Myofascial Manipulation
Are You in Need of Myofascial Manipulation?
Fascial Manipulation is the newest and most exciting manual therapy technique added to our group of board certified procedures in years. It was researched and invented by Drs. Luigi Stecco, Carla Stecco, and Antonio Stecco, MDs of Paduva, Italy. The method has evolved over the last 35 years through intense research by cadaveric dissection, live ultrasound analysis, and clinical observation. Most interestingly, they divide the areas of treatment by movement planes, as well as complex movement patterns centered around joint and muscular dysfunction. This technique identifies areas of myofascial dysfunction through patient complaints and identifying movement dysfunction that causes pain.
What is Fascia?
A fascia is a structure of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding some structures together. Fascia are similar to ligaments and tendons as they are all made of collagen. However, ligaments join one bone to another bone, tendons join muscle to bone, and fascia surround muscles or other structures.
Fascia:
- Provide a sliding and gliding environment for muscles.
- Suspend organs in their proper place.
- Transmit movement from muscles to bones.
- Provide a supportive and movable wrapping for nerves and blood vessels as they pass through and between muscles.
How does Fascial Manipulation work?
Due to trauma or inflammation fascia may shorten and what was previously a pain-free range of motion may become painful and restricted (Langevin 2008). The normal sliding of the fascia becomes compromised and increases collagen production (scar tissue). Fascial manipulation is a biomechanical model that assists in understanding the role of fascia in musculoskeletal disorders to identify and treat these abnormal adhesions or “densifications” usually present with orthopedic conditions. These adhesions often change the transmission forces through your muscles and tendons causing recurring pain and/or injury.
Myofascial manipulation focuses on certain points of the body that are assessed through targeted palpation to identify any dessification that causes the pain or movement dysfunctions.
Once a limited or painful movement is identified, then a specific point on the fascia is manipulated, the adhesion/densification disappears or decreases and then movement is restored and pain reduced. By eliminating these adhesions through fascial manipulation the force transmission returns to normal and pain rapidly resolves.
In a session the practitioner will assess your movement and restrictions. Treatment will then focus on releasing the deep layers of fascia and release patterns of holding that can alleviate chronic injuries which can even be the reason you are always getting recurring acute pain.
Fascial manipulation can produce prompt relief of:
- Lower back and neck pain
- Hip pain
- Migraine Headaches
- Tension Headaches
- Knee pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder pain
If you are living with pain, it is very likely that you could benefit from myofascial manipulation. Unlike traditional forms of medicine, myofascial manipulation, specifically the “Stecco Tech” approach that we use at Optimus Health Center treats the patient as a whole, as opposed to the isolated affected area.
We could not have said it better ourselves! If you are interested in learning more about myofascial manipulation and how it can provide you with safe, effective, and efficient pain relief, contact our Jefferson City physical therapy office today to schedule an appointment.
How does myofascial manipulation work?
Myofascial manipulation focuses on certain parts of the body known as the “Centers of Coordination.” These Centers of Coordination are certain pressure points that, at their convergence, typically result in normal fascial functions.
However, when these areas become affected by injury, disease, or some other condition, they stop functioning normally, thus resulting in pain. Myofascial manipulation helps your Centers of Coordination get back to their normal function through targeted palpation. With our Stecco Tech equipment, we are effectively able to provide the correct pressure to the certain Centers of Coordination in need.
While this may result in immediate discomfort, pain will quickly ease by the end of the session. Afterward, patients will notice newfound relief, along with an improved range of motion and muscle strength in the affected area(s). Treatments are typically weekly and the number of treatments recommended by your physical therapist will be dependent upon the nature and severity of your condition.
Get started today
Are you interested in finding out if myofascial manipulation is right for you? Contact Optimus Health Group today to schedule a consultation with one of our Jefferson City physical therapists! You’ll be feeling better in no time!
