Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

FND is a condition that affects how the brain sends and receives signals, resulting in a range of neurological symptoms without a clear structural cause. At DT Physio, I offer tailored physiotherapy support for individuals living with FND, helping to improve movement, confidence, and quality of life.

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Understanding FND and Its Impact​

FND can be deeply distressing and confusing. Symptoms often mimic other neurological conditions but are related to how the nervous system functions rather than damage to the brain or nerves. This can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a sense of being misunderstood or dismissed.

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing FND by supporting individuals to relearn movement patterns, regain control of their bodies, and improve day-to-day functioning.

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Common Symptoms of FND

• Motor Symptoms – Weakness, tremors, muscle stiffness, or abnormal movements that may come and go.

• Walking Difficulties – Sudden changes in gait, unsteadiness, or a feeling of "freezing" when trying to move.

• Speech Changes – Slurred speech, voice loss, or stuttering without an identifiable physical cause.

• Sensory Symptoms – Numbness, tingling, or visual disturbances that are not linked to structural damage.

• Seizure-like Episodes – Episodes that resemble epileptic seizures but do not show electrical changes in the brain.

• Cognitive Fog – Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or processing information clearly.

 

How Physiotherapy Can Help

• Movement Retraining – Helping individuals relearn functional movements with a focus on normal, automatic patterns rather than forced effort.

• Gait & Balance Therapy – Supporting safe and confident walking, reducing the risk of falls, and improving independence.

• Graded Activity Plans – Structured, supportive progression of physical activity tailored to the individual’s goals and abilities.

• Confidence & Self-Efficacy – Encouraging a sense of control and confidence in movement, helping to reduce fear and avoidance.

• Education & Reassurance – Helping patients understand the condition and that recovery is possible, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.

• Collaborative Support – Working alongside other healthcare professionals such as psychologists or neurologists as part of a holistic approach.

 

With compassionate, evidence-informed care, I support people living with FND to rebuild trust in their bodies, improve their physical ability, and reclaim their independence. Through individualised physiotherapy, positive change is possible.