Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals. The resulting symptoms can affect an individual’s quality of life in a way that is similar to other neurological conditions. Symptoms of FND are variable but may include physical, sensory, and cognitive symptoms. A neurologist can make an FND diagnosis with a detailed history and positive signs.

At Steps, our clients with FND often present with reduced independence for activities of daily living, weakness, cognitive difficulties, balance disturbances and falls, paralysis, reduced coordination, seizures, movement and sensory issues.

How we can help:

The therapists at Steps have an expert understanding of FND and will provide a comprehensive and compassionate assessment of your goals and your needs.

Physiotherapy

• Walking training and practice
• Falls prevention and balance training
• Practice of tasks such as sitting, standing, and transferring
• Prescription of assistive technology
• Coordination training
• Pain management
• Sensory retraining
• Set up of aquatic physiotherapy programs to allow you to exercise safely in the water
• Support worker training
• Motor relearning and facilitation to improve your body’s ability to move
• Collaboration with medical specialists
• Provide education about your condition
• Provide home exercise programs

Occupational Therapy

• Cognitive strategies together with neuropsychology involvement
• Upper limb intervention and splinting
• Community access training and assessment
• Assessment and prescription of assistive technology
• Assessment and prescription of adaptive aids and equipment
• Assessment for minor or major home modifications
• Assessment for housing solutions, such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Supported Disability
• Accommodation (SDA).
• Functional retraining for everyday activities including personal care, household tasks and cooking
• Identifying level of support worker assistance required
• Facilitating return to work goals
• Assisting with holiday planning
• Fatigue management strategies

Exercise Physiology

• Targeted strength training
• Balance training
• Tailored cardiovascular exercise
• Return to swimming training
• Prescription of a tailored gym program
• Bike and Trike training

Wheelchair and seating

• Power and manual wheelchair prescription

Allied Health Assistant

• Support and supervise exercise programs prescribed by treating allied health professionals to increase frequency of therapy
• Support allied health professionals with clients who require multiple therapists’ assistance

At Steps we pride ourselves on working collaboratively with your interdisciplinary team, including neuropsychologists, speech pathologists, orthotist, dietician, recreation specialists, community nurses, neurologists, general practitioners and other allied health or medical staff.