Massage and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

FND and massage

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a problem with how the brain sends and receives signals, rather than damage to its structure. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including weakness, tremor, changes in walking, seizures, pain, fatigue and changes in sensation. Symptoms are real, and they can change from one day to the next.

How we adapt sessions

Because FND can vary so much, we don't assume the same approach will suit you every time. We might:

  • Check in at the start about how you are feeling that day
  • Agree pressure, pace and positioning together
  • Find a way of communicating that works for you, including if you aren’t verbal
  • Offer a seated session, or work in a bed or wheelchair
  • Keep the room calm, the light soft and the session predictable
  • Pause or stop whenever you ask

Getting started

Before your first session we talk through your symptoms, what helps and what doesn't, and what you would like from massage. If you are working with a neurologist, physiotherapist or FND team, we can work alongside them with your consent.

For families and carers

You are welcome to join the first conversation, and to stay during the session if that helps. If you are arranging massage for someone you support, we can talk through the practical side with you first.

A word on medical care

Massage is a complementary therapy. It does not replace medical assessment, prescribed treatment or rehabilitation, and we encourage you to keep your medical team informed.

Get in touch

We offer home and hospital visits across London. If you would like to talk about whether massage could suit you or someone you support, we would be glad to hear from you.

Call 07849 898935 or email info@neuromassage.co.uk

What the research says

We haven’t found research looking specifically at massage for FND. A 2015 expert consensus on physiotherapy for functional motor disorders recommends limited hands-on treatment within an active, self-management approach, and notes that gentle, graded sensory work may be appropriate where touch feels oversensitive. We keep this in mind when planning sessions.

These studies are small or early, and results vary from person to person. Massage is not a treatment for any condition and does not replace medical care. See more on our Research & Evidence page.

Please note

Massage is offered as a supportive and complementary approach. For published research on massage and neurological conditions, see our Research & Evidence page.