126: Fascia: A Deep Dive (with Dr. Antonio Stecco, Rebroadcast)

Til and Whitney speak with fascial researcher, anatomist, and manual therapy teacher Antonio Stecco MD PhD about his research in to fascial properties, pain, and the effects of hands-on work, in this audience-favorite episode from our archives, where it originally ran as Ep. 53.

Key Topics:

• Introduction to Dr. Antonio Stecco and his background in fascia research
• The role of the Stecco family in advancing fascia research
• Differences between superficial fascia and deep fascia
• The concept of fascial densification vs. fibrosis
• How manual therapy affects fascial lubrication and gliding
• The relationship between fascial stiffness/thickness and pain
• Mechanisms for long-lasting effects of fascial manipulation
• The importance of restoring proper biomechanics, not just treating pain
• The role of retinacula in proprioception and joint stability
• New MRI techniques for imaging fascial properties
• Molecular structure of hyaluronan in fascia
• Use of hyaluronidase injections for treating spasticity
• Resources for learning more about fascial manipulation

Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites! 

• Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com 
• Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com 

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Dr Stecco’s research and publications (NYU)
• FM app on the Apple Store and Google Play
• Dr Stecco’s site: fascialmanipulation.com
• Papers mentioned in the episode:
  • Gerber et al., “A Systematic Comparison Between Subjects With No Pain and Pain Associated With Active Myofascial Trigger Points.”
  • Langevin, Helene M. et al. “Reduced Thoracolumbar Fascia Shear Strain in Human Chronic Low Back Pain.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 12, no. 1 (December 2011): 203. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-12-203.
  • Stecco, Antonio at al. “Ultrasonography in Myofascial Neck Pain: Randomized Clinical Trial for Diagnosis and Follow-Up.” Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy 36, no. 3 (April 2014): 243–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-013-1185-2.

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(The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)