CAF welcomes enquiries from health practitioners who would like to learn more about superficial fascial presentations, the clinical reasoning used at CAF, and the application of SMP (Subcutaneous Multipoint Puncture).

Practitioners are also welcome to contact CAF when considering whether referral may be appropriate for a patient presenting with persistent pain, discomfort or movement limitation where involvement of the superficial fascial tissues may be relevant.

What is SMP?

SMP (Subcutaneous Multipoint Puncture) is a minimally invasive, non-pharmacological technique involving the use of small sterile needles within the superficial subcutaneous and fascial tissues.

The technique has been developed within a clinical model that considers alterations in superficial fascial tissue as one possible contributor to pain, local sensitivity, altered tissue mobility and functional limitation.

The proposed mechanisms underlying SMP and the broader concept of fasciopathy remain areas of ongoing clinical and scientific investigation. CAF therefore approaches these concepts as part of an evolving clinical framework rather than as established explanations for all forms of pain.

When Might a Referral Be Considered?

A practitioner may consider contacting or referring to CAF when a patient presents with persistent pain, discomfort or movement limitation and superficial fascial involvement is considered potentially relevant.

Referral may be particularly worth considering where symptoms have persisted despite appropriate assessment and management, or where manual examination identifies areas of altered superficial tissue sensitivity, texture or mobility that appear clinically relevant to the patient’s presentation.

Referral to CAF is not intended to replace appropriate medical investigation, diagnosis or management where these are indicated.

Assessment at CAF

Assessment begins with a detailed history of the patient’s current presentation, including the location and behaviour of symptoms, relevant medical history, functional limitations and previous management.

This is followed by a functional and hands-on examination. Palpation may be used to assess areas of tissue sensitivity, texture, mobility and other clinically relevant features within the superficial fascial and subcutaneous tissues.

Findings from the history, functional assessment and physical examination are considered together when determining whether SMP may be appropriate.

Clinical Reasoning and Scope

Pain is complex and may arise from multiple interacting biological, mechanical, neurological, psychological and social factors. CAF does not assume that superficial fascial dysfunction is the cause of every painful presentation.

The superficial fascia is considered as one possible component within a broader clinical picture. Where the presentation suggests that another condition, pathology or health concern requires investigation, the patient may be advised to consult their general practitioner or another appropriate registered health professional.

Communication With Referring Practitioners

CAF values collaborative care and welcomes communication with referring practitioners.

With the patient’s consent, relevant information may be communicated back to the referring practitioner. This may include assessment findings, the treatment approach used, the patient’s response to treatment and any recommendations relevant to ongoing management.

The intention is to support continuity of care rather than to replace the role of the practitioner already involved in the patient’s management.

What to Include in a Referral

A formal referral is not required for a patient to attend CAF. However, information from the treating practitioner can be helpful when available.

Relevant information may include:

• The reason for referral.
• The patient’s primary symptoms and functional limitations.
• Relevant diagnoses or medical history.
• Investigations or imaging relevant to the presentation.
• Previous or current treatment approaches.
• Any precautions, contraindications or other information considered clinically important.

Professional Enquiries

Practitioners who are interested in learning more about the CAF clinical approach, superficial fasciopathies or SMP are welcome to make contact.

Professional enquiries may relate to clinical reasoning, referral suitability, the principles underlying SMP, current research, or the developing evidence surrounding superficial fascial dysfunction.

Research and Evidence

CAF supports the continued development of clinical and scientific research into superficial fascial tissues and fasciopathies.

CAF also contributes financially to the Fasciopathies Research Foundation, which supports research aimed at improving understanding of fascial tissue, clinical presentations associated with fasciopathies and potential approaches to assessment and management.

As research in this area develops, CAF aims to maintain an evidence-informed approach and to distinguish between established findings, emerging evidence and proposed clinical mechanisms.

Referrals and Professional Contact

Practitioners wishing to discuss a potential referral, request further information or make a professional enquiry are welcome to contact James Flaxman.

Please use the contact form provided on this website, or call or text +61 403 160 367.

Clinic location: 11 Seventh Avenue, St Morris SA 5068