Why the Fascial Distortion Model Will Change the Way You Treat Injuries

For many years, the standard in treating injuries has been based around an orthopedic standpoint of allowing muscle, tendons, and ligaments to rest and heal, then rehabilitate them after they are healed. Anyone who has been through a sprained ankle, lower back pain, or any injury where soft tissue was injured has likely been through this slow and often painful process. What if you could have a treatment that allowed you to begin moving and using your injured area quicker, sometimes immediately? That is where the Fascial Distortion Model can change the way you treat injuries.

What Is the Fascial Distortion Model or FDM?

The Fascial Distortion Model or FDM is a plan of treatment for soft muscle injuries that was created by Dr. Stephen Typaldos, DO. It is not a technique, per say, but instead a treatment model or philosophy to effectively manipulate soft tissue using one or more of six alternations. This is a different approach, allowing you to begin treatment immediately after an injury and in many cases, reap the rewards of a faster, more complete recovery.

The FDM is based on viewing musculoskeletal injuries and pain through a series of six different types of alterations to the connective tissues. The first step is a comprehensive exam and tests to determine which of the six alterations are present within the injury. This is done through a thorough evaluation of the injury through the patient’s observations, orthopedic tests, and the mechanism of the injury. The six alterations include:

• Triggerbands. Twisted bands of fibers that run along a linear pathway in the soft tissue are referred to as Triggerbands. These are often present in repetitive strain and sprain injuries and are the most common alteration in the FDM.
• Continuum Distortions. The attachment sites of ligaments, tendons, and other tissues that no longer are responding to external pressures are called Continuum Distortions, often the cause of bone spurs.
• Cylinder Distortions. When circular fascia become tangled, they can lead to muscle spasms, numbness and tingling, often after surgery. These are called Cylinder Distortions.
• Herniated Triggerpoints. Distortions where soft tissues have protruded out from under a fascial layer are labeled as Herniated Triggerpoints.
• Folding Distortions. Fascia around a joint that becomes distorted, usually due to a pushing or pulling injury, are called Folding Distortions.
• Tectonic Fixations. When fascia surfaces no longer glide, especially in a jointed area, this is often what is referred to as a Tectonic Fixation in the FDM.

This method of soft muscle treatment allows for the exact alterations to be treated, often reversing the issue with immediate and measurable results. For you as the patient, it gives you the ability to move past the resting stage and to the movement stage quickly, often within one treatment. The end result is faster, more effective treatment for soft tissue injuries.

At Stratton Sport & Spine, we utilize the FDM as part of our practice to ensure our patients get the most comprehensive treatment available for their injuries. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about our innovative approaches to healing.