Finding support after an FND diagnosis can feel confusing. You may be offered different therapies, or be unsure who to ask. No single rehabilitation plan suits everyone. The right support depends on your symptoms, what you want help with and what services are available in your area.
Rehabilitation aims to help you work towards meaningful goals in daily life. It should be planned with you and tailored to your needs.
What kinds of support might help?
You may be offered one type of therapy or a combination. You do not necessarily need every service listed here.
Physiotherapy
An FND-informed physiotherapist may help with symptoms such as weakness, changes in walking, tremor or other movement difficulties. The approach may include learning about your symptoms and practising ways to improve movement and everyday activity.
You can ask whether the physiotherapist has experience supporting people with FND and how the sessions will relate to your symptoms and goals.
Occupational therapy
An occupational therapist (OT) can help you manage activities that matter to you, such as washing, dressing, cooking, working or getting out of the house. They may help you identify what makes an activity difficult and explore ways to build confidence, adapt tasks or manage energy.
Speech and language therapy
Speech and language therapists (SLTs) can support people with FND-related difficulties involving speech, voice, communication or swallowing. The support depends on the difficulties you experience and what an assessment shows.
Psychological support
Psychological support may help with aspects of FND such as managing distress, understanding symptom patterns, or working on strategies for particular symptoms. It may also help with other difficulties that affect your wellbeing.
Being offered psychological support does not mean your symptoms are imagined or “all in your head”. FND is a genuine neurological condition. Psychological therapy may be part of an individual care plan, alongside other forms of support where appropriate.
Other services
Depending on your needs, your care may also involve a neurologist, GP, pain or fatigue service, neuropsychologist, rehabilitation team or another clinician. Your care does not have to come from one specialist FND clinic, although some people may benefit from a specialist multidisciplinary assessment.
How to ask for support
If you have a neurologist or another clinician involved in your care, you could ask them what rehabilitation options may suit your symptoms. Your GP may also be able to discuss local services and referrals.
You might ask:
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Which symptoms or everyday difficulties should we focus on first?
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What type of therapy might help with those difficulties?
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Does the therapist or service have experience with FND?
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What would the assessment and treatment involve?
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How will we agree on goals and review progress?
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If this service is not available locally, what alternatives could I ask about?
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Who can help coordinate the next steps?
You can ask for the plan in writing, especially if several services or referrals are being discussed.
What if specialist FND therapy is not available?
Access to FND-informed services varies by area. If a specialist service is not available, ask your GP or treating clinician what local rehabilitation is available and whether the team can get advice from someone with FND experience.
You can explain what you are hoping to work on, such as walking more confidently, managing daily tasks, or communicating more easily. A clinician can help you decide whether a local service suits your needs and what adaptations may help.
Waiting for support can be frustrating. While you wait, you could write down your main difficulties and questions for your next appointment. Avoid starting exercises or changing treatment based only on information intended for someone else; ask your clinician what is appropriate for you.
Agreeing goals together
Rehabilitation goals should reflect what matters to you. A goal might be about an everyday activity, taking part in something important, or finding a way to manage a symptom.
It can help to agree on a small first step and review it together. Progress may not be the same every day, and you can adjust your goals as your needs change.
This article is for general information and support. It does not replace advice or care from a qualified health professional.