What is Cervical Dystonia?

Cervical dystonia, also known as spasmic torticollis, is considered to be a motor system disorder in which the neuro-functional connections in the brain are affected. This can cause involuntary, often painful muscle contractions and decreased motor control of the cervical spine musculature. Multiple systematic reviews have shown that physical therapy in conjunction with medical intervention including botox injections can have positive impacts on patients with cervical dystonia.

Physical therapy offers a wide variety of treatments for patients with cervical dystonia, including but not limited to dry needling, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, Redcord Suspension Training, improving breathing mechanics, relaxation/meditation techniques, nutritional assessment, and new technology utilizing direct current to create changes in the body…. introducing the Neubie^® by Neufit^®.

What is the Neubie® and how can it help this condition?

In recent years, the use of direct current technology has been shown to have unique, beneficial impacts on the neuromuscular system. The Neubie helps stimulate sensory receptors to improve the neuromuscular connections in your body. Think of this as rebooting or updating your body’s “software,” just like a computer! Unlike traditional electrical stimulation (like a TENS units), you perform functional movements with the Neubie on, which helps retrain your neuromuscular system to move with less restriction… and less pain! It helps restore connections and improve the way you function.

The Neubie helps your nervous system in other ways as well. Your autonomic nervous system has two components: the parasympathetic “rest and digest” and sympathetic “fight or flight survival mode” systems. The Neubie has been shown to decrease sympathetic drive or “survival mode” that has been shown to be predominant in individuals with cervical dystonia and a variety of other neurological conditions. Overactivation of this part of your nervous system is commonly seen when you have pain and stress and can have difficulty shutting off on its own, which the Neubie can help with. We call this use of the Neubie the “Master Reset.”

What kind of positive changes can I see with using the NEUBIE?

The Neubie positively affects the neuromuscular system, not just your muscles. It helps provide the right kind of sensory input to stimulate changes in your motor system, stimulating areas that are inhibited and calming areas that are too tense.The changes can help you breathe better, feel better, move better, sleep better, and overall have more energy. You will notice an improvement in your range of motion, pain, strength, and motor control.

Book your appointment with Danielle Peters, a pelvic health PT at One on One Physical Therapy.

About The Author

Danielle Peters graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Science and Public Health and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Emory University. She completed her residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and received board certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association.

Danielle brings a broad range of clinical experience to the One on One Team including orthopedics, sports medicine, post-operative rehabilitation, injury prevention, chronic disease/injury, pediatric athlete/dancer rehabilitation, vestibular and concussion therapy. She has extensive training in Trigger Point Dry Needling, Manual Therapy, and Blood Flow Restriction Training. She has also earned her ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist (ITPT) credential for treating patients post-concussion.