Principles of the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM)

Principles of the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM)

The central approach of the FDM and its understanding is Typaldos' theory of the fascial continuum. This particularly refers to two aspects:

1. Fascia in the narrower sense: Connective tissue is found throughout our entire body

   If one understands the term fascia in the narrower sense as connective tissue, it appears as a unit that runs as a tightly-knit network through the entire body. Particularly complex and equally interesting is the connection between connective and muscle tissue. Consider that every single muscle fiber is surrounded by connective tissue, and several fibers are again grouped into bundles of connective tissue, and so on.

2. Fascia in the broader sense: Ligaments and bones form a single structure

   Looking at fascia in a broader sense, very different tissues are considered as a unit, which only differ in composition. A ligament is a demineralized bone, and a bone is thus a calcified ligament. The transition area thus possesses properties of each adjacent tissue form.

In the FDM, fascia is primarily classified by anatomical disposition and function in the respective body region.

The following six fascial distortions were described by Typaldos:

Trigger Band

Many fasciae in the body are band-like, with fibers running closely together in longitudinal direction. They are therefore extremely tensile and elastic, but can stand up little against shear forces. The band can twist, and some fibers can be pushed away from each other.

Herniated Trigger Point

In herniated trigger points, tissue from one area pushes through the adjacent fascia plane into another area. This can be imagined similarly to a bulge or protrusion. In the FDM, a distinction is made between clamped and non-clamped HTPs.

Anatomical conditions favor the location of HTPs.

Continuum Distortion

The starting point for treatment is the idea that ligament and bone form a unified structure, a continuum. This changes its rigidity depending on calcium concentration. Typaldos compares this to ice, mush, and water. Just as the different states of the transition zone - sometimes more ossified (ice) or more ligamentous (water) - are physiological, the continuous change between both states is also of importance.

Folding Distortions

Around all mobile joints of the body are special fascial structures known in the FDM as folding fasciae. One can think of this like an accordion: the folds can unfold and fold back smoothly when required by movement. They thus follow every movement of the joint - unless they are too tightly folded in or out.

Cylinder Distortions

In the FDM, fasciae that protect the muscles and soft tissues and act as shock absorbers are known as cylinder fasciae. These fasciae can be visualized as tightly interwoven spiral windings. This gives these fasciae special tensile strength while maintaining elasticity. However, these windings can get tangled and hooked within themselves.

Tectonic Fixation

This distortion describes a loss of gliding ability in a gliding layer of the body without pain arising. In addition to the true joints, there are many other gliding layers in the body, such as the visceral sheets between organs or the scapulothoracic joint.