Fascial Manipulation

Fascial Manipulation© is a manual therapy method that has been developed by Luigi Stecco, an Italian physiotherapist from the north of Italy. This method has evolved over the last 40 years through study and practice in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems (1,2).

It focuses on the fascia (a band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body). In particular the deep muscular fascia, including the epimysium and the retinacula and considers that the myofascial system is a three-dimensional continuum. Initially via collaboration with the Anatomy Faculties of the René Descartes University, Paris, France and the University of Padova in Italy and more recently with a host of different collaborations, Dr. Carla Stecco and Dr. Antonio Stecco have carried out extensive research into the anatomy and histology of the fascia.

This manual method identifies a specific, localised area of the fascia in connection with a specific limited movement. Once a limited or painful movement is identified, then a specific point on the fascia is implicated and, through the appropriate manipulation of this precise part of the fascia, the aim is to restore movement (3,4,5,6).

Therapeutic implications

The fascia is very extensive and so it would be difficult and inappropriate to work over the entire area. The localisation of precise points or key areas can make manipulation more effective. An accurate analysis of the myofascial connections based on an understanding of fascial anatomy can provide indications as to where it is best to intervene.

This method allows therapists to work at a distance from the actual site of pain, which is often inflamed due to non-physiological tension.
Links
For more information: http://www.fascialmanipulation.com/en/about-fascial-manipulation.aspx?lang=en

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