Fascial Manipulation

We are very excited to add Fascial Manipulation (FM) into our therapeutic protocols. Many years ago, I was very excited when I discovered how effectively I could help patients with Active Release Techniques (ART). Today I feel the same level of excitement about the integration of FM into our treatment protocols.

FM is not a replacement for any of the therapies we offer. Fascial Manipulation is what I believe, is the missing link in soft-tissue treatment protocols. It is a key methodology that makes every treatment more effective.

In 2009, at the Second International Fascia Research Congress at Vrije University, in Amsterdam, I really began to understand the importance of myofascial therapy. It really hit home during a conversation with one of the Chancellors of a major European medical school.

This leading neurosurgeon explained that, rather than developing a real understanding of how the body actually works, most practitioners have learned a “dumbed-down” version of anatomy. Basically, it is much easier to teach students by compartmentalizing each group of muscles, and by simplifying their respective functions. With FM we view the body as a single, integrated, functional unit– one that works in synergy with all its other components. This synergy is controlled by the fascia (connective tissue) in the body. In fact, we now know that numerous neurological receptors are actually embedded in the fascia, and not just in the muscle.

This new information led me to the Stecco group, who are some of the most successful myofascial practitioners in the world today, and their technique of Fascial Manipulation (FM). FM is a manual therapy that was developed by Luigi Stecco, an Italian physiotherapist from northern Italy (Thiene). FM evolved over a 30-year period through careful research, practice, and treatment of a vast case-load of musculoskeletal conditions.
FM is unique in that it addresses not only scar tissue and adhesions, but also the thickenings that occur between the various layers of tissues in the body. These thickenings are deposits of hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural lubricant. In areas where restrictions form, hyaluronic acid can transform from a viscous state to a solid form. These thick layers of hyaluronic acid restrict movement, cause abnormal motion patterns, diminish circulation, and cause nerve entrapment.

The effects are much the same as those caused by scar tissue. ART is very effective at releasing scar tissue. However research has shown that these thick layers of hyaluronic acid take about four minutes of continuous pressure to break down. In my opinion FM is by the far the most efficient way to break down these thickenings. Hence the introduction of FM into our treatment protocols.

Now for the best part! When you combine ART with FM the results are astounding. We are seeing chronic conditions that previously have not reached a full resolution, completely resolve. We are very excited about the results we have been seeing, and look forward to sharing these techniques with you in our new 30-minute appointments.