Grounded in scientific and clinical evidence, this highly illustrated new guide gives an introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders using the Fascial Manipulation (FM) method developed by Luigi Stecco – the foremost scientifically valid method of evaluating and treating fascial dysfunction. It describes FM’s history, anatomy and physiology of fasciae, indications and contraindications, mechanisms of action, and details of the subjective and physical techniques used to manage disorders. A Practical Guide to Fascial Manipulation focuses on concepts around evaluating the fascia based on functional testing, movement and direction in specific spatial planes, and the location of specific areas to treat safely. With an emphasis throughout on accessible practical information, the book is also supported by a website – www.guidefascial.com – containing procedural video clips and an image bank.

This book highlights the impact that the Fascial Manipulation® - Stecco® method for fascial dysfunctions, developed by Italian physiotherapist Luigi Stecco, has had on the clinical practice of 16 well-established practitioners from a total of seven different countries and from different disciplines, including physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy and massage therapy. It gives voice to some of the experienced practitioners who have acknowledged Luigi Stecco's work and have played an important role in the diffusion of this method in their respective countries. The knowledgeable 'clinical eye' of these practitioners will have immense value for their peers. An introductory chapter outlines the theoretical models underlying the Fascial Manipulation - Stecco method and the clinical reasoning process applied in this method. Each subsequent chapter presents the application of the Fascial Manipulation - Stecco method in detailed case reports. Chapters are divided into three main sections (Musculoskeletal, Internal Dysfunctions and Other Perspectives) and they provide useful information either for other practitioners of this method or for colleagues who are interested in approaching this type of fascial work. Furthermore, the personal accounts presented here provide ulterior historical background to the development and spread of the Fascial Manipulation - Stecco method, which has generated and continues to generate numerous areas for research.

"Osteopathy and other systems of manual medicine have developed a variety of models for understanding the mechanics of proper and improper motion of the musculoskeletal system. In this important and pioneering work, that same structural vision is applied to the visceral system. The central premise of 'Visceral Manipulation' is that the interrelationship of structure and function among the internal organs is at least as strong as that among the constituents of the musculoskeletal system; and that, like the musculoskeletal system, manipulation of the viscera can be beneficially used in the treatment of a wide variety of problems affecting any of the body's systems."--Publisher description.