Music you may hear in the clinic
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Back in my college days an amazing guitarist would tour the University. He played guitar in a very unique way with both hands on the neck, taping and pulling off. He sounded like two of the best guitarists I’ve ever heard at the same time. Each year he came back to play the University they would have to find larger venues. I have all his CD’s ( yes, CD’s). In 1999 he just disappeared and I found no trace of his touring or new music. After struggling for 2 years with his hands not allowing him to perform his signature music he was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder called Focal Dystonia. This is a movement disorder that causes the muscles to contract involuntarily. If affects over 300,000 people in the U.S. alone, and there is no cure, yet.
Other names you may recognize with this disorder include Scott Adams (Dilbert) has focal dystonia , Shania Twain with dysphonia ( lost muscle control of vocal cords), and more.
I hope you’ll enjoy the music overhead, and realize it’s from this very talented musician how battled his way with dystonia to relearn how to play the guitar with the opposite hand. Not an easy thing to do, but an amazing journey.
He was kind enough to allow his music to be played in our clinic and I’m happy to try and help share his story and raise awareness.
Information about Billy McLaughlin
Link to Dystonia Medical Research Foundation
Donations - link for more information, get involved, donate
