A tremor that changes or stops
It may shift speed or rhythm, or pause when your attention is elsewhere.
FND can look like many things. A tremor that changes speed or stops when your attention shifts. An arm or leg that goes weak. Walking that feels unsteady or strange. Episodes that look like seizures but show a normal EEG. Numbness, tingling, slurred speech, brain fog, fatigue or a racing heart. The symptoms are real and often disabling, even when MRI and other tests come back normal.
A useful way to think about FND is hardware versus software. The structure of the brain, the hardware, is intact. The problem is in the software: how brain networks connect and communicate. Research points to an area on the right side of the brain called the temporoparietal junction, which helps you sense that your movements are your own, along with the areas at the front of the brain that direct attention and control. When these networks fall out of sync, movement and sensation stop working as expected.
Neuropuncture has a specific approach for FND. I place fine needles on the scalp over the right temporoparietal region and the front of the head, and on the ear to stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps calm the stress response. A gentle electrical current is set to help these networks communicate more normally. When FND began after a viral illness, such as long COVID, I’ll add neurological regions aimed at that pattern.
Most people have seen a neurologist, had normal scans, and been given the diagnosis along with a referral for physical therapy, psychotherapy or both. Those treatments matter, and retraining movement and working with a therapist are central to recovery. Medication may help related symptoms like pain or sleep. What’s usually missing is a way to work directly on the brain networks involved. Neuropuncture adds that, and it fits alongside the rest of your care rather than replacing it.
I start with how your symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, and what your neurologist has found. Then the assessment:
FND is diagnosed by a neurologist, and I work alongside them, your physical therapist and your therapist. If anything I see suggests going back to your neurologist, I’ll tell you and share my findings.
FND is real. It’s a problem with how the brain’s networks function, not a sign that you’re imagining or making up your symptoms. Stress can be part of the picture, but that doesn’t make the symptoms any less real.
It uses gentle electrical stimulation on the scalp and ear to influence the brain networks involved in FND and to calm the stress response. The aim is to help those networks communicate more normally, so movement and sensation can work as expected.
Most people feel a light tapping or pulsing. The scalp needles are fine and sit just under the skin, and I keep the intensity comfortable.
Yes. Movement retraining and therapy are a core part of FND recovery. Neuropuncture is meant to support that work, and many patients find progress comes more easily when everything happens together.
FND is diagnosed by a neurologist, usually after other conditions are ruled out, so I’d like you to have that evaluation first. If you’re unsure where you stand, start with a free discovery call.
Call 911 for sudden weakness on one side, facial droop, slurred speech, a first-ever seizure, or a seizure lasting more than five minutes. Get prompt medical care for any new or rapidly changing symptoms.
Adults with pelvic floor, nerve and orthopedic pain, along with neurological conditions. Most of my patients come to me after other care hasn't fully settled things. If you're looking for general wellness acupuncture, I'm not the right fit.
We review your history and what you've already tried. I assess the muscles and nerves involved, and you're treated the same day.
It depends on the condition. Pelvic and orthopedic plans usually run 4 to 6 weeks. Neurological plans are usually 2 visits a week for 6 weeks or 3 a week for 4. After that, visits space out so the changes hold. These are typical timelines, not promises.
Yes. I work alongside doctors, physical therapists and specialists. If something I find needs a closer look from one of them, I'll tell you.
I'm an out-of-network provider. You pay at the time of your visit, and my office submits the claim so any reimbursement comes to you. Free benefit checks are available before your first visit through the verification form, and HSA and FSA cards work. I don't take Medicare or Medicaid, though some Medicare Advantage plans reimburse out-of-network care. Full insurance details
Yes. I treat adults, teens and children, though I don't specialize in infants or toddlers.
Yes. Book a free discovery call to ask your questions and see whether we're a good fit.
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture. Fine needles go into tight bands of muscle and trigger points to lower muscle tension and change how the area is signaling.
You may feel a brief twitch or a deep ache as the needle reaches tight muscle. It passes quickly, and any soreness afterward usually fades within a day or two.
Yes, with a properly trained practitioner. Needles are sterile and single-use, and I check your health history first, including blood thinners. In New York, dry needling can only be performed by licensed acupuncturists, MDs and DOs. Physical therapists and chiropractors aren't permitted to perform it.
Eat something light beforehand and wear loose clothing that lets me reach the area being treated.
Usually not. Ultrasound helps in a few specific cases, but it hasn't been shown to improve results for common trigger points. A careful hands-on exam is what guides the needle. More on ultrasound-guided dry needling
Dry needling aimed at the pelvic floor and the hip and abdominal muscles around it, for pain, tension and urinary symptoms driven by those muscles and their nerves. More on pelvic floor dry needling
Sometimes, depending on the muscles involved, and you'll be draped throughout. Treatment always follows your consent and comfort. I don't do internal exams or internal treatment.
No, though it helps if you've already seen a doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist. Bring any notes or imaging you have.
Completely. I've heard it all, and there's no judgment here, just a straightforward conversation so we can treat what's going on.
Yes, I treat adults of every gender and identity. After gender-affirming surgery involving the pelvis, bring your surgical notes and we'll decide together what fits.
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118 W. 72nd St, Rear Lobby, New York, NY 10023
Evidence-based acupuncture and dry needling on the Upper West Side. From chronic pain and headaches to pelvic floor dysfunction, Dr. Jordan Barber pairs the highest level of training with care that actually listens.
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