[Physiotherapeutic approach to so-called occupational functional cramps]

The management of "functional" cramps known as professional cramps is often considered as very disappointing. Minor objective anomalies which can be detected upon clinical evaluation are common findings: rigidity of antagonist muscles, abnormal postures involving the proximal limbs, trunk and head, poor subjective perception of muscular contraction and relaxation, and coordination abnormalities during motion. In addition, patients have a distinctive psychological status. Rehabilitation should be principally psychomotor, including: psychotherapy based on analysis of the personality, rectification of abnormal postures and rehabilitation of the impaired motion bearing mainly on the antagonist muscles. Removable ortheses may be useful adjuncts. Analysis of results in 31 patients: 6 writers, 13 pianists, 10 guitarists, 1 conductor and 1 flutist.