History of the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM)

History of the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM)

The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is a relatively new form of treatment originating from the USA, attributed to Stephen Philip Typaldos (1957 – 2006).

Initially, Typaldos studied chiropractic but left before completing his degree due to a lack of conviction, and subsequently pursued osteopathy at the "College of Osteopathic Medicine" in Kansas City.

After graduating, he worked in the emergency department at Memorial Hospital in Cumberland (Maryland), where he primarily encountered patients with musculoskeletal injuries and related issues.

Over time, he realized that patients often intuitively know what they need. From 1991, Typaldos began to intensely focus on his thoughts and observations and described the first fascial distortion. Five more were to follow.

In March 1992, Typaldos presented his ideas for the first time to a wider audience during a lecture in Las Vegas. He initially developed the triggerband treatment. The second fascial distortion, the herniated trigger point (HTP), was added shortly after. This was followed by continuum distortion, folding distortions, and later, cylinder distortions as well as tectonic fixation.

Thus, the FDM encompasses the six distortions that we still recognize today.

Typaldos was initially uncertain whether there might be additional distortions. However, he later focused more on refining and finding new ways to identify existing distortions.

Typaldos was a man of many interests. He wrote musicals, played baseball, studied fossils, had a flair for reptiles, and was interested in politics and history. He died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of just 49.

The efforts to spread FDM, especially in Europe, have not waned in the years following his death. There is a desire to carry forward Typaldos’ mission and further disseminate FDM, so even more people can benefit from this treatment approach.

The number of therapists and seminars has significantly increased in recent years. Currently, there are four FDM associations: the "FDM Asian Association" (FFA) in Japan/Asia, the "European FDM Association" (EFDMA), the "American Fascial Distortion Model Association" (AFDMA), and since 2011, the "Société Africaine du Modéle du Distorsion Fascial" (SAMDF).