Treatment of complex leg complaints according to the fascial distortion model: Case study

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are common and cause high costs in the health care system. In today’s medicine, various treatment concepts and models exist, aiming at simplifying the complex reality and facilitating the practical action on the patient. The fascial distortion model (FDM) according to Stephen Typaldos is a medical diagnosis and treatment concept in which complaints and functional limitations of the musculoskeletal system are interpreted and treated accordingly, taking into account the patient’s body language. Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the approach, diagnosis, and treatment according to the FDM on the basis of a patient with complex leg complaints. Patient and methods: The 29-year-old patient has suffered from bilateral dorsal thigh and calf pain for a long time, which severely restrict his ability to sit and exercise. After extensive conventional medical diagnostics, he was diagnosed with “muscular imbalance.” During the physical examination, the patient’s thigh complaints could only be reproduced by pinching. The calf complaints occurred during stretching, pressure palpation, and pinching. According to the FDM, the complaints were interpreted as a combination of cylinder distortions and triggerbands. Over a period of 3 months, eight half-hour treatments were performed. The interventions included cylinder techniques (pinch technique, cupping, squeegee technique) as well as the triggerband technique and home exercises. Results: The patient’s complaints were distinctly reduced by the therapy. The patient is hardly restricted in everyday life and leisure activities and can resume his sports activities. Conclusion: In the medical world, there is increasing demand for applied diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to be evidence-based and cost effective. The FDM will continue to face this test in order to be recognized by financing bodies, society and professionals as an effective and efficient medical concept.