Fascial Distortion Model

What is the 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.

What is 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.

What are fascial distortions?

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.

Our Services

Chiropractic

Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between STRUCTURE (primarily the spine, although fixations in the extremities are often involved) and its FUNCTION (as coordinated by the nervous system). Our doctors utilize specific assessment/treatment techniques to detect and correct dysfunctional spinal and extremity joints that are not moving properly. Restoring joint motion alleviates pain, improves function and […]
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Active Release Techniques (ART)

Active Release Techniques® (ART) is a non-surgical soft tissue therapy that diagnoses and treats myofascial adhesion/scar tissue within/between muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerve tracts. ART utilizes principles of joint movement combined with friction/tension to break up these adhesions to restore proper mobility and function to the targeted area.
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Fascial Distortion Model

What is the 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. What […]
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Fascial Manipulation

Fascial Manipulation involves the identification of specific and localized densifications of the fascia in connection with specific patterns of limited movement. Once a limited or painful movement is identified, then a specific point on the fascia is implicated and through appropriate manipulation of this precise part of the fascia, movement can be restored to full […]
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Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)

The SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) is a movement based diagnostic system composed of a series of 7 fundamental movement patterns. These tests are designed to assess patterns of movement (such as bending and squatting) in individuals with known musculoskeletal pain. The assessment provides an efficient method to systematically find the source of symptoms by […]
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Visceral Manipulation

“Viscera” relates to the internal organs of the body, such as the stomach, liver and intestines. Visceral Manipulation involves manual release of fascial restrictions in the abdomen and pelvis to encourage the normal movement and function of the internal organs. Most people are familiar with the idea of joint and muscle restrictions causing tightness, pain […]
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Graston Technique

The Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that enables our doctors to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The Technique utilizes patented stainless steel instruments designed specifically to detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.
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Anatomy In Motion (AiM)

Anatomy in Motion (AiM) is a movement based method of assessing / correcting postural problems, relieving pain, reducing the likelihood of future injury and improving physical performance. The premise of AiM is to encourage the body to move in ways that it has “forgotten” due to adaptation/compensation. By systematically encouraging each joint of the body […]
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Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR)

P-DTR® is a revolutionary technique used to diagnose and treat various issues related to dysfunction of the nervous system. P-DTR® addresses issues at the level of the brain and its sensory receptors.
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Shockwave Therapy (EPAT)

Shockwave Therapy (EPAT®) is a form of ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) which is an evidence based, emerging, proven treatment option for patients suffering from acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. EPAT® uses acoustic pressure waves to safely increase metabolism and blood flow, stimulating / enhancing healing of the injury. The microtrauma induced, triggers a cascade of […]
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Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy (PEMF)

Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field (PEMF) therapy involves directing powerful, pulsed energy waves toward damaged or injured areas of the patient’s body. These waves painlessly and quickly pass through the cells in the damaged region, increasing the spin of the electrons contained within them. This ultimately leads to enhanced cellular growth/healing, improved circulation and helps open […]
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Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy refers to a range of passive treatment modalities used in our clinic to maximize treatment efficacy. These modalities include ice packs, moist heat (hydrocollator), electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), therapeutic ultrasound, mechanical traction and spinal decompression therapy.
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Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression Traction Therapy is a modern, high tech, non-surgical traction procedure that effectively treats disabling low back, neck, and radiating leg and arm pain. At Elite Spinal & Sports Care, we utilize the Triton DTS Decompression system.
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Fascial Movement Taping

Fascial Movement Taping is a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process. It does this by decompressing areas of swelling and inflammation, enhancing coordination of movement as well as decreasing pain.
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