Beginning of April the Swedish Dystonia Association organised together with physiotherapist Johanna Blom from the Skåne University Hospital and partners: Abbvie, Ipsen and Merz, a one day workshop on Dystonia and Physiotherapy.
Most participants had already taken part in courses stage 1 and 2 that have been offered in the past. 15 physiotherapists had come to Malmö from various places in Sweden to join this advanced course. Johanna Blom gave a short introduction and update before the session with video cases started. Some physiotherapists brought their own video cases. It was a very meaningful discussion and there were many ideas on what type of exercises the patients would benefit from. One partner representative offered to help and showed various exercises guided by Johanna.
- Monika Benson together with Ipsen representative Matilda Ahl
- Exercise demonstration by physiotherapist Johanna Blom
The day was over quickly and feedback showed that participants were very satisfied with the day. Many of them said they would have needed a 2-day course and most of them are also interested in a stage 4 course.
Before closing the day we encouraged the physiotherapists to register on the Physio Exercise Hub https://physioexercise.org/ in order to access the exercises for their patients and to register in the Physiofinder tool, where patients can find phsyiotherapists with knowledge in dystonia close to where they live.
There is a need for more courses in Sweden and plans are now to organise a stage 1 and 2 course in autumn 2025 and spring of 2026.
We thank Johanna and the participants for their dedication to treat and help dystonia patients.
Thank you also to our partners for their generous support which makes these courses possible.
Monika Benson, Vice Chairman Swedish Dystonia Association

Swedish Physiotherapists taking part in physiotherapy course in Malmö, Sweden