Less pain
Aims to relieve pain in the treated area.
IN PERSON · CAF CALAFELL
Learn to apply the SMP Technique -PMS®
Theoretical knowledge.
Supervised clinical practice.
Learn directly from the creators of the SMP Technique at the CAF Calafell reference centre and develop the knowledge and skills to integrate it rigorously into your clinical practice.
For licensed professionals in Physiotherapy, Nursing and Medicine. Please enquire about other qualifications.
Courses can be delivered in Catalan, Spanish or English, according to participants’ needs. Training takes place in Calafell, Spain.
THE TECHNIQUE
A new perspective on pain and restricted movement.
Subcutaneous Multipoint Puncture (SMP)
Known in Spain as PMS® — Punció Multipunt Subcutània
Pain and functional limitations can have more than one contributing factor. Alongside a diagnosed injury or condition, some people may also have changes in the superficial fascia: the connective tissue beneath the skin, associated with sensation and tissue glide. These changes, described within the CAF model as superficial fasciopathy, may contribute to pain and difficulty moving.
SMP uses superficial micropunctures that remain within the subcutaneous tissue. The Spanish provider describes it as minimally invasive, generally causing little discomfort, with a low incidence of adverse effects. CAF centres report clinical observations of changes in pain, mobility and the appearance of treated tissues.
The technique is considered individually as a possible complementary intervention. It does not replace diagnosis or other indicated treatments. It may be considered when assessment identifies signs consistent with superficial fascia involvement.
INTENDED BENEFITS
More mobility
Supports freer and more functional movement.
Anatomical definition
Aims to help the treated area regain its natural contour and surface relief.
CLINICAL CONTEXT
When superficial
fascia is involved.
Superficial fasciopathy can coexist with other conditions and contribute to pain. Where this fascial involvement is present, SMP is intended to help relieve associated pain and improve function. The following are possible application areas described by the Spanish provider; they are not evidence that SMP treats each underlying condition.
1. Nonspecific pain
Back pain, torticollis, mid-back pain or pseudo-sciatica.
2. Occupational overuse
Pain associated with repetitive arm or hand movements.
3. Sports overuse
Discomfort associated with repeated microtrauma during training.
4. Generalised pain syndromes
Pain associated with widespread pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
5. Tendons and ligaments
Chronic pain associated with tendon or ligament injuries.
6. Degenerative conditions
Pain associated with degenerative processes, such as osteoarthritis.
7. Spinal disc conditions
Pain associated with changes in the intervertebral discs.
8. Pain associated with hormonal changes
Pain associated with menstruation or menopause.
9. Headaches
Headaches and tension-related pain associated with the neck muscles.
10. Postoperative pain
Persistent discomfort around painful scars.
11. Stress-related pain
Muscular discomfort associated with tension and stress.
12. Postherpetic neuralgia
Persistent pain following shingles.
13. Pain on one side of the face
Pain associated with bruxism or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
14. Plantar fasciitis or fasciopathy
Pain on the sole of the foot.
TRAINING CURRICULUM
Build your foundation.
Then deepen your practice.
Theoretical and practical training,
with individual attention in small groups.
INITIAL TRAINING
Level 1
3 in-person days
Level 1 provides the anatomical and clinical foundation required to begin applying the SMP Technique, combining theory with supervised practical work.
What you will learn
- Superficial fascia and fasciotomic patterns
- Clinical assessment, medical history taking (anamnesis), and functional physical examination
- Identification of key signs of fascial dysfunction
- Principles for safe application of the SMP Technique
- Re-evaluation of changes in pain and mobility
- Patient communication, informed consent, and clinical follow-up
- Duration
- 23.5 in-person hours
- Location
- CAF Calafell, Spain
- Participants
- 4–6 professionals
- Eligibility
- Registered members of professional colleges in Medicine, Nursing and Physiotherapy. Enquire for other qualifications.
- Assessment
- Knowledge test and practical skills examination
€975 EURRegistration open
Enquire about Level 1ADVANCED TRAINING
Level 2
1 in-person day
Advance your practice after gaining reasonable hands-on experience treating patients with the techniques learned in Level 1.
Progressing to Level 2
Through a preliminary interview, the teaching staff will individually assess your acquired experience and suitability to continue training.
- Duration
- 8 in-person hours
- Location
- CAF Calafell, Spain
- Participants
- 4–6 professionals
- Eligibility
- Professionals who have completed Level 1
- Assessment
- Knowledge test and practical skills examination
€325 EURRegistration coming soon
Enquire about Level 2TRAINING COMPETENCIES
A progressive pathway to clinical skills.
Level 1 · Three intensive days
1.1 Understanding the CAF clinical model
Understand the philosophy, care model and operation of CAF centres.
1.2 Knowledge of superficial fascia
Understand its structure, function and pathophysiology, and recognise the main clinical manifestations of superficial fasciopathy.
1.3 Clinical assessment
Take a targeted clinical history, assess function, and examine the superficial fascia through inspection and palpation.
1.4 Identification and clinical decisions
Identify areas of fasciopathy and the fasciotomes studied, considering indications, contraindications and applications.
1.5 Application of SMP
Prepare and use the equipment correctly and apply the technique systematically to the trunk and limbs, excluding the hands and feet.
1.6 Safe practice and clinical follow-up
Apply hygiene and safety measures, prevent treatment-related harm, reassess outcomes and develop a basic therapeutic plan.
Level 2 · One intensive day
For professionals who have gained experience and proficiency in the Level 1 content.
2.1 Consolidating clinical practice
Refine technique, review accumulated experience and resolve questions arising in clinical practice.
2.2 Extending application areas
Complete training in application to the head, hands and feet.
2.3 Advanced clinical applications
Consider more complex cases and applications beyond musculoskeletal pain within the provider’s training model.
Certification and provider accreditation
Successful completion of each level leads to the corresponding training certificate. After completing both levels and meeting the requirements of MD Fasciopathy Education Group, SL, practitioners may apply for the provider’s professional accreditation and join its accredited practitioner network.
Maintaining this accreditation requires annual update training and compliance with renewal requirements. This is the training provider’s accreditation; it does not itself establish Australian registration, scope of practice or professional recognition.
YOUR TRAINERS
Learn from the technique’s creators.
Dr Marta Expósito Izquierdo
A medical practitioner with extensive clinical and healthcare leadership experience. She combines clinical practice with healthcare management and leadership of CAF education projects.
Dr Marta Cañis Parera
A medical practitioner with extensive clinical and healthcare leadership experience. She combines clinical practice with research and leadership of CAF research projects.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE & RESEARCH
An evolving evidence base.
The provider traces the technique’s development to doctoral thesis work by its creators. Clinical experience informed its subsequent development, alongside work to support clinical and basic research and scientific communication.
Accumulated clinical experience
The provider reports that subcutaneous puncture has been applied at CAF centres since 2024, in the assessment and management of superficial fascia dysfunction.
Research planned for 2027
The Spanish site states that a clinical study is planned at Hospital del Vendrell to evaluate application in nonspecific low back pain, clarify indications and assess outcomes in a public healthcare setting. This is a planned study, rather than published results.
Research, education and communication
The Fasciopathies Research Foundation, registered with the Catalan Department of Justice on 6 February 2024, supports research, scientific communication and education, with collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers and patients.
Clinical observations and planned research do not establish effectiveness across all the application areas listed above.
INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
Let's talk about
your training.
Contact CAF Calafell for availability, registration information, or questions about your professional qualifications.
PHONE & WHATSAPP+34 632 133 736
Training location: CAF Calafell, Spain
Delivered by MD Fasciopathy Education Group, SL