I’m sitting on the sofa.  An icy chill seeps through my skin, penetrating layers of clothing and blankets.  My legs are switched off.  Lifeless.  Paralysed.  I try to wriggle my toes.  I can’t.

Symptoms of abnormal movement are a common feature of FND, so much so that it is sometimes referred to as Functional Movement Disorder.  Paralysis, spasms, tremor, limp and gait changes can occur.  Any part of the body can start moving in an unusual way.  My movement can change so dramatically and quickly from full-body paralysis to violent spasms that can take me to the opposite side of the room.  It is unnerving to experience and I expect it’s unnerving to watch.

I’m standing against the wall, leaning for  support.   I go to step forward.  A twist grasps my body, wringing it in two.  I scream as an invisible force tries to rip off my leg.  I corkscrew to the floor.

Something I find hugely reassuring is that however bizarre my movements can be, I know normal patterns of movement are still stored in my brain.  Automatic movement patterns from when I learnt to stand, walk, wave a hand, are all still there, but interference changes the response of my nervous system and the automatic movements get blocked.  96% of brain activity is subconscious, including those automatic movement patterns.  Unfortunately, the remaining 4% of conscious activity can cause huge problems.  In a sense, I unintentionally get in my own way.

I find neuro-physiotherapy fascinating.  It’s quite unlike the general musculoskeletal physio I’ve also experienced, where specific joints and muscles are targeted and strength is gradually increased.  Neuro-physio for FND uses techniques to access and strengthen the automatic movement patterns, re-educate the nervous system and re-learn useful muscle activity.  Exercises provide helpful sensory feedback for the nervous system, refocusing attention in a way that allows access to those automatic movement patterns.  Sometimes all it takes is for me to shift my body weight from side to side, or to sit with my feet firmly grounded on the floor, to reach a more normal level of movement.  Of course it’s not always that simple, I wouldn’t be using a wheelchair if it was.   FND is a hugely complex condition, but movement techniques are an integral part of my toolbox.  I have had times when my legs have been paralysed, but I’ve been able to wriggle my toes whilst looking in a mirror, and when my body has been intent on spiraling to the right, but shifting my weight to the left has prevented me falling.

I’ve created a new page in ‘My Toolbox’ called ‘FND Physio Techniques‘.  The chart I share here is one I created for my own personal use.  It details all the physio techniques I use in an easy place to refer to.  Of course, it’s no substitute for specialist input, but if you also experience movement difficulties with FND, I hope it may help you.  If you are someone who often hears me talking about my physio, you may find it interesting and quite enlightening to read about the techniques I use.