Personalised Dystonia Rehabilitation

What to expect

Each programme provides a structured environment in which participants can explore movement, develop greater awareness of their individual movement patterns, and learn strategies that they can incorporate into their daily lives.

Your physiotherapist will guide the group through movement-based exercises and activities adapted to your specific type of dystonia. Sessions may include postural and movement retraining, coordination, sensory and body awareness work, breathing and relaxation strategies, and functional movement practice.

The programme focuses not only on the time shared during the online sessions, but also on empowering you to continue following your rehabilitation plan independently.

The group format

Participants will be grouped with others who have similar symptoms. This allows the physiotherapist to focus the programme on their specific movement difficulties.

Each participant is encouraged to work within their own abilities. Dystonia affects each person differently, and exercises may be adapted when appropriate.

The group environment also provides an opportunity to learn by observing different movement strategies and to share the rehabilitation process with others who understand the condition.

Is this programme right for you?

Online group physiotherapy may be suitable for you if:

• You have been diagnosed with a type of dystonia included in one of our programmes.

• You would like to develop a structured rehabilitation practice.

• You would like to better understand your movement patterns and how they can be retrained.

• You prefer the support and structure of a group environment guided by a physiotherapist.

• You would like to access dystonia rehabilitation from home.

If you are unsure whether a group programme is suitable for you, we recommend booking a 30-minute Initial Consultation before registering.

Before your first session

To participate comfortably, we recommend joining from a quiet, well-lit room with a stable Internet connection.

Use a computer or tablet positioned so that the physiotherapist can see you clearly when needed. Wear comfortable clothing and make sure you have enough space around you to perform gentle movements safely.

If any additional equipment is required for a specific programme, we will let you know before the first session.

Group size

The number of participants is deliberately limited so that the physiotherapist can observe them and provide appropriate guidance while maintaining the benefits of group-based rehabilitation.

For this reason, places are subject to availability, with a maximum of 9 participants.

Cancellations and refunds

Registrations for online group programmes are fully refundable if the cancellation request is submitted at least 48 hours before the scheduled date and start time of the first session.

To receive a full refund, the cancellation must be received no later than 48 hours before the programme begins.

If you request cancellation less than 48 hours before the start of the programme, you will receive a 75% refund of the amount paid.

Cancellations received after the programme's scheduled start date and time will not be refunded.

In the exceptional event that we need to cancel a programme due to circumstances beyond our control, we will make every reasonable effort to inform participants as far in advance as possible. Participants may choose to transfer their registration to another available programme or receive a full refund of the amount paid.

Nothing in this cancellation and refund policy affects any mandatory patient or consumer rights under applicable law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a diagnosis to participate?

We recommend that you have a diagnosis of dystonia made by a qualified medical professional before taking part in a group physiotherapy programme. If you have questions about your diagnosis or whether the programme is suitable for you, we recommend booking a 30-minute Initial Consultation first.

What types of dystonia do you support?

Groups are organised by type of dystonia, including cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, hand dystonia, leg/foot dystonia, oromandibular dystonia, and facial dystonia. Please check the upcoming available groups.

Is this the same as individual physiotherapy?

No. Group physiotherapy follows a structured programme designed for participants with similar symptoms. Individual physiotherapy allows for a more personalised assessment and follow-up based on your specific needs.

Will the exercises be adapted to my needs?

Yes. Although the programme follows a common structure for the group, dystonia affects each person differently. The physiotherapist may adapt exercises or suggest variations when appropriate, taking your abilities and needs into account.

Can I register from another country?

Yes. Dystonia Virtual Clinic offers online group physiotherapy to people in different countries. The ability to provide telerehabilitation services may be subject to the professional and regulatory requirements applicable in the country or jurisdiction where you are physically located at the time of the sessions.

If there are any limitations affecting the provision of the service in your location, we will let you know.

Do I need a medical referral?

In general, a medical referral is not required to participate. However, depending on your circumstances, diagnosis, location, or needs identified by the physiotherapist, you may be advised to consult your doctor, neurologist, or another healthcare professional.

Can you provide documentation so I can request reimbursement from my insurance provider?

We can provide documentation relating to the physiotherapy services received and the payments made. Coverage and reimbursement depend on the terms of your insurer and your policy.

Dystonia Virtual Clinic cannot guarantee that an insurance company will reimburse all or part of the cost of the programme. We recommend contacting your insurer directly before registering if you intend to request reimbursement.

Are online physiotherapy sessions considered telerehabilitation?

Yes. Physiotherapy sessions delivered by video consultation are a form of telerehabilitation, in which the physiotherapist provides professional care and guidance remotely using secure communication technologies.

What should I wear?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. During the sessions, the physiotherapist may ask you to stand, walk, or perform gentle movements.

What happens if I cannot attend a session?

If you cannot attend a session, please let us know as soon as possible. Once the programme has started, missed sessions are non-refundable.

Please refer to our Cancellation and Refund Policy for all information applicable to the programme.

How many people participate in each group?

The number of participants is deliberately limited so that the physiotherapist can observe the group and provide appropriate guidance while maintaining the benefits of group rehabilitation. The exact number of participants may vary depending on the programme, with a maximum of nine.

Will the other participants be able to see me?

Yes. Sessions are delivered live in a group format, and participants will be able to see and hear the other members during the session. By participating, you should be aware that this is a shared environment with other participants.

Are group sessions recorded?

No. Group physiotherapy sessions are not recorded. Recording the sessions, either in full or in part, by any means or device is not permitted under any circumstances.

What technology do I need?

You will need a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, as well as a stable Internet connection. We recommend a screen large enough to see the physiotherapist clearly and positioning the device so that they can observe your movements when necessary.

How much space do I need to participate?

You will need a quiet and safe space with enough room to move comfortably. You may be asked to sit, stand, walk, or perform simple movements. Remove any obstacles that could present a fall risk.

Will I receive individual guidance during a group session?

The physiotherapist will guide the whole group and may provide individual instructions or adaptations when appropriate. However, a group session does not replace an individual physiotherapy session, and the amount of individual attention is limited.

What happens if I have technical problems during a session?

If you experience problems with your Internet connection, camera, or audio, try reconnecting using the same session link. We will do everything reasonably possible to restore the connection and allow you to continue participating.