Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious patients.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
- A2021
Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2021, Part 1
Bruno Bordoni, Allan R Escher, Filippo Tobbi, Antonio Pranzitelli, Luigi PianeseThis review article discusses the need for clear, scientifically grounded terminology for the fascial system. The authors, representing the FORCE organization, emphasize the importance of an impartial approach to fascia…
fasciafascial systemOsteopathicfascial continuumfascintegrity - A2021
Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2021, Part 2
Bruno Bordoni, Allan R Escher, Filippo Tobbi, Bruno Ducoux, Serge PaolettiThis conceptual article addresses the ongoing debate about how to classify and name fascia. The authors suggest that progress is hindered because the discussion is often limited to a few scientific specialties and can b…
fasciafascial systemOsteopathicfascial continuumfascintegrity - A2020
Anatomy, Tendons
Bruno Bordoni, Matthew VaracalloThis is a placeholder for a summary of a publication titled "Anatomy, Tendons". The full text has not yet been reviewed by our team. Once summarized, this entry will provide an overview of the key anatomical features of…
fasciatendonsAnatomytendon sheaths - A2020
Ageing of the diaphragm muscle
Bruno Bordoni, Bruno Morabito, Marta SimonelliThis narrative review explores how the diaphragm, our main breathing muscle, is affected by aging. Like other muscles, the diaphragm can weaken and lose mass over time, a condition known as sarcopenia. This age-related…
fasciadiaphragmskeletal musclephrenic nervevagus nerve - A2020
Reflections on the Development of Fascial Tissue: Starting from Embryology
Bruno Bordoni, Bruno MorabitoThis reflective article discusses the ongoing challenges in classifying fascial tissue. The authors highlight that the scientific literature contains many contradictions and lacks a clear, straightforward definition. Th…
fasciaMyofascialSurgeryAnatomyembryology - A2019
Fascial Nomenclature: An Update
Bruno Bordoni, Stevan Walkowski, Bruno Morabito, Matthew A VaracalloThis review article discusses the ongoing challenge of creating a single, comprehensive definition for fascia. The authors argue that different scientific and clinical fields view fascia through their own unique lenses,…
fasciamechanotransductionMyofascialOsteopathicphysiotherapy - A2019
Improving the New Definition of Fascial System
Bruno BordoniThis narrative review proposes expanding the definition of the fascial system to include bone tissue. The author argues that bone, a specialized form of connective tissue, shares the same embryological origins as other…
fasciaChiropracticosteopathyManual Therapyfascial system - A2019
Biotensegrity or Fascintegrity
Bruno Bordoni, Matthew A Varacallo, Bruno Morabito, Marta SimonelliIn this theoretical review, the authors question the popular "biotensegrity" model for describing the body's mechanics. They argue the model is incomplete because it fails to account for crucial factors like bodily flui…
fasciaMyofascialOsteopathicphysiotherapyskeletal muscle - A2019
The diaphragm muscle manual evaluation scale
Bruno Bordoni, Bruno MorabitoThis technical report describes a new method for manually assessing the diaphragm's function, called the Manual Evaluation Diaphragm (MED) scale. The scale is designed to generate a value for the respiratory muscle's mo…
fasciaMyofascialdiaphragmSurgeryphrenic nerve - A2019
Anatomy, Fascia
Bruno Bordoni, Navid Mahabadi, Matthew VaracalloThis resource provides an overview of the anatomy of fascia. As the full text has not yet been reviewed, this summary is based on the title alone. The entry likely covers the structural and functional aspects of fascial…
fascia - A2019
Lymphatic pump manipulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Bruno BordoniThis narrative review examines the use of lymphatic pump manipulation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is characterized by persistent inflammation, and lymphatic techniques aim to red…
inflammationfasciaOsteopathicCOPDlymphatic pump - A2019
Cranial osteopathy: Obscurantism and Enlightenment
Bruno Bordoni, Bruno Morabito, Marta SimonelliIn this reflective article, the authors discuss the controversial aspects of cranial osteopathy. They address common objections, such as the idea that the cranial bones are immobile in adults and that an operator's hand…
