Fascial Distortion Model (FDM)

The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), developed by Stephen Typaldos, D.O., is an anatomical perspective in which the underlying etiology of virtually every musculoskeletal injury (and many neurological and medical  conditions as well) is considered to be comprised of one or more of six  specific pathological alterations of the body's connecting tissues  (fascial bands, ligaments, tendons, retinacula, etc.). This model not  only allows for strikingly effective manipulative treatments for diverse afflictions such as pulled muscles, fractures and frozen shoulders, but the results are objective, obvious, measurable and immediate. 

In the manipulative practice of FDM (known as Typaldos Manual Therapy,  or TMT) each injury is envisioned through the model and the subjective  complaints, body language, mechanism of injury and objective findings  are woven together to create a meaningful diagnosis that has practical  applications. For instance, in contrast to orthopedic model in which a  sprained ankle is rested so torn ligaments can heal, in the FDM  approach, the specific anatomical distortions of the capsule, ligaments, or surrounding fascia are physically reversed. Therefore, the  anatomical injury no longer exists, and the patient can walk without a  limp and is pain free. Thus the typical sequence of orthopedic  interventions obligatorily prescribed (resting, ice, compression,  elevation, ant-inflammatory drugs and crutches) is no longer considered  clinically relevant.

For more information visit the Fascial Distortion Model website.