About the Therapy
Treatment is provided by a university-educated therapist who regularly completes continuing education and professional training at the Stecco Institute in Italy (Fascial Manipulation Institute by Stecco).
Each appointment begins with an individual assessment to understand your symptoms, movement patterns and physical load, and to determine the most appropriate approach to treatment.
What Is Manual Therapy Using the Stecco Method?
Manual therapy is a hands-on form of treatment in which the therapist assesses and treats tissues of the musculoskeletal system.
At Profysio, we use the Stecco Fascial Manipulation® method as part of manual therapy. The method was developed by Italian physiotherapist Luigi Stecco.
The method focuses on fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles and other structures in the body and plays a role in movement and load transmission.
The Stecco method does not focus solely on the area where pain is felt. The assessment may also include movement patterns, previous injuries, physical load and other areas of the body that may be related to the complaint.
What Happens During an Appointment?
Treatment begins with a consultation and assessment. The therapist asks about your current symptoms, previous injuries, physical load and general health and, when necessary, assesses different movements and areas of the body.
Based on the assessment, the therapist selects the areas to be treated manually using the Stecco method.
Vastuvõtt võib sAn appointment may include:
- assessment of your symptoms and medical history;
- assessment of mobility and movement patterns;
- manual treatment of selected fascial areas;
- recommendations regarding movement, physical load or exercises when appropriate.
The therapist may also assess areas of the body away from the site of the complaint when this is justified by the symptoms and movement pattern.
What Problems May Manual Therapy Help With?
Manual therapy using the Stecco method is primarily used for musculoskeletal complaints.
You may consider treatment for problems such as:
- neck or back pain;
- lower back pain;
- pain or restricted movement in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee or ankle;
- recurring muscle or fascial tension;
- stiffness or reduced mobility;
- overuse-related complaints;
- symptoms of tennis elbow, or epicondylitis;
- persistent movement restrictions following a previous injury;
- headaches associated with tension in the neck and shoulder area;
- recurring complaints related to sedentary work, prolonged positions or sports-related load.
The suitability of treatment always depends on the specific problem and the individual's health condition. If pain has appeared suddenly, is very severe, is rapidly worsening or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, medical evaluation should be sought first.
Manual Therapy, Stecco or Massage – What Is the Difference?
The Stecco method is one form of manual therapy. At Profysio, we use it specifically to assess and treat the fascial system.
If your main goal is relaxation and reducing general muscular tension, classical or therapeutic massage may be more suitable.
If pain or restricted movement persists, recurs or interferes with normal movement, a more detailed assessment and manual therapy using the Stecco method may be appropriate.
If recovery also requires improvements in strength, load tolerance or movement skills, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises may be included in the treatment plan.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
After manual treatment, the treated area may temporarily feel tender or sensitive. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Light, normal movement is generally appropriate after the session. For intensive training or heavier physical activity, follow your therapist's individual recommendations and take your own symptoms into account.
If you experience an unusual or strong reaction after treatment, contact your therapist.
When Should I Consult the Therapist Before Treatment?
Before your appointment, always inform your therapist about any medical conditions, medications, recent injuries or operations, and pregnancy.
Treatment may need to be postponed or medical advice may be required beforehand in situations such as:
- fever or acute infection;
- an acute inflammatory condition;
- thrombosis or thrombophlebitis;
- active bleeding;
- an open wound or skin infection in the treatment area;
- active cancer or ongoing cancer treatment;
- a recent injury or operation.
During pregnancy and in the presence of other health conditions, the suitability of manual therapy is assessed individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Stecco Therapy and Manual Therapy the Same Thing?
Stecco, or Fascial Manipulation®, is one method of manual therapy. At Profysio, we use the Stecco method to assess and manually treat the fascial system.
Is Manual Therapy Using the Stecco Method Painful?
Treatment of some areas may feel tender or uncomfortable. The aim of therapy is not to cause as much pain as possible, and the therapist adjusts the intensity according to how you feel.
How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions depends on the nature and duration of the complaint, physical load and your individual response to treatment.
Positive changes are generally expected after 2–3 sessions, for example a reduction in pain, improved mobility or changes in your ability to tolerate everyday physical activity.
However, results and the required number of sessions vary individually. After the first sessions, the therapist evaluates the changes and, when necessary, recommends a further treatment plan.
Can I Exercise After Manual Therapy?
This depends on the extent of the treatment and how you feel. Light movement is generally appropriate. If the treated area is sensitive, it is advisable to avoid very intensive exercise on the same day and follow your therapist's recommendations.
When Should I Choose Manual Therapy Using the Stecco Method Instead of Massage?
If your main goal is relaxation or reducing general muscular tension, massage may be suitable.
If pain or restricted movement keeps returning, persists for a longer period or ordinary massage provides only short-term relief, it may be useful to see a therapist for a more detailed assessment.
Mul tekkis ägestus peale teraapiat. MilMy Symptoms Became Worse After Treatment. Why Can This Happen?
Temporary local pain, tenderness or increased sensitivity may occur in the treated area after manual therapy. These symptoms usually subside within 1–2 days, although in some cases sensitivity may last for up to 72 hours.
This may be related to a temporary tissue response to manual treatment. The intensity of the response varies individually and depends on both the area treated and the intensity of treatment.
If the pain is very severe, continues to worsen or does not begin to improve within a few days, contact your therapist.
Is This the Same as Trigger Points in Therapeutic Massage?
No, although both approaches may involve working with painful areas of the body.
Stecco therapy focuses on fascia, the body's connective tissue, and on its functional mobility while considering relationships between different areas of the body. Trigger point therapy, by contrast, mainly focuses on painful points within muscles.
The Stecco method involves a broader assessment of factors that may be associated with pain and movement patterns rather than focusing only on a single local painful point.