Functional Neurological Disorder

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition in which the brain and nervous system stop working the way they should. The structure of the brain is intact, but the way it communicates with the body has become disrupted, like a software glitch rather than a hardware problem. The symptoms are genuine, they can be disabling, and they can improve with the right rehabilitation.

FND is one of the most common conditions seen in neurology– the second most common reason people visit a neurologist, after headache. Despite this, many people wait months or years for a diagnosis and struggle to access specialist support.

FND is diagnosed on its own positive clinical features, not simply by ruling out other conditions. It can affect movement, sensation, balance, speech, cognition, and energy, often in combination.

How can we help?

This is one of the most important things to know: FND can improve.

Evidence strongly supports rehabilitation as a key part of recovery. Specialist physiotherapy for FND has been shown to significantly improve motor symptoms, mobility, quality of life, and overall function. A 2015 international consensus statement identified physiotherapy as a frontline treatment for FND motor symptoms.

Research shows that people who engage in FND-specific rehabilitation programmes experience significantly better outcomes than those receiving standard physiotherapy – with up to 72% improvement in symptoms at six months in specialist programmes, compared to 28% in non-specialist care. Recovery is not always linear, but meaningful improvement is achievable.

Our team specializes in Neurological Rehabilitation and works with people living with FND at all stages of their journey. We understand that FND is complex. We take your symptoms seriously and work with you and your healthcare team to provide evidence-based care to make meaningful improvement

Our FND rehabilitation programme includes:

Specialist Physiotherapy
FND-specific movement retraining focused on restoring automatic, efficient movement patterns. We use task-based approaches, attentional strategies, and graded activity to help your brain and body reconnect.

Fatigue and Pacing Management
Many people with FND experience significant neurological fatigue. We provide practical strategies for pacing, preventative rest, and breaking the boom-bust cycle to help you build sustainable energy and activity levels.

Education and Understanding
A clear explanation of your condition is itself part of the treatment. We help you understand what FND is, what is happening in your nervous system, and why the rehabilitation approach works- because understanding your diagnosis improves outcomes.

Graded Return to Activity and Function
We work with you to set meaningful, real-life goals – whether that is returning to work, managing daily tasks, or getting back to activities you love.

Coordination with Your Healthcare Team
FND responds best to coordinated, multidisciplinary care. We work alongside your neurologist, GP, psychologist, and other specialists to ensure your care is consistent and connected

To make an appointment please contact us at admin@ropeneurorehab.co.nz or call the office on 09 623 8433 or 021753715