fasciaOsteopathicquantum physicsneurophysiologycranio - A2018
Meaning of the Solid and Liquid Fascia to Reconsider the Model of Biotensegrity
Bruno Bordoni, David Lintonbon, Bruno MorabitoThis theoretical article proposes a reconsideration of the traditional biotensegrity model. The authors argue that fascia should be viewed as a system with both solid and liquid components, where blood and lymph constit…
fasciaChiropracticManual TherapyMyofascialOsteopathic - A2018
Immediate effects of self-myofascial release on latent trigger point sensitivity: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Jan Wilke, Lutz Vogt, Winfried BanzerThis randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined whether foam rolling could immediately reduce sensitivity in latent trigger points. Researchers compared 90 seconds of static compression, dynamic rolling, and a placeb…
fasciaMyofascial painFoam rollingSelf-masage - A2018
Fasciae of the musculoskeletal system: normal anatomy and MR patterns of involvement in autoimmune diseases
Thomas Kirchgesner, Xavier Demondion, Maria Stoenoiu, Patrick Durez, Adrien Nzeusseu Toukap, Frédéric Houssiau, Christi…This review article describes the fascial system as a three-dimensional continuum of connective tissue found throughout the body. The authors review the normal anatomy of fascia and its appearance on magnetic resonance…
fasciaMusculoskeletalAnatomyAutoimmuneMRI - A2018
The anatomical relationships of the tongue with the body system
Bruno Bordoni, Bruno Morabito, Roberto Mitrano, Marta Simonelli, Anastasia ToccafondiIn this review article, the authors examine the tongue's functions and its anatomical connections to the rest of the body. The tongue is not only essential for swallowing, breathing, and speaking, but it also affects po…
fasciadiaphragmphysiotherapytonguespeech therapy - A2018
Chest pain in patients with COPD: the fascia’s subtle silence
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Roberto CastagnaIn this article, the authors discuss potential causes of chest pain in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They highlight that chest pain is common in COPD and propose that an often-overlooked so…
fasciadiaphragmmuscle painCOPDthoracic pain - A2018
New Proposal to Define the Fascial System
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Roberto Castagna, Beatrice Sacconi, Paul MazzuccoIn this proposal, the authors suggest a new definition for the fascial system, noting that a universally accepted one does not yet exist. They argue for including the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) based on functio…
fasciaConnective tissuefibroblastMyofascialSkin - A2018
Fascial preadipocytes: another missing piece of the puzzle to understand fibromyalgia?
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Francesca Cavallaro, David LintonbonIn this review paper, the authors discuss fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition whose cause remains uncertain. While often linked to changes in the central nervous system, research also points to peripheral nerve damag…
fasciaFibromyalgiapainMyofascialneuropathic pain - A2018
A New Concept of Biotensegrity Incorporating Liquid Tissues: Blood and Lymph
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Roberto CastagnaThis conceptual article proposes an update to the biotensegrity model, which traditionally focuses on the solid structures of the fascial system. The authors argue that "liquid tissues" like blood and lymph should also…
fasciaChiropracticManual TherapyMyofascialOsteopathic - A2018
Frontiers in fascia research
Carla Alessandra Avila Gonzalez, Mark Driscoll, Robert Schleip, Scott Wearing, Eric Jacobson, Thomas Findley, Werner Kl…This article reviews recent developments in fascia research, emphasizing new ways to assess this highly variable tissue. Researchers note that fascia differs greatly between individuals in density, stiffness, and metabo…
fasciaultrasound.Pain therapySport sciencesIndentometry - A2017
The indeterminable resilience of the fascial system
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Beatrice SacconiThis commentary proposes a model of fascia not as layers, but as a network of polyhedral microvacuoles of connective tissue. These structures connect the body's systems and can change shape in response to tension, allow…
