For people living with cervical dystonia, finding health professionals who understand the condition can make a meaningful difference.
Cervical dystonia is a rare neurological movement disorder that affects the muscles of the neck and shoulders. It can impact posture, movement, pain, fatigue, confidence, and day-to-day function. For some people, it can also feel isolating — especially when access to informed support is limited.
Over the weekend of 2 and 3 May, cann Charitable Trust supported members of our national clinical network to attend a two-day cervical dystonia workshop led by internationally recognised physiotherapist Johanna Blom from Sweden.
Johanna works in neurology at Skåne University Hospital and is widely respected for her work in dystonia physiotherapy education and clinical management. The workshop focused on assessment, movement analysis, clinical reasoning, and physiotherapy management of cervical dystonia.
As part of cann’s work to improve access to knowledgeable neurological allied health support across Aotearoa New Zealand, we helped fund attendance for clinicians from around the country. This gave members of our network the opportunity to further develop their understanding and practical skills in supporting people with cervical dystonia.
A particularly valuable part of the weekend was hearing directly from people living with cervical dystonia, who generously volunteered to be part of the course. Their experiences helped ground the learning in the realities of daily life with the condition.
Feedback from participants included:
“It was really valuable to know there are professionals interested in learning more about dystonia.”
“Until this weekend, I had never met anyone else with cervical dystonia.”
“It’s wonderful to know there are physios in NZ with real knowledge and understanding regarding dystonia.”
“It was beneficial and positive for all of us.”
Rare neurological conditions can often leave people feeling isolated or unsupported. Opportunities like this matter not only for clinician education, but also for building awareness, connection, and access to informed care.
Our thanks to Johanna Blom, the volunteer participants, NSIG for supporting the initiative, and all the clinicians who attended with such openness, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning.
