TRAINING THE LEADERS IN MUSCULOSKELETAL MEDICINE
FDM Academy
Training the leaders in musculoskeletal medicine
At FDM Academy, we teach and promote research of Fascial Distortion Model, a model of assessment and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. Looking to get better outcomes for your patients? Looking to reconnect with patient care by learning a hands-on approach? Or just looking to take your practice to a higher level? FDM is for you. We teach at premier institutions including the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, as well as destination locations with DestinationFDM (TM).
About Us
FDM Academy provides certified instructors of Fascial Distortion Model in the US, as recognized by the American Fascial Distortion Model Association (AFDMA). Todd Capistrant, DO, is the lead instructor, assisted by Jen Ribar, DO and Angela Lim, DO. The AFDMA is the only organization in the US to certify FDM instructors that works in relationship with sister associations in Europe, Japan, and Africa. Founded in 2016, FDM Academy is teaching at medical schools, the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, physical therapy practices, and sports teams.
What is Fascial Distortion Model?
Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is a patient-centered model of assessment and treatment taught to DO, MD, NP, PA-C, PT, PTA, OT, ATC, DC, ND, DDS, DMD, DPM, medical students (MD and DO after their first year), and Certified Structural Integration practitioners (Rolfers). FDM Academy teaches FDM by instructors certified through the American Fascial Distortion Model Association (AFDMA). FDM was originated by US physician Stephen Typaldos, D.O. It is a system of pattern recognition, where the hand gestures used by a patient to describe their symptoms are divided into six distinct categories of dysfunction. Treatment choices are correlated to the distinct hand gestures, with manual therapy being the primary modality. Essentially all manual therapy techniques can fit into FDM, with many new treatment options being born from FDM theory. The goal of FDM treatment is to restore normal motion and reduce fear of movement in the patient, allowing them to return to function faster, while reducing reliance on traditional treatment modalities.
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Some common injuries that are easily resolved with FDM manual treatments include: pulled muscles and muscle tears, sprained ankles, shin splints, Osgood-Schlatter Disease, whiplash, headaches, shoulder pain, frozen joints, kidney stones, plantar fasciitis, sprains, strains and tendonitis, and low back pain. Chronic pain can also be successfully treated using the FDM, but results typically take longer than for acute injuries. Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and many other injuries can also be successfully treated in this model.
Ready to learn FDM?
Ready to change your practice with faster techniques to reduce pain, stiffness, and parasthesias? Want to learn advanced concepts that will allow you to work through complex patient scenarios easier?
FDM Academy Instructors
