Simcoe Reformer, Ashley House, Simcoe Reporter. She Lays her head between the cushions of what looks much like a massage table. But you can tell by the way Simcoe teen Kelby Balch,16, clinches her hands together and winces her eyes closed tight that this is no relaxation therapy.
Her physiotherapist starts with soft tissue massage, though the light pressure puts Balch's muscles in spasm. He twists her right foot to its natural position, but for Balch, it is so unnatural, she bites her thumb to keep from yelping in pain.
Kelby Balch has been inphysiotherapy two ot three times a week for a year and a half to get some, if any, relief from her dystonia.
The neurological disease short-circuits signals from the brain causing muscles to spasm and the body to contort in awkward positions.