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Why working with fascia can benefit you and your patients.

Many podiatry MSK patients present with conditions that can be managed well, resulting in good outcomes. Occasionally, outcomes do not provide the resolutions we hoped for, so, having a further differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning option can be invaluable.

Understanding and appreciating the intimate functional relationship between muscle and its associated fascia is one such significant option. 

The Fascial Manipulation® Stecco method  (FM) courses for podiatrists and resulting model of work can aid both diagnosis, practical intervention and provide a sense of the patient and practitioner working together. Reinforcing a therapeutic alliance relationship. It can provide:

• Insight into the  anatomy, physiology, neurology and pathology of fascial tissue and its associated muscles. 
• A distinctive level of clinical reasoning and practical application, based on the above, to benefit many patients. Giving us a different way in, to aid a positive resolution. 

As one highly experienced MSK podiatrist chose to put it: 

“I love this course. It’ll change how you work….in a good way”. Bob Longworth

How robust are the Fascial Manipulation courses?

• It is often.  the detail that counts.  These Fascial Manipulation® courses are packed with current detailed anatomy, physiology, neurology and pathology of human fascia. This is what underpins the clinical reasoning and practical approach of working with fascia.  Have a watch of the video opposite to get an idea.
• Targeting that which can be changed. FM does not intend to change deep muscular fascial tissue, which is extremely difficult with hands on techniques. It primarily targets some chemistry components within its layers, Hyaluronic Acid (HA), part of whose is a lubricant, facilitating the ability of fascial layers over and within muscle to slide, as the muscle moves.  Various cause increased viscosity of  HA, injury being one of them, impairing this sliding process between fascia and muscle potentially impairing the proprioceptive sensitivity of muscle spindles within.  The mechanism of FM treatment has been demonstrated to aid a restoration of appropriate lubrication change within the fascia which may aid improved muscle spindle sensitivity. i
• Working in alliance. Whilst FM can be used as a stand alone intervention, in practice it can form a significant tool in a care pathway for many MSK presentations in podiatry.  Particularly, it can involve the practitioner and patient working together in determining ongoing changes of the patient experience as FM treatment is undergone. Establishing a therapeutic alliance.
• Meet the tutor. The level 1 and 2 online theory courses are prepared and presented by Professors Carla and Antonio Stecco, clearly structured and allow you to manage your study schedule. There is plenty to learn in the theory and it will need dedicated time but it is so rewarding. The onsite practical part of the courses for podiatrists are led by Professor Antonio Stecco and run over 2 days.

After 10 years of practising Fascial Manipulation® and continual learning, I have only ever gained, as have very many of my patients.

These courses are approved* for extended scope practice  by the Royal College of Podiatry (RCPOD), for its own members. Non-members are warmly welcome to attend but need to ensure their own professional body provides insurance cover.  (*reapproval is currently pending)

Want an idea of the level of lectures? Take 30 minutes to watch the video below. 

How are the courses structured?

Each course is divided into an online theory (1a) for lectures and an attended 2 day practical (1b). Attendance at the practical is required for the course to be completed.

The online theory is formed of 2 blocks: a Basic Science (anatomy theory) and a Clinical Science (application with supportive videos).

Both blocks have MCQ exams, based upon knowledge obtained from the online lectures.

Please note, all online theory and practical, together with any video materials are covered by International Copyright and are not to be passed on nor copied. Similarly, the supplied textbook is fully Copyright. 

In brief, the courses give you:

• A detailed approach for  assessing, diagnosing, treating fascial contributors to our pain or limited function experience, that may not lie in muscle, tendons, joints direct  but in  associated  deep fascial tissues. 
• Throughout the courses detailed attention and instruction is given to safe handling and positioning of patients for each aspect of a given treatment. Similarly, attendees are instructed in safe practice and positioning of themselves in provision of such treatment. It is important to adopt these in clinical practice. Videos within each level will demonstrate these.

Want an idea of the level of lectures? click here.