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 www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.   

Sponsors:

Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.    

Website: anatomytrains.com    

Email: info@anatomytrains.com          

Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA 

Precision Neuromuscular Therapy seminars (www.pnmt.org) have been teaching high-quality seminars for more than 20 years. Doug Nelson and the PNMT teaching staff help you to practice with the confidence and creativity that comes from deep understanding, rather than the adherence to one treatment approach or technique.

Find our seminar schedule at pnmt.org/seminar-schedule with over 60 weekends of seminars across the country.

Or meet us online in the PNMT Portal, our online gateway with access to over 500 videos, 37 NCBTMB CEs, our Discovery Series webinars, one-on-one mentoring, and much, much more! All for the low yearly cost of $167.50. Learn more at pnmt.thinkific.com/courses/pnmtportal!

Follow us on social media: @precisionnmt on Instagram or at Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars on Facebook.

At Heights Wellness Retreat, we believe every person is an unstoppable force, whether navigating daily demands, pursuing goals, or striving to be their best. This drives everything we do. We go beyond traditional spa services by creating a purpose-driven environment where wellness professionals are empowered, valued, and positioned to grow. With steady clientele, support, and a wellness-forward culture, Heights Wellness Retreat is where therapists build meaningful, sustainable careers while shaping the future of the wellness industry.

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

The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession

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