The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is a special medical approach and was developed by the American physician Stephen Typaldos DO. It attributes the cause of physical complaints and restrictions in function to one or several typical distortions of the human fasciae. Correction of these fascial distortions is an efficient, measurable and reproducible way of correcting pain and restricted mobility.
The term “Fascial Distortion Model (FDM)” is composed of three words:
1. FASCIA
Fasciae are connective tissue structures which, from an FDM point of view, are the key to diagnosis and treatment for physical complaints. Today medical science recognizes the important role of the fascial system in the human body and supports FDM considerations by an increasing number of scientific studies.
2. DISTORTIONS
Distortions are twists, deformations or dislocations of connective tissue. The aim of each FDM treatment is to correct the distortions of the fasciae with targeted, specific treatment techniques (e.g. with the maneuvers of the Typaldos method). Once corrected the presenting complaint is noticeably reduced.
3. MODEL
The FDM is a clinical model. On the basis of his empirical observations Stephen Typaldos D.O. formulated this model where he correlated specific fascial distortions, typical presentations/findings and effective treatment methods. FDM doctors and therapists are applying these systematic correlations in their practice to make a precise FDM diagnosis and to choose a bespoke treatment approach.
FDM diagnosis is based on three pillars and leads to an independent FDM diagnosis. In this context the interpretation of the patients’ body language and gestures is of major significance. With precise observation intuitive gestures can be decoded thus providing direct clues about the present fascial distortions. Case history and examination complement the FDM assessment.
The FDM can be applied in various medical fields. It expands the diagnostic options of doctors or therapists and often facilitates an effective treatment of patients with varied medical diagnoses.
Currently the FDM approach is successfully used for complaints of the locomotor system and for pain therapy.
The aim of every FDM intervention is to correct the anatomical arrangement of the fasciae. Once the fascial distortion is corrected, an immediate improvement of the loading capacity, mobility and/or pain reduction can be expected. Long periods of rest are not necessary and rapid resumption of activity is possible.
The Typaldos method
Stephen Typaldos D.O., who developed the FDM, used specific maneuvers and manipulation techniques for his FDM treatment. These are known under the heading Typaldos method. They are being taught in FDM courses following the training standards laid down in the guidelines of the European Fascial Distortion Model Association (EFDMA).
The Typaldos method is used for:
- Acute pain due to sprains and dislocations of joints
- Sport injuries, e.g. pulled ligaments, contusions, muscle fiber tears, etc.
- Back pain, low-back pain, shoulder and neck pain …
- Restrictions of movement
- Symptoms like numbness or tingling as well as loss of power or instability
- Certain symptoms which usually are rather attributed to internal conditions