What do you do to the musculoskeletal system?
We treat pain and restore mobility by combining machine assistance, scraping, decompression(cupping) and hand techniques. The machine assisted techniques are based on clinical studies published in the Journal of American Osteopathic Association 2008, 2013 and Fascia Manipulation First and Second Level 2018 and 2019. The cupping and hand techniques are from medical massage taught at Science of Massage Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, issue #2, 2024.
What is your goal?
We strongly believe the human MSK can self heal itself through reactivation of the hyaluronic acid (HA) self-regulation system. Based on solid clinical evidence and successful patient outcomes this treatment is focused on sources of MSK disorders especially Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).
What is your approach to treating MPS or MSK disorders?
The MSK is a structural system comprised of layers of fascia, muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, arteries and mechano receptors. When the layers become stuck and are no longer communicating effectively the solution is to restore effectively the glide to the layers. This is accomplished using the principles of fluid mechanics.
Why did you use this approach?
Fascia Integrators(FI) firmly believe the original fascia practitioners and healers were the ancient authentic martial arts masters utilizing observed scientific principles. FI has a background of authentic Shotokan karate and mechanical engineering.
Why authentic Shotokan karate and mechanical engineering?
Authentic Shotokan karate emphasizes precise fascia alignment of the MSK system and self-control of the sympathetic nervous system to effectively execute karate techniques based on scientific principles of physics and its transmission through the fascia. The mechanical engineering background involved early design predecessors of the stealth bomber and fighter. The classified plane materials behaved very similar to fascia meaning they were “state shifting”… sometimes hard… sometimes soft, similar to fascia behavior.
Why is machine assisted manual technique crucial in bringing closure to MSK disorders?
The reactivation of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is vital in treating a MSK disorder. It is not possible for hand manipulations to exert weighted compression and tangential shearing to cause the HA to return to a liquid state eventually restoring glide to the deep fascia. Also, the fascia has a yield strength up to 2000 psi which is the yield strength of steel. No hand manipulations can stretch steel.
What is Fascia and why is it important?
Fascia is the tissue that holds everything in your body in place; muscles, organs, nerves, blood vessels, bones etc. It is also a major transmitter of the SNS. For these purposes, think of it as a webbing that connects your muscles to each other and to your skin. Fascia is ideally smooth and flexible, but when muscles are put under stress, are injured, overused, or tight, the fascia tightens as well. Muscles should ideally glide over and around each other smoothly during use, but when fascia is working improperly it can
(1) prohibit muscular movement
(2) improperly assist other muscles in movement
(3) impair your SNS and
(4) cause pain.
Fascia is a firewall to the muscle. It communicates with every system in the human body. It is constantly shape shifting.
What tools are you using to accomplish this?
We use a machine called a Fascia Integrator, which is a commercial buffing tool that restores the glide to the deep aponeurotic fascia by applying weighted compression and tangential shearing effectively returning the HA from a gel back to a liquid state.
How is the Fascia Integrator different from other machines like the Theragun, Hypervolt, Thumper and other hand held vibratory percussion machines and vibratory platforms?
As stated… weighted compression and tangential shearing is the solution to restoring the glide to the deep aponeurotic fascia through the HA. The other machines or vibratory platforms do not have this capability. Generally they are addressing symptoms not sources of MSK disorders.
Is a non commercial buffer such as a Ryobi or Black and Decker effective for restoring the HA?
No, they lack the power and mass (pressure) to restore the HA and glide in the deep aponeurotic fascia.
Are rotary buffers with no handle, stick handle or hoop handle effective for treating fascia?
They have a limited effect due to a control issue. The Fascia Integrator is a commercial buffer with a double grip handle with a powerful motor that requires both hands for effective lubrication and separation of the fascia.
If I don’t receive training or certification, will the Fascia Integrator still be effective?
Without the proper techniques especially the correct practitioner body mechanics and time durations , the results are limited. It’s highly suggested that training and certification is received for optimum and stable results.
What does the treatment feel like?
Initially there will be warmth and possibly itchiness (a harmless histamine release). Next there will be unwinding and relaxation of the MKS. This is fascia trying to restore equilibrium.
How will this help the client’s stand-alone treatment?
In many cases a machine only treatment with the FI may be sufficient to treat the patient.
Does FI offer treatments besides machining?
Yes. Scraping, myofascial decompression (cupping) and hand manipulation are also employed when necessary. A hierarchy of treatment may begin with
(1) FI machining
(2) scraping
(3) cupping and
(4) hand work.
Our certification and training courses explain this in detail.
If there was a nonpareil feature that FI offered that distinguishes from other treatments… what would that be?
FI enhances all other treatments because it’s treating a symbiotic source not a symptom of a MSK issue. This includes Orthopedic, Osteopaths, Physical Medicine and Rehab, Physiatrists and Sports Medicine MD’s. Also PT’s, DC’s, acupuncturist and all bodyworkers including Rolfers and Structural Integrationists.