Ever feel twisted like a pretzel when you didn’t even move wrong? The answer could be hiding just below your skin.
For many people living with ongoing aches, stiffness or unexplained pain, the source isn’t a broken bone or torn muscle, says Ekaphol "Hank" Wooden, DO, a board-certified family medicine physician with HonorHealth Primary Care. It’s something most of us have never heard of: fascial distortion.
Peeling back the layers
Your fascia is a thin but strong layer of connective tissue that sits between your skin and your muscles. It helps support movement and keeps everything working together. But when fascia becomes twisted or distorted, it can cause real trouble.
“If the fascia is twisted or distorted, it can pinch and cause significant pain because nerves travel directly through this layer," says Dr. Wooden.
At HonorHealth, physicians use hands-on approaches like osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) to help uncover and treat this often-overlooked condition.
The hidden pain scans can’t spot
Imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs are excellent at spotting structural issues such as fractures or arthritis. But fascia doesn’t always show up clearly on these scans. When this tissue is injured or irritated, it can pull, pinch, or restrict movement — leading to stiffness and pain without obvious evidence on imaging.
To picture how this works, imagine your fascia as a smooth, tucked-in shirt. If you grab a handful of fabric and twist it into a tight bubble, it creates tension that pulls across your entire chest and back. "That 'bubble' is a fascial distortion," says Dr. Wooden. "By using my thumb to smooth it back into place, I can release the tension and, subsequently, the pain."
What makes the Fascial Distortion Model different?
Doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, receive specialized training in this hands-on treatment that targets the fascia directly. Here’s what sets it apart:
- No tools, just touch: Unlike some therapies that use metal scrapers, FDM gives your doctor full control. "We can feel the fascia change under our thumbs in real-time,” notes Dr. Wooden. “Tools don't give us that same feedback."
- Your body leads the way: During an FDM session, doctors listen to how you describe your pain. Your words and gestures give important clues to the type of distortion that’s occurring.
- It can be a faster fix: For some injuries, a single treatment may provide immediate relief. Chronic conditions may take a series of weekly visits to heal completely.
More than sports injuries: who can benefit?
At HonorHealth, FDM is used as part of a comprehensive approach to pain relief and overall wellness. While athletes often seek it out, many others may benefit, including people with:
- Lingering post-surgery pain, especially from scar tissue or fascial tension
- Chronic headaches, especially those related to neck or muscle tension
- Joint pain or osteoarthritis, for those looking to improve comfort and movement before considering surgery
- Pregnancy-related back or hip pain, using gentle, modified techniques
- Fibromyalgia or widespread pain, as part of a broader pain management plan
Release that stuck feeling
If your body feels bent out of shape without a clear reason, your fascia could be the problem. Not all doctors are trained to recognize or treat fascial distortion, which is why seeing an osteopathic physician can offer valuable insight into what’s happening beneath the surface.
The good news? Many fascial distortions can be treated without medication or surgery.
"I love this practice because it allows me to give patients an alternative to another pill or an injection," says Dr. Wooden. "It’s about educating you on how your body moves and finding a path to healing that lasts."