Practical Manual of the Fascial Distortion Model in the Paediatrics

Until now the Fascia Distortion Model (in short FDM) has so far played no significant role in the treatment of infants. As our smallest patients haven’t any previously learned body language, a classical treatment according to FDM is virtually impossible. With adults it is possible to discuss their symp- toms and indicate where the problem lies, this is more or less ruled out with infants. Here we have to rely rather on the results from the clinic and palpation as well as our experience with FDM.

As we know as FDM therapists, FDM treatment is often accompanied by pain, but is also very successful. If our lit- tle patients have painful distortions then it is the least we can do but to try and relieve that pain. Unfortunately, this process is as painful for younger patients as for adults. Here, the question for therapists is whether such treatment is possibly incompatible with their consciences. In my view, it is almost a duty of the therapist, to relieve the infant from his suffering! Let’s administer brief pain during treatment, knowing that in the end it is for the good of the child. Due to the great suppleness of the tissue in younger years, we can achieve a great deal of success within the first one or two treatments. This makes using FDM with infants so interesting.

As with my first book, as also here, I will adorn myself mainly with false laurels. This work could only arise due to the help of some ingenious minds that have already set

milestones before me in FDM therapy. My intention now is to filter the developments made by some renowned thera- pists and, together with my experience, implement this for the treatment of infants. Among the great therapists who have inspired me are Andrew Taylor Still, William Suther- land, Stephen Typaldos and Tom Esser. Especially through the latter did I discover my love of treating infants and chil- dren. For this, dear Tom, I retrospectively send you my sin- cerest thanks.

I want to also thank my family who have not only seen little of me due to my practice and seminar activities but also due to my writing this book. I always had you in my thoughts!

I hope all readers take pleasure in this book and also hope that I can remove the insecurities and fears about the treat- ment of infants and also present some worthwhile ideas.

If we therapists don’t help children, then who will?