BACKGROUND
The manual therapy method known as Fascial Manipulation© has been developed by an Italian physiotherapist, Luigi Stecco, over the last 40 years. This method is based on the concept of the human myofascial-skeletal-visceral system as a three-dimensional continuum.
Working from an innovative biomechanical model, which has more recently been integrated with a detailed comprehension of the visceral connections, it provides a comprehensive and functional interpretation of the complexities of the human fascial system. It helps to put fascia, a long overlooked and underestimated tissue, into the equation.
In recent years, dissections of unembalmed cadavers performed by Dr. Carla Stecco and Dr. Antonio Stecco (according to indications from L. Stecco) as well as numerous histological, and biomechanical studies have substantiated several of Stecco's original hypotheses concerning the potential role of the deep fascia in various functions such as motor control. These studies are ongoing and encompass examining the differences in fascial layers according to function,the evolution of the fascial system, and the biochemical nature of the fascia itself.
The original biomechanical model, the manual method and the fascial anatomy research have influenced one another reciprocally. Therefore, over the last 20 years different manual techniques have been proposed in accordance with findings concerning the micro and macroscopic characteristics of the superficial, deep and visceral fasciae.
Stecco's model for the inter-relationship between visceral and musculoskeletal system dysfunctions is about to be published in Italian (2011).
Working from an innovative biomechanical model, which has more recently been integrated with a detailed comprehension of the visceral connections, it provides a comprehensive and functional interpretation of the complexities of the human fascial system. It helps to put fascia, a long overlooked and underestimated tissue, into the equation.
In recent years, dissections of unembalmed cadavers performed by Dr. Carla Stecco and Dr. Antonio Stecco (according to indications from L. Stecco) as well as numerous histological, and biomechanical studies have substantiated several of Stecco's original hypotheses concerning the potential role of the deep fascia in various functions such as motor control. These studies are ongoing and encompass examining the differences in fascial layers according to function,the evolution of the fascial system, and the biochemical nature of the fascia itself.
The original biomechanical model, the manual method and the fascial anatomy research have influenced one another reciprocally. Therefore, over the last 20 years different manual techniques have been proposed in accordance with findings concerning the micro and macroscopic characteristics of the superficial, deep and visceral fasciae.
Stecco's model for the inter-relationship between visceral and musculoskeletal system dysfunctions is about to be published in Italian (2011).
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| Manual technique using elbow |
An in-depth understanding of the fascial layers' structure, their relationship with muscle fibres and their innervation has helped to develop this original vision of myofascial-skeletal anatomy. The development of the visceral inter-relationships has been L. Stecco's primary focus for the last 10 years.
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| Manual technique with knuckles |
Both the biomechanical model and the visceral somatic model guide the therapist to the localization of fascial alterations. Both entail an accurate, codified evaluative process. They can be useful for interpreting the passage of compensation from one segment to another and the evolution from an initial segmental disturbance to a more generalized dysfunction. They enable the therapist to pinpoint where to work to restore equilibrium to the human myofascial-skeletal-visceral system
While Stecco's models are a semplification of the complexity of the human fascial system they are not simple and often require a mind shift for clinicians to comprehend them. Its a new paradigm for interpreting the myofascial-skeletal-visceral interaction through the fascial system. Students who go on with this work often find it helps them understand what and why they were doing previously.
Luigi Stecco has often said "the only real contraindication in this work is the therapists ignorance", hence he uses the latin phrase on the FM logo- Manus Sapiens Potens Est- only a knowledgeable hand is powerful.
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| Founding Members AMF, 2009 |
In 2008, The Fascial Manipulation Association was formed by the Stecco family together with the Senior teachers group. The purpose of the Association is to promote research concerning the manual treatment of pain through the study of the anatomy and physiology of the fascial system. This association holds an annual conference in the north of Italy in the month of June.
Subscription to the Association is available at www.fascialmanipulation.com
Courses in Fascial Manipulation as developed by Luigi Stecco, are currently taught by a team of qualified teachers in Italy, Spain, Japan, USA, France, Portugal, Poland, UK, Israel and several South American countries.
In 2012, new English language courses started in the Japan and Denmark. Next year a first course in Germany (English with German translation) is being organized. See FM courses page on this blog or check out www.fascialmanipulation.com. for more information.
To catch up on some reading about studies of fascial anatomy you can find lots of abstracts of published articles are available for access at www.fascialmanipulation.com
If you searching through Pub Med etc. then do use Stecco C. or Stecco A. as authors to find their latest publications.
To buy the book...local agents are listed on the right or order it straight from the editor http://www.piccin.it/reparti/english-books/rehabilitation/1044.html Amazon.com does have it although prices do fluctuate a lot so it is best to cross check with the Editor's rates. E-books are available.
In 2012, new English language courses started in the Japan and Denmark. Next year a first course in Germany (English with German translation) is being organized. See FM courses page on this blog or check out www.fascialmanipulation.com. for more information.
To catch up on some reading about studies of fascial anatomy you can find lots of abstracts of published articles are available for access at www.fascialmanipulation.com
If you searching through Pub Med etc. then do use Stecco C. or Stecco A. as authors to find their latest publications.
To buy the book...local agents are listed on the right or order it straight from the editor http://www.piccin.it/reparti/english-books/rehabilitation/1044.html Amazon.com does have it although prices do fluctuate a lot so it is best to cross check with the Editor's rates. E-books are available.
