Why I Wear "The Glove" - Focal Dystonia Relief 

34 years ago I played banjo since age 4 and practiced 8, 12 and often 18 hours per day, my playing kept getting worse until I finally quit playing banjo 34 years ago. in 2012 I was diagnosed with focal dystonia, this answered all my questions as to what happened to me those years ago, noone back then knew it even existed. many of my followers here on YT kept telling me to try gloves! well this past Dec. I bought 3 pairs and got the banjo back out, rusty as hell but I could actually play again! been playing every day since, nowhere near the banjo player I was or you are but the fact I can play at all is a miracle! it was so bad when I picked up a banjo my hand would start to cringe and shake. eventually I'm going to make a video about this when I can play better, 34 years of not practicing doesn't come back in a few months lol

Sorry to hear about the problems you've had with your hand. I love your playing and am glad to see that you have found a way to allow you to keep playing - :-)

Fwiw, A.P. Carter also had what would be considered an essential tremor nearly his entire life. He made it work to his advantage musically, and I'm glad to see you're overcoming this too. Keep up the great work, good sir!

Thanks Jason- It's interesting learning about various physical conditions and conquering them. Keep up the banjo AND the dobro especially.

Thanks for all you do in the banjo world!

Thank you Jason for the explanation. I am sorry you have to suffer from this problem. I love you playing!!!! Best wishes from Austria.

Glad you found a solution!

Jason, very sorry to hear that. I’m glad you’re still able to find away around it somewhat with the glove. Have you tried seeking help from Mayo Clinic(Scottsdale is who I’m familiar with although other Mayo locations I’d suspect as as good) ? Their neurology department is forward thinking and willing to help. Wish you all the best. BTW What mfg and model is that banjo you’re playing? It has great tone.

I have focal dystonia and it pretty much keeps me from playing Scruggs style banjo. I had some pretty decent banjos that sold, BUT...I was able to switch over to clawhammer, and I do okay with that. I was really depressed about it for awhile, but CH helps.

Wow! Very interesting. I'm sorry about your misfortune. I'm glad you were able to find some relief with the glove. Thank you so much for this video :)

It is caused by a problem with the cells in a region of the brain called the basal ganglia. I have had a problem with controlling my hand when writing for about 6 years. Only when writing. It is a task specific condition. I don't have the issue of fingers going off in different directions, not being able to control them but rather I have a tremor of the entire hand. I play the violin/fiddle and it does not effect that at all. I used to play a little five string banjo. It does not effect that either if I try playing. I love bluegrass. It is only when I try to write. Yes it can be not only frustrating but also depressing. The weird thing is that there have been some rare occasions when it doesn't happen. However those instances have been very rare lately. Don't get discouraged. I wish you the best.

I habe essential tremors, and it halted my banjo playing. I couldn't play slowly to learn new songs. I have recently been put on some new medicine, and the tremors have improved. I'd like to try the banjo again.

Hi Jason. My name is Lance Morrison and I’ve been dealing with FD since 2004. I’d like to share my experience and understanding of dystonia. What’s the best way to contact you?

Thank you for sharing. Can you tell me how you were able to hot-glue the picks to the glove without burning your fingers?

Hey Jason is it caused by playing banjo, i mean the movement or picks pressing on the finger tips or is it when you play many hours a day? im not suffering from it, but i woul like to prevent it. i play alot and also play don reno stuff. should i worry ? best regards and thank for sharing

Scott Devine talks about the condition: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wOVGrGBeqiI.html

What a terrible affliction for a banjo player and musicians in general!