fasciafibroblastManual TherapyOsteopathicfascial continuum - A2017
The Lumbodorsal Fascia as a Potential Source of Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review
Jan Wilke, Robert Schleip, Werner Klingler, Carla SteccoThis narrative review examines the role of the lumbodorsal fascia as a potential source of low back pain. Research shows this fascia contains pain-sensing nerve endings, which may be morphologically altered in people wi…
fasciaNociceptionlow back painlumbodorsal fascia - A2016
The tongue after whiplash: case report and osteopathic treatment
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno MorabitoThis case report describes a 30-year-old man who experienced neck pain during swallowing and had a reduced ability to open his mouth following a whiplash injury. He was treated with osteopathic manual techniques directe…
fasciafascial releasetongueindirect osteopathic techniques - A2016
A Systematic Review of the Soft-Tissue Connections Between Neck Muscles and Dura Mater
Luis Palomeque-del-Cerro, Luis A Arráez-Aybar, Cleofás Rodriguez-Blanco, Rafael Guzmán-Garcia, Mar Menendez-Aparicio, Á…In this systematic review, researchers compiled data from 26 studies to investigate direct soft-tissue connections between neck muscles and the dura mater, the outermost membrane surrounding the spinal cord. The analysi…
fasciaConnective tissueproprioceptionSpineAnatomy - A2016
What Is Evidence-Based About Myofascial Chains: A Systematic Review
Jan Wilke, Frieder Krause, Lutz Vogt, Winfried BanzerThis systematic review evaluated anatomical dissection studies to find evidence for six proposed myofascial meridians. Researchers analyzed 62 studies and found strong evidence for the anatomical continuity of three lin…
fasciaForce transmissionmyofascial chainsmeridians - A2016
Human Recombinant Hyaluronidase Injections For Upper Limb Muscle Stiffness in Individuals With Cerebral Injury: A Case Series
Preeti Raghavan, Ying Lu, Mona Mirchandani, Antonio SteccoThis case series investigated injections of the enzyme hyaluronidase to treat upper limb muscle stiffness in 20 individuals with cerebral injury. The researchers hypothesized that an accumulation of hyaluronan in the mu…
fasciaConnective tissueStrokeHypertoniaspasticity - A2015
Structural Integration as an Adjunct to Outpatient Rehabilitation for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Pilot Clinical Trial
Eric E Jacobson, Alec L Meleger, Paolo Bonato, Peter M Wayne, Helene M Langevin, Ted J Kaptchuk, Roger B DavisThis randomized pilot clinical trial investigated if adding Structural Integration (SI) to standard outpatient rehabilitation could help people with chronic non-specific low back pain. Researchers assigned 46 participan…
fascia - A2015
Glycosaminoglycans and Proteoglycans in Palmar Fascia of Patients with Dupuytren
Priscilla Carneiro Hirai Nascimento, Elsa Yoko Kobayashi, Luiz Guilherme de Saboya Lenzi, João baptista Gomes dos Santo…In this experimental study, researchers investigated the role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), a type of molecule in connective tissue, in Dupuytren's disease. The team analyzed palmar fascia tissue samples from 23 patient…
fasciaProteoglycansdupuytren contractureglycosaminoglycans - A2015
Remodelling the extracellular matrix in development and disease
Caroline Bonnans, Jonathan Chou, Zena WerbThis narrative review describes the extracellular matrix (ECM), a dynamic network present in all body tissues that undergoes constant remodeling. This remodeling process is crucial for regulating cell functions like pro…
fasciaextracellular matrixstiffnessmechanotransductionmatrix remodeling - A2015
Hyaluronan, inflammation and breast cancer progression
Katryn L Schwertfeger, Mary K Cowman, Patrick G Telmer, Eva A Turley, James B McCarthyThis narrative review explores the link between inflammation, the tissue component hyaluronan (HA), and breast cancer progression. Cancer cells and surrounding host cells can create an inflamed microenvironment that hel…
hyaluronaninflammationCD44fasciaBreast cancer - A2015
The content and size of hyaluronan in biological fluids and tissues
Mary K Cowman, Hong-Gee Lee, Kathryn L Schwertfeger, James B McCarthy,, Eva A TurleyHyaluronan is a simple sugar polymer found throughout the body's tissues and fluids. It is typically produced as a very large, high-molecular-mass molecule. This narrative review notes that during processes like inflamm…
