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Physiotherapy for FND: How Rehabilitation Can Help

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Discover how Physiotherapy for FND, combined with technology-assisted rehab, can help you rebuild movement, confidence and control.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where the nervous system appears structurally healthy, but the signals between the brain and body are disrupted. This leads to very real, often disabling symptoms. People with FND may experience limb weakness, tremors, walking difficulties, speech problems, seizures (known as dissociative or non-epileptic seizures), fatigue, and sensory changes.

These symptoms can fluctuate and often don’t follow the typical patterns seen in other neurological conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis. This complexity can make FND challenging to diagnose, and it’s not uncommon for people to feel dismissed or misunderstood – especially early on in their journey.

But FND is not rare. It’s increasingly recognised by neurologists, GPs and therapists, and crucially, it is treatable. With the right approach, many people see meaningful improvement. At Vim Health, we support individuals with FND every day, using a combination of neuro physiotherapy, education, and technology-assisted rehab to help people move forward.

Why Physiotherapy for FND Works

Physiotherapy can be one of the most effective treatments for FND, particularly when symptoms affect movement. Unlike traditional physiotherapy that focuses on muscle strength or joint range, neuro physiotherapy for FND targets the relationship between the brain, body, and movement patterns.

Because FND symptoms are functional (i.e. caused by how the nervous system is operating, not by structural damage), movement retraining is at the heart of recovery. When guided by a specialist physio, this retraining helps the brain “rewire” how it responds to movement cues, gradually reducing symptoms like weakness, tremor, or gait instability.

At Vim Health, our FND physiotherapy programmes are:

  • Individualised: Tailored to your symptoms, goals and pace
  • Trauma-informed: We’re aware that many people with FND have also experienced trauma, and we work in a way that avoids re-triggering stress responses
  • Progressive: We use small, manageable challenges to promote improvement without overwhelming the nervous system

Physiotherapy also builds confidence – one of the most powerful tools in FND recovery. Many of our clients arrive fearful of movement, unsure of what their body can do. Our job is to help rebuild that trust, with practical strategies that lead to real-world change.

Our Technology-Assisted Approach to FND Rehab

Technology plays an important role in how we support people with FND. When used alongside hands-on therapy and education, rehab technology helps create safe, structured environments for movement – even when symptoms are unpredictable.

Here are a few examples of the technology-assisted rehab tools we offer:

  • LiteGait® body-weight support system: This allows clients to practise walking in a supported, upright position. It helps reduce fear of falling, supports posture and lets the nervous system experience normal gait mechanics without overloading it.
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) cycling: FES can be incredibly useful for people with weakness or paralysis due to FND. Electrodes gently stimulate the muscles to contract, helping reintroduce movement and rhythm. It’s particularly helpful for clients who feel disconnected from certain body parts or functions.
  • Balance and sensory integration tools: These help recalibrate the brain’s understanding of where the body is in space (proprioception) – often disrupted in FND. Our physios use a mix of static and dynamic tools to improve stability, confidence and awareness.

Technology isn’t the whole story, but it’s a powerful way to reduce fear, promote repetition and re-establish the sense of agency that FND can sometimes erode.

Support for Families and Carers

We recognise that Functional Neurological Disorder doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed – it affects their whole support system. Family members and carers often feel helpless, especially when symptoms vary day to day or seem to come “out of the blue.”

That’s why we actively encourage family and carer involvement in the rehab process. We help loved ones understand:

  • What FND is – and what it isn’t
  • How symptoms arise and fluctuate
  • Why encouragement and pacing are more helpful than pushing through

With consent, we offer family education sessions and regular progress updates. We also make time to acknowledge how difficult it can be to support someone with a complex condition like FND.

Working with Healthcare Professionals and Case Managers

Vim Health regularly works with case managers, GPs, consultants, therapists, and rehab teams involved in a client’s wider care. We’re happy to provide written reports, updates, and clinical recommendations where needed – and we aim to fit smoothly into existing care pathways.

Our team is well-versed in the needs of both NHS and private referrals. Whether your client needs short-term intervention, longer-term input, or help returning to education or work, we can provide a clear, measurable rehab plan.

Why Choose Vim Health for FND Treatment?

Our team of specialist physiotherapists have extensive experience supporting people with Functional Neurological Disorder. We don’t just treat symptoms – we help clients understand what’s happening in their body, rebuild trust in movement, and reconnect with activities that matter to them.

What sets us apart:

  • A dedicated, well-equipped neurorehabilitation space
  • Tech-supported rehab options
  • A compassionate, non-judgemental approach
  • Tailored care pathways for all funding types
  • Collaborative working with families and professionals

We believe recovery from FND is possible. Not always linear, and not always fast – but possible, with the right tools, understanding and support.

Take the First Step Today

If you or someone you support is living with Functional Neurological Disorder, you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to help you feel safe, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Call us today to speak to a neuro physio about your symptoms, or book an assessment online to start your personalised FND rehab journey.

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