Fascial Manipulation – Understanding the Therapeutic Approach to Myofascial Treatment
Fascial Manipulation is a specialized form of manual therapy that focuses on treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction through work on the fascial system. This approach, developed by Italian physiotherapist Luigi Stecco in the 1980’s, has gained traction in recent years as our understanding of fascia’s role in movement and pain has become more well defined.
What is Fascia
Fascia is a complex network of connective tissue that covers the entire body in a three dimensional web. It surrounds, supports all of the body’s organs, muscles, bones and nerves. From an orthopedic physical therapy perspective this tissue serves to help us generate force, create coordination and gives feedback about where we are in our environment.
The Theory Behind Fascial Manipulation
The fundamental premise of fascial manipulation is the fascial system plays a crucial role in efficient movement patterns. According to this approach there are specific points in the body called “centers of coordination” that help control movement. With overuse, trauma or poor postural alignment these points can become restricted and dysfunctional. This can create limitations in movement and eventually pain for the patient.
Assessment Process
Practitioners of fascial manipulation employ a systematic process of evaluation that includes
- Movement Assessment – At Dynamic Sports we utilized the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to screen for dysfunctional movement patterns that may lack coordination or create pain.
- Palpation Verification – Through palpation of specific points the therapist identifies areas of increased tissue density which often correspond to the centers of coordination that need treatment.
- History Taking – A detailed history helps to identify potential causes of fascial dysfunction. Previous injuries can be an overlooked contributor to a patient’s pain. The saying “old is gold” applies to fascial manipulation – the oldest injuries are the most important in this style of assessment. The treating therapist will also look at postural alignment as well as reviewing job stresses and athletic activities.
TreatmentTechnique
-Deep Friction – The practitioner applies focused pressure and friction to specific points in the fascia. These points have been correlated with the patients dysfunctional movement patterns or replicated that patients symptoms, even if located a distance away from the site of pain.
Conditions Treated
Fascial Manipulation has been shown to be effective in treating
- Low Back Pain
- Hip Impingement
- Shoulder Impingement
- Tennis Elbow
- Plantar Fascitis
Scientific Evidence and Results
Research has demonstrated changes in
- Range of motion
- Pain
- Improved Movement Patterns
- Enhanced Functional Outcomes
- Patients Experience with Fascial Manipulation
- Decreased Pain
- Improved Functional Capacity
- Improved Range of Motion
- Long Term Resolution of Chronic Issues
Conclusion
Fascial Manipulation is a sophisticated soft tissue approach to treat musculoskeletal dysfunction. Fascial Manipulation brings together an assessment and treatment methodology supported by research making it a valuable manual therapy tool. We continue to expand our understanding of the fascial system and its role in health and disease. One of the benefits of this approach includes demonstrating how dysfunction in one area of the body can alter movement patterns throughout the fascial system.
