Ep 571 – Functional Neurological Syndrome: "I Have a Client Who . . ." Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner

After years of misdiagnoses, medication sensitivities, injuries, and setbacks, a massage therapist is diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that causes non-typical seizures and intermittent paralysis-like weakness. Despite being unable to work, she continues advocating for the FND community and wants to help educate massage therapists about the benefits of safe, informed touch for people living with the condition.

In this episode of IHACW. . ., Ruth explores Sarah's journey, the realities of FND, and the role massage therapy may play in supporting those navigating complex neurological challenges. 

Resources:

Functional Neurologic Disorder | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (no date a). Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/functional-neurologic-disorder (Accessed: May 8, 2026).

Functional Neurologic Disorder | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (no date b). Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/functional-neurologic-disorder (Accessed: April 28, 2026).

Functional Neurological Disorder (Conversion Disorder) (no date). Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17975-conversion-disorder (Accessed: April 28, 2026).

Functional Neurological Disorder, Reframed | Harvard Medicine Magazine (no date). Available at: https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/functional-neurological-disorder-reframed (Accessed: May 8, 2026).

Ranford, J. et al. (2020) "Sensory Processing Difficulties in Functional Neurological Disorder: A Possible Predisposing Vulnerability?," Psychosomatics, 61(4), pp. 343–352. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psym.2020.02.003.

"What Is FND" (no date) FND Hope International. Available at: https://fndhope.org/fnd-guide/ (Accessed: April 28, 2026).

What Is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)? (no date) Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17975-conversion-disorder (Accessed: May 8, 2026). 

Host Bio:

Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP's partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner's books are available at