Fascial Manipulation (Stecco Method)
Fascial Manipulation® is a treatment, developed by Italian physiotherapist Luigi Stecco, for managing pain, dysfunction and abnormal movement patterns.
Treatment focuses on the deep fascia of the body, a connective tissue which surrounds every part of our bodies from our muscles to our organs. Blood vessels and nerves run through, under, over and within it. In certain areas, it is densely packed with nerves to help us maintain a sense of space and positioning (proprioception).
If the body has any injury, overuse or trauma, the fascia can become dense and less able to move freely and glide. This in turn has an impact on all those structures - the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, organs - that the fascia interacts with to help maintain their function. This can lead to the pain, dysfunction ad abnormal movement patterns often found with altered deep fascia. Manipulating the fascia introduces friction to the tissue which in turn effects a change in the viscosity in the fluid which allows the fascia to glide.
Here at Angel Podiatry, we are incredibly fortunate to have all our Musculo-skeletal (MSK) podiatrists trained in fascial manipulation. There are only a handful of UK podiatrists trained in both levels of the treatment - able to work on the deep fascia around the muscles and joints - working from the waist to the feet.
What happens during a treatment?
Your initial appointment will be an hour long and will include your first treatment. Your podiatrist will take a thorough history of your symptoms. We may delve back in history too as many musculoskeletal problems actually manifest from an injury, trauma or overuse long ago.
Your podiatrist will then work with you to find possible painful movements. This will be used to form a treatment plan and also to evaluate at the end of treatment whether we have resolved any symptoms or improved any movement patterns.
You will then lay on the treatment couch and your podiatrist will begin to palpate areas of the deep fascia to see where the most painful areas are. A treatment plan will then be formed and discussed with you. Your treatment will then commence.
Treatment is undertaken with you lying down - either on your back, side or front depending on the area requiring treatment. It is very helpful for us to have as little clothing in the way as possible during treatment. Shorts or lycra leggings are ideal. Please do not wear thick material such as corduroy or denim.
What to expect after treatment
- The areas treated may be sore for 2—3 days. This is normal.
- Please avoid strenuous activity for 48-72 hours after your fascial manipulation.
- Occasionally, your symptoms may worsen after treatment. If this does not improve over 5 days, please contact the clinic. You may require further treatment.
- Occasionally, some new (or even old) symptoms may occur. Please report these at your follow up appointment.
- Please avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen for 72 hours after treatment.
How many treatments will I require?
A follow up appointment is recommended 1-3 weeks after your initial treatment.
How many follow ups and at what interval will very much depend on your problem and may become apparent on your follow up appointment depending on how your symptoms have changed.
Some people find one treatment is enough but some find a treatment every 3-6 months or so is beneficial.