Individualized Physiotherapy of Upper Body Functional Movement Disorder – Two Illustrative Cases

Weakness of eyelid opening

Perioral jerks

Postural and intention tremor left arm

Fatigue

Fatigue

Pain in neck, shoulders

Unable to work 6 months before her first therapy session at the age of 20

Receiving disability pension since the age of 55

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Physiotherapy with craniosacral therapy

Botulinum neurotoxin i.m. injections

Manual therapy with massages of neck muscles

Personal preference and interest in learning to juggle, e.g., gamification

Refocusing of attention away from eyelid closure towards autonomic driven function with juggle

Personal key moment by recognizing the function in the video feedback

Motivated and informed to practice a home exercise training

Reflexion of everyday life

Recognition of the symptom triggers and their dependence

Personal key moment when recognizing the reversibility of the symptoms

Focus on directed attention with haptic and auditive stimulus e.g., texture of the knife handle when cutting, listening the bubbles when drinking, rhythmic foot tapping

Building self-confidence through symptom control, being back to society

Voluntarily opening eyes:

10 min. sports

1–2 hrs. riding horse

1–2 hrs. computer work

Cooking, cutting vegetables without symptoms

Reviving social activities

2–3 times per week fitness

Functioning at work

Attending concerts, exhibitions with more self-confidence and trust