. For pianists it means going back to square one and studying the Taubman technique, a comprehensive pedagogy designed to support coordinated movement. Gradually new neuronal pathways are created and the dystonic ones fade into the background. I have had moderate success with this, but admittedly, focal dystonia is a tough nut to crack. I am now getting Alexander technique lessons. I'm also starting EMDR for some deep seated fear and inadequacy issues that are at the root of the original cause of the injury. Do you think EMDR can help support a cure to such a psycho-physical as this?

Also , to the guy that made the glib comment "Maybe you're not supposed to be a writer: That comment pissed me off. If I had listened to guys like you I would never have created the body of work that i have put together despite my physical problems. When one is called to create, these challenges can be met and overcome. No problem. There is always a way. Don't listen to guys like this who encourage you to give up so easily.

Replies:

Re:Writer's Block?, by Sandra Paulsen Inobe, PhD, 11/24/02

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