Fascial Distortion Model

The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is based on the assessment of six different distortions or problems that can occur within the body’s connective tissues, known as fascia.  After finding the distortion within the body, the physician then applies a hands-on therapy involving pressure and movement to realign fascia.

Fascia is the soft connective tissue that encases everything from muscles and nerves to bones and blood vessels. It is like a densely woven spiderweb that simultaneously connects, separates and stabilizes the body.  It carries fluids through all parts of the body that eventually drain into the lymph system.

There are three types of fascia (superficial, deep and visceral) located in different parts of the body. Superficial fascia is found in the dermis or skin layer; deep fascia surrounds muscles, nerves, bones and blood vessels; and visceral fascia wraps the organs and keeps them in place.  Treatments will vary based on the type of fascial distortion.

Fascial distortions are fascia that have moved out of place.  When the fascial distortions are treated and corrected, the symptoms resolve and the patient is pain-free.

There are six main types of fascial distortions:

• Triggerbands: Triggerbands are twisted bands of fibers that run along a linear pathway. These distortions are like seams that have become separated, torn, twisted, wrinkled, or sprained. Triggerbands are the most common type of Fascial Distortion seen clinically as they usually present in patients that have experienced repetitive, acute and chronic sprain/strain injuries.
• Herniated Triggerpoints: Herniated Triggerpoints, or HTP’s, are injuries where tissues that normally lay underneath a fascial layer have breached their surrounding. These distortions typically will bulge through their adjacent fascial plane and create localized pain that can radiate throughout a region of the body.
• Continuum Distortions: Continuum Distortions occur when the transition zone between ligaments, tendon, or other tissue, and bone have lost their ability to respond to external forces. These distortions typically occur at attachment sites and are clinically responsible for the creation of bone spurs if untreated.
• Folding Distortions: Folding Distortions manifest when fascia in, or around a joint becomes distorted. These distortions are usually brought on by either traction, or compression forces (a severe pushing, or pulling mechanism of injury). Folding Distortion injuries lessen the fascia’s ability to protect itself against these pushing, or pulling forces.
• Cylinder Distortions: Cylinder Distortions are tangled coils of circular fascia. These superficial layers of fascia become distorted when traction and compression forces are combined with a twisting, or rotational force. These are usually diffuse in nature and are at times difficult for the patient to locate. Cylinder Distortions are present post surgically and are associated to numerous clinical presentations that depict numbness, tingling and spasm.
• Tectonic Fixations:  A Tectonic Fixation is defined as a physiological alteration where the fascial surfaces have lost their ability to glide. These are most common in jointed areas that have become fixated, or stiff and typically are accompanied by a marked loss of range of motion.