The science behind Fascial Manipulation ®
By analysing musculoskeletal anatomy, Luigi Stecco realised that the body can be divided into 14 segments and that each body segment is essentially served by six myofascial units (mf units) consisting of monoarticular and biarticular unidirectional muscle fibres, their deep fascia (including epimysium) and the articulation that they move in one direction on one plane. Numerous muscle fibres originate from the fascia itself and, in turn, myofascial insertions extend between different muscle groups to form myofascial sequences. Therefore, adjacent unidirectional myofascial units are united via myotendinous expansions and biarticular fibres to form myofascial sequences.
While part of the fascia is anchored to bone, part is also always free to slide. The free part of the fascia allows the muscular traction, or the myofascial vectors, to converge at a specific point, named the vectorial Centre of Coordination or CC. The location of each CC has been calculated by taking into consideration the sum of the vectorial forces involved in the execution of each movement.
The six movements made on the three spatial planes are rarely carried out separately but, more commonly, are combined together to form intermediate trajectories, similar to the PNF patterns. In order to synchronise these complex movements, other specific points of the fascia (often over retinacula) have been identified and, subsequently, named Centres of Fusion or CF.
More about fascia….
Fascia is formed by undulated collagen fibres and elastic fibres arranged in distinct layers, and within each layer the fibres are aligned in a different direction. Due to its undulated collagen fibres, fascia can be stretched and, thanks to its elastic fibres, it can then return to its original resting state. Given that fascia adapts to muscle stretch, it is unable to transmit force like a tendon or an aponeurosis. If these histological and functional distinctions are not taken into consideration, then one can confuse fascia with aponeuroses or, likewise, confuse the deep fascia with the subcutaneous connective tissue (superficial fascia). Subcutaneous connective tissue forms a very elastic, sliding membrane essential for thermal regulation, metabolic exchanges and the protection of vessels and nerves, whereas the deep fascia envelops the muscles, and surrounds the muscle’s aponeurosis up to where it inserts onto bone.
The above-mentioned anatomical studies have, however, evidenced differences between the deep fascia of the trunk and that of the limbs. The first is formed by three layers, each of which includes or surrounds different muscle groups, namely a superficial layer (latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, external obliques), a middle layer (serratus posterior inferior and superior, iliocostalis) and a deep layer (interspinali, intertraversarii, multifidus, trasversus abdominus). In the limbs, the deep fascia is particularly thick, resembling an aponeurosis, and well organised, connecting and synergizing the muscles of the lower limb via its collagen fibres arranged in sequences and spiral formations.
It is hypothesised, that the richly innervated fascia could be maintained in a resting state of tension due to the different muscular fibres that insert onto it. Due to this optimal resting state, or basal tension, of the fascia, the free nerve endings and receptors within the fascial tissue are primed to perceive any variation in tension and, therefore, any movement of the body, whenever it occurs.
Deep fascia is effectively an ideal structure for perceiving and, consequently, assisting in organising movements. In fact, one vector, or afferent impulse, has no more significance to the Central Nervous System than any other vector unless these vectors are mapped out and given a spatial significance. In human beings, the complexity of physical activity is, in part, determined by the crossover synchrony between the limbs and a refined variability in gestures.
Whenever a body part moves in any given direction in space there is a myofascial, tensional re-arrangement within the corresponding fascia. Afferents embedded within the fascia are stimulated, producing accurate directional information. Any impediment in the gliding of the fascia could alter afferent input resulting in incoherent movement. It is hypothesised that fascia is involved in proprioception and peripheral motor control in strict collaboration with the CNS.
Therapeutic Implications
The fascia is very extensive and so it would be difficult and inappropriate to work over the entire area. The localisation of precise points or key areas can render manipulation more effective. An accurate analysis of the myofascial connections based on an understanding of fascial anatomy can provide indications as to where it is best to intervene. Any non-physiological alteration of deep fascia could cause tensional changes along a related sequence resulting in incorrect activation of nerve receptors, uncoordinated movements, and consequent nociceptive afferents. Deep massage on these specific points (CC and CF) aims at restoring tensional balance. Compensatory tension may extend along a myofascial sequence so myofascial continuity could be involved in the referral of pain along a limb or at a distance, even in the absence of specific nerve root disturbance. In clinical practice, cases of sciatic-like pain and cervicobrachialgia without detectable nerve root irritation are common.
This method allows therapists to work at a distance from the actual site of pain, which is often inflamed due to non-physiological tension. For each mf unit, the area where pain is commonly felt has been mapped out and is known as the Centre of Perception (CP). In fact, it is important to place our attention on the cause of pain, tracing back to the origin of this anomalous tension, or more specifically to the CC and CF located within the deep fascia.
John Sharkey, Clinical Anatomist and NTC Director says…
I feel privileged to say that I have worked with Dr. Stecco over many years and on both sides of the Atlantic producing articles and working in the dissection room investigating and exploring human fascia. The Stecco family, father Luigi (Physiotherapist), daughter Carla (Professor of Anatomy) and Antonio (doctor) have contributed to our appreciation and understanding of fascia following years of research resulting in countless papers and studies and a number of historical books on the topic. This unique research and rich understanding of the anatomy of fascia and its role in common painful conditions has led to the development of Fascial Manipulation ®. I am very proud that Dr. Stecco has chosen NTC as the exclusive training provider to deliver this course in Ireland. I strongly endorse the course and encourage therapists of every stripe to participate.
