Functional neurological disorder

What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition in which the nervous system is not functioning correctly, despite there being no structural damage to the brain or spinal cord. This means that the brain has difficulty sending and receiving signals effectively, leading to genuine neurological symptoms that can significantly impact everyday life.

People with FND may experience a wide range of symptoms, including weakness, altered walking, tremors, involuntary movements, balance difficulties, dizziness, sensory changes, non-epileptic seizures (functional seizures), fatigue and problems with coordination. Symptoms often fluctuate and can vary from day to day.

FND is a recognised neurological condition. The symptoms are real, can be disabling, and are not imagined or under a person's conscious control. With the right assessment and rehabilitation, many people experience meaningful improvements in their symptoms and function.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy is one of the main evidence-based treatments for Functional Neurological Disorder. Rehabilitation focuses on retraining normal movement patterns, improving confidence in movement and helping the brain re-establish more efficient movement control.

At Greenacre Physio, treatment is tailored to your individual presentation and goals and may include:

Walking and gait retraining
Balance and coordination exercises
Movement retraining
Functional task practice
Strategies to reduce movement-related symptoms
Graded exercise and activity programmes
Fatigue management and pacing
Vestibular rehabilitation where dizziness is present
Education to improve understanding of FND
Home exercise programmes to reinforce recovery

Treatment focuses on helping you regain confidence, improve movement and return to the activities that are important to you.

Why Choose Greenacre Physio?

At Greenacre Physio, our clinicians have extensive experience assessing and treating people with Functional Neurological Disorder through specialist NHS neurological services and private practice. We understand that FND presents differently for every individual and requires a compassionate, evidence-based approach that considers the whole person.

Our rehabilitation programmes are highly individualised, focusing on identifying movement patterns that can be retrained while helping you achieve meaningful functional goals. We work collaboratively with you and, where appropriate, other healthcare professionals involved in your care to provide coordinated rehabilitation.

Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, as well as through home visits and virtual consultations, making specialist neurological physiotherapy accessible wherever you are.

What to Expect

Your first appointment will involve a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, movement, balance, walking, function and personal goals. We will also discuss how your symptoms affect your everyday life and identify factors that may influence them.

Following your assessment, we will develop a personalised rehabilitation programme designed to help retrain normal movement, improve confidence and maximise your independence. Treatment will progress at a pace that is appropriate for you, with regular reviews to ensure you continue moving towards your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FND a real neurological condition?

Yes. Functional Neurological Disorder is a recognised neurological condition. Although routine scans may appear normal, the symptoms are genuine and result from changes in how the nervous system functions rather than structural damage.

Can physiotherapy help FND?

Yes. Physiotherapy is considered one of the key treatments for many people with FND. Rehabilitation focuses on retraining movement, improving function and helping people return to everyday activities with greater confidence.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies between individuals and depends on factors such as the type of symptoms, how long they have been present and individual circumstances. Some people improve relatively quickly, while others benefit from longer-term rehabilitation.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio, although we also accept referrals from neurologists, GPs and other healthcare professionals.

Book an Appointment

If you are living with Functional Neurological Disorder and would like specialist neurological physiotherapy, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics, arrange a home visit, or schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced neurological physiotherapists.