The fascial distortion model
The fascial distortion model (FDM) sorts complaints into six patterns using the patient's gestures, their description, the exam and the injury mechanism. Fascia here means the connective tissue that surrounds, links and separates structures.
The six distortions
| Distortion | What the patient does or says | Proposed treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Triggerband | Traces a painful line with the fingers; pulling or burning | Firm pressure along the line |
| Herniated triggerpoint | Pushes fingers or a fist into soft tissue; deep ache | Focused sustained pressure |
| Continuum distortion | Points with one finger at a spot on bone | Direction-specific focal pressure |
| Folding distortion | Cups a joint or region; deep ache inside | Traction or compression |
| Cylinder distortion | Rubs or squeezes a broad area; odd, diffuse sensations | Skin and fascial mobilization, sometimes suction |
| Tectonic fixation | Tries to move a stiff, stuck joint | Graded mobilization to restore glide |
The rest of this guide is for founders
Founders get every guide, endless cases with an AI tutor, and Anki export of their misses. Here is what is inside:
- The six distortions
- Points that get mixed up
- Cautions
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