COURSE · PART 4 · MODULE 14
Module 14 — Rehabilitation and Neuroplastic Change
This module separates three ideas that are often presented in one bite: what rehabilitation is, how to plan practice safely, and how to assess “rewiring” claims.
In this module
- Rehabilitation can include practice, adaptation and other routes to participation.
- A practice plan should include immediate and delayed effects.
- Neuroplasticity does not prove that a program works or guarantee recovery.
Rehabilitation evidence differs by FND presentation and outcome. A plausible learning model is not the same as proof that one program works for everyone. [1][2][3]
Pages
- How FND Rehabilitation May Work — understand rehabilitation as supported learning and adjustment, not willpower.
- Build a Safe Practice Plan — make the task, support, amount, stop point and review visible.
- Evaluate Neuroplasticity and “Rewiring” Claims — separate a plausible idea from evidence for a particular program.
Inside each page: Person with FND · Supporters · Clinicians · Research
Every page in this module uses these same four main sections.
Research and Sources
The consensus paper describes clinical principles; the trial and review show mixed outcomes and important limits on individual prediction. [1][2][3]
| Citation | Full citation |
|---|---|
| [1] | Nielsen G, Stone J, Matthews A, et al. Physiotherapy for functional motor disorders: a consensus recommendation. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 2015;86(10):1113–1119. FND-CIT-0028. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2014-309255 |
| [2] | Nielsen G, Stone J, Lee TC, et al.; Physio4FMD study group. Specialist physiotherapy for functional motor disorder in England and Scotland (Physio4FMD): a pragmatic, multicentre, phase 3 randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Neurology. 2024;23(7):675–686. FND-CIT-0029. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(24)00135-2 |
| [3] | Thomas ST, Thomas ET, Schembri E, Lehn AC, Palmer DDG. Treatment outcomes in functional neurological disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the influence of symptom chronicity. BMJ Neurology Open. 2025;7(2):e001150. FND-CIT-0051. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjno-2025-001150 |
This overview still needs review by people with varied rehabilitation experiences, clinicians, trialists and accessibility reviewers.
Plain-language draft and research package prepared: September 5, 2026 · Clinical review pending