hyaluronanfasciaquantificationassaymolecular mass - A2015
Modelling the mechanoreceptor’s dynamic behaviour
Zhuoyi Song, Robert W Banks, Guy S BewickThis study developed a computational model to better understand how mechanoreceptors, our body's stretch and pressure sensors, adapt to stimuli. Researchers adapted a model originally used for vision in flies to simulat…
fasciabiophysical modelfly photoreceptorrefractory periodsensory adaptation - A2015
Understanding Fibroblasts in Order to Comprehend the Osteopathic Treatment of the Fascia
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierIn this review paper, the authors argue that understanding fibroblasts is essential for comprehending and applying osteopathic treatment of the fascia. As the foundational cells of connective tissue, fibroblasts have ma…
fasciafibroblastosteopathy - A2015
Primo-Vascular System as Presented by Bong Han Kim
Vitaly Vodyanoy, Oleg Pustovyy, Ludmila Globa, Iryna SorokulovaIn the 1960s, researcher Bong Han Kim described a new vascular system, distinct from the blood and lymph systems, which he proposed was involved in tissue regeneration. However, his work was difficult for later scientis…
fasciaprimo vascular system - A2015
Investigation of meningomyovertebral structures within the upper cervical epidural space: a sheet plastination study with clinical implications
Frank Scali, Matthew E Pontell, Lance G Nash, Dennis E EnixThis cadaver study investigated soft-tissue connections within the epidural space of the upper cervical spine using dissection and a technique called sheet plastination. The researchers found consistent connections wher…
fasciacervical spineMyodural Bridgedural lacerationsepidural space - A2015
Innervation Changes Induced by Inflammation of the Thoracolumbar Fascia
U Hoheisel, J Rosner, S MenseThis animal study investigated how inflammation affects the nerves in the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) of rats. Researchers induced inflammation in the TLF and compared its nerve fiber density to that of healthy fascia. W…
inflammationfasciafasciitisfascia innervationsympathetic fibers - A2015
Primo Vascular System: An Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Potential Transitional Tissue Involved in Gastric Cancer Metastasis
An Ping, Su Zhendong, Qu Rongmei, Dai Jingxing, Chen Wei, Zhou Zhongyin, Luo Hesheng, Kwang-Sup SohThe primo vascular system (PVS) is described as a distinct circulatory network beyond the blood and lymphatic systems. This study investigated the role this system might play in the spread of gastric cancer. The researc…
fasciacancermetastasisprimo vascular system - A2015
Modes of cancer cell invasion and the role of the microenvironment
Andrew G Clark, Danijela Matic VignjevicFor cancer to spread, or metastasize, tumor cells must first invade the surrounding connective tissue (stroma). This review article describes how cancer cells can move in different ways—either as single cells or in coll…
fasciaextracellular matrixcancertumor invasionmicroenvironment - A2015
Modeled Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments: A Review of Their in Vitro Effects on Fibroblast Tissue Preparations
Manal Zein-Hammoud, Paul R StandleyThis narrative review summarizes lab-based (in vitro) studies investigating how simulated osteopathic treatments, like myofascial release, affect fibroblasts. The authors found that applying mechanical strain to these c…
fasciaFibroblastsManual TherapyOsteopathic - A2015
Evidence for the existence of nociceptors in rat thoracolumbar fascia
S Mense, U HoheiselThis animal study on rats investigated the presence of pain-sensing nerve fibers (nociceptors) in the thoracolumbar fascia. Researchers compared normal fascia with tissue in which they had induced inflammation. The resu…
inflammationfasciafasciitisnon-specific low back painfascia nociceptors - A2015
Reflections on osteopathic fascia treatment in the peripheral nervous system
Bruno Bordoni, Giovanni BordoniIn this reflective article, the authors discuss the fascia of the peripheral nervous system. They explain that nerves are enclosed in several layers of fascia that must be able to slide, and that impeded sliding can be…
fasciapainfascial treatmentnerve palpation - A2015
Essential Experimental Methods for Identifying Bonghan Systems as a Basis for Korean Medicine: Focusing on Visual Materials from Original Papers and Modern Outcomes
Hoon-Gi Kim, Byung-Cheon Lee, Ki-Bog LeeThis narrative review examines methods for identifying the so-called Bonghan system, also known as the primo vascular system (PVS). This system was originally proposed in the 1960s as the anatomical basis for acupunctur…
fasciaacupunctureprimo vascular systembongan system - A2015
The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
James L Oschman, Gaétan Chevalier, Richard BrownThis report summarizes research on the effects of "grounding" or "earthing," which involves direct electrically conductive contact with the Earth's surface. The research suggests this contact may influence the body's ph…
fasciachronic inflammationimmune systemwound repairwhite blood cells - A2015
Primo Vascular System: A Unique Biological System Shifting a Medical Paradigm
Bruno Chikly, Paul Roberts, Jörgen QuaghebeurThis article describes the primo vascular system (PVS), a unique biological system distinct from the arteriovenous and lymphatic systems. Research suggests the PVS has immune and endocrine functions and plays a role in…
fasciaprimo vascular system - A2015
The fascial system and exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure: hypothesis of osteopathic treatment
Bruno Bordoni, F MarelliThis hypothesis paper proposes a connection between the fascial system and exercise intolerance in people with chronic heart failure. The authors note that heart failure is a complex disease affecting the entire body, l…
fasciaManual TherapyOsteopathicfatiguechronic heart failure - A2015
Hyaluronan’s Role in Fibrosis: A Pathogenic Factor or a Passive Player?
S Albeiroti, A Soroosh, C A de la MotteThis 2015 review article explores the role of hyaluronan (HA) in fibrosis, a condition where excessive connective tissue buildup impairs organ function. HA is a key component of the extracellular matrix, known for its h…
hyaluronanfasciafibrosis - A2015
Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on inflammatory biomarker expression in patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review
Kenji Sanada, Marta Alda Díez, Montserrat Salas Valero, María Cruz Pérez-Yus, Marcelo M P Demarzo, Mauro García-Toro, J…This systematic review examined how non-drug treatments affect inflammatory markers in people with fibromyalgia. Researchers analyzed 12 studies involving 536 participants who underwent exercise, dietary, or multidiscip…
fasciaFibromyalgiapaincytokinessleep quality - A2015
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Disturbed Coherence: Gate to Cancer
Jirí Pokorný, Jan Pokorný, Alberto Foletti, Jitka Kobilková, Jan Vrba, Jan Vrba JrThis theoretical paper explores the link between cellular energy and cancer. Healthy cells maintain a stable, coherent electrical state through continuous energy production in the mitochondria. The authors propose that…
fasciacancer biophysicsmitochondrial dysfunctionwater orderingmicrotubule oscillations - A2015
Sensory Nerve Fibers Containing Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Gastrocnemius, Latissimus Dorsi and Erector Spinae Muscles and Thoracolumbar Fascia in Mice
C M Barry, G Kestell, M Gillan, R V Haberberger, I L GibbinsIn this animal study, researchers investigated sensory nerve fibers containing CGRP, a peptide involved in pain signaling. They compared the presence of these nerve fibers in various muscles (gastrocnemius, latissimus d…
fasciaBack PainThoracolumbar fasciaimmunohistochemistrysensory innervation - A2015
A multidisciplinary approach to scars: a narrative review
Emiliano Zanier, Bruno BordoniThis narrative review examines complementary and alternative medicine approaches to treating scar tissue. The authors survey literature on osteopathy, naturopathy, and manual therapies like physiotherapy. They also disc…
fasciaosteopathyscarwoundcomplementary and alternative medicine - A2014
Chiropractic Management of Pubic Symphysis Shear Dysfunction in a Patient With Overactive Bladder
Robert Cooperstein, Anthony Lisi, Andrew BurdThis case report describes the chiropractic care of a 24-year-old woman with an overactive bladder, specifically frequent nighttime urination that disrupted her sleep. A physical examination revealed a shear dysfunction…
fasciasymphysis pubis dysfunctionpubