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.
  
  
  
  

Sponsor Offers: 

• Books of Discovery: save 15% by entering "thinking" at checkout on booksofdiscovery.com. 


• ABMP: save $24 on new membership at abmp.com/thinking. 


• Advanced-Trainings: try a month of the amazing A-T Subscription free by entering “thinking” at checkout at a-t.tv/subscriptions/,.


• Academy of Clinical Massage: Grab Whitney's valuable Assessment Cheat Sheet for free at: academyofclinicalmassage.com/cheatsheet

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com

(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.)