FND Hub | The Global Resource for Functional Neurological Disorder

The Role of Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational Therapy focuses on "Doing." While physio focuses on how you move, OT focuses on how you perform the activities of daily life. In FND, the role of an OT is to help you bridge the gap between your symptoms and your goals.

Energy Management

Learning to 'pace' your activity throughout the day to avoid the 'boom and bust' cycle common in FND.

Environmental Adaptation

Modifying your home or workspace to reduce stress and physical triggers while you work on your recovery.

Focus on Function

OTs use a goal-oriented approach. Instead of saying "I want my tremor to stop," you might set a goal to "be able to cook a meal for my family." By focusing on the *task*, the brain often performs better than when it focuses on the *symptom*.

The graded approach

OTs help you break down complex tasks into manageable steps. If you can't walk to the shops yet, you might start by walking to the end of the driveway, slowly increasing the distance as your brain's confidence grows.

Cognitive OT

If you struggle with "Brain Fog" or memory issues, an OT can provide practical tools:

Memory Aids: Specialized apps or low-tech solutions like whiteboards.
Routine Building: Creating a predictable daily schedule that reduces cognitive load.
Sensory Modulation: Reducing noise or light in your environment to prevent sensory overload.

Independent Living

The ultimate goal of OT is independence. Whether it's returning to work, driving, or simply self-care, an OT provides the practical "how-to" for living with and recovering from FND.

Occupational Therapy