Physiotherapy for patients with functional movement disorder
a systematic review
Molero-Mateo P, Molina-Rueda F
NeurologÃa (English Edition) (2024)
- FMD, Physiotherapy
- Clinical Study, Research Translation
Key takeaways
- Physiotherapy can help improve movement symptoms in people with FMD.
- Treatments often include education, movement retraining, and self-management strategies.
- Physiotherapy may enhance daily activities, health perception, and quality of life for those with FMD.
- Both inpatient and outpatient programs showed positive results.
- More research is needed to determine the best treatment approaches for different individuals.
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Overview
This summary looks at a recent review of studies on physiotherapy for people with Functional Movement Disorder (FMD). The review aimed to understand how physiotherapy affects movement symptoms, daily activities, health perception, quality of life, and emotional well-being in people with FMD.
Discussion
The researchers looked at four studies involving 188 people with FMD. These studies compared specialized physiotherapy to standard care or no treatment. The physiotherapy programs usually included three main parts:
- Education about FMD
- Retraining movement patterns
- Teaching self-management techniques
Some programs took place in hospitals, while others were outpatient treatments. The studies measured changes in various ways, looking at movement symptoms, daily activities, how people felt about their health, and overall quality of life.
The review found that physiotherapy generally led to improvements in movement symptoms. People who received specialized physiotherapy often reported better ability to perform daily activities and an improved quality of life. These positive changes were seen in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
However, the researchers noted that more studies are needed. They want to better understand how physiotherapy works in different situations and find the best treatment approach for each person with FMD.
Next Steps
If you have FMD, here are some steps you can consider:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about physiotherapy options in your area.
- Ask if there are specialized FMD physiotherapy programs available to you.
- Discuss the possibility of combining physiotherapy with other treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Keep a journal of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. This can help you and your healthcare team track your progress.
- Remember that improvement is possible. Stay hopeful and actively participate in your treatment.
- Connect with others who have FMD through support groups or online communities for shared experiences and tips.
Reference
Molero-Mateo P, Molina-Rueda F. Physiotherapy for patients with functional movement disorder: a systematic review. NeurologÃa. 2024;39(7):505-514. doi:10.1016/j.nrleng.2022.01.008
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2173580823000330
This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. It is not intended to replace professional consultation or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare providers regarding your specific circumstances, symptoms, or questions.