How FND Physio Differs
Physiotherapy for FND is not about strengthening weak muscles or stretching tight ones. Instead, it is about neuro-plasticity—teaching the brain to re-access the movement programs that have been "blocked" or "glitched."
Bypassing Conscious Control
In FND, the harder you try to move, the worse the symptom often gets. Physio uses "indirect" movements to bypass your conscious mind and trigger automatic brain pathways.
Gait Retraining
Instead of focusing on "walking correctly," you might be asked to walk backwards, walk to a beat, or kick a ball. These tasks use different parts of the brain that are often unaffected by FND.
Core Principles
- Confidence in the Diagnosis: You must understand that your nerves and muscles are healthy.
- External Focus: Focusing on the *goal* of a movement (e.g., "reach for the cup") rather than the *mechanics* of the arm.
- Reducing Vigilance: Learning to "ignore" a tremor or a limp while moving to allow the brain to reset.
The 'Normal Movement' Memory
Your brain has a memory for how to walk and move normally. In FND, this memory is still there; it's just being overshadowed by the FND "noise." Physio helps the brain find that normal memory again.
What to Expect in a Session
A typical session might involve:
- Distraction tasks: Talking or solving puzzles while walking.
- Graded movement: Moving from sitting to standing in a way that feels "automatic" rather than "forced."
- Video feedback: Watching yourself move normally to prove to your brain that the function is possible.
Find a Specialist
Not all physiotherapists are trained in FND. Look for someone who understands "Attentional Focus" and "Neuro-Physiotherapy" for the best results.