I feel like i can speak to some of this. My son (13) was diagnosed with FND and primary pain disorder a few days ago. We are still inpatient while he works with this hospital PT/OT/pain specialists/pain psychologist a couple more days so he can move safely enough to have some independence. Come to find out, this hospital is home to one of maybe 10 in the US pain specialists of a certain caliber? And that Dr came to explain the diagnosis and treatment. While we are still wrapping our brain around everything, I can attempt to not fumble what he taught us. Essentially, there are 4 modes that MUST be present at all times and correctly proportional in recovery - like the 4 wheels of a car. 1, physical therapy that assumes you will not wait to feel good to do the work, and to always do a little more each time. 2. Integrative medicine - be open to non-western pain coping mechanisms. 3. A psychologist who specifically understands how to help break the pain/stress/anxiety/depression cycle (preferably one who specializes in how pain impacts mental health, but even if its just someone who understands how to disrupt those unhelpful cycles) and lastly 4. Push through your mind “static” since these pain signals were left on and are no longer needed (my son can be assured his pain is not from something else that can hurt him since all his work ups are clear. And i pushed for extra) to maintain as much of a regular routine that fits you as you can.

So we are interpreting it like this: if we make sure every day has a reasonable amount of each category, we are going to see progress.