What is the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM)

The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is a perspective and medical concept in manual therapy by Stephen Typaldos addressing physical complaints (such as pain or movement restrictions). These complaints are caused or provoked by distortions or twists (distortions) of the connective tissue (fasciae). If these fascial distortions are restored and corrected into their original position, the complaints disappear or are at least significantly reduced. The basic principle is that the deformation of the tissue can be reversed through manual treatment by the manual therapist. By eliminating the fascial distortion, not only are pain or movement limitations greatly reduced or eliminated, but the cause is also addressed. For FDM, the idea of the continuum of fascia structure in the body is essential. Fascia (Latin: band, bundle) refers to connective tissue in the broadest sense, which is found in various forms throughout the body. It connects all structures together, contains numerous mechanosensors and receptors, and thus inherently possesses the ability for self-awareness. It could easily be called an independent organ system within the body. Recent studies even show a contractile capability of fasciae, and we will surely learn much more exciting and new things about it in the near future.

In FDM, the classification of fasciae is mainly based on anatomical disposition and function in the respective body region. For instance, there are regions with predominantly soft tissue (such as the supraclavicular fossa) to provide great mobility to the neck and shoulder area. However, the disadvantage is that the underlying tissue can protrude as a result.

If fasciae are referred to in a broader sense as Typaldos did, then very different tissues are viewed as a unit that only exists in different compositions. For example, bones and ligaments form a single anatomical structure, which is distinguished only by the degree of calcification. Bones are highly calcified, while ligaments are low. At the transition, between ligaments and bones, fibers of the ligaments connect with the bony structure (Sharpy fibers) and themselves become bone. This area of transition thus has properties of each adjacent tissue form: it possesses different physical properties, being stiffer than a ligament but softer than bone. Typaldos compared these states to ice, water, and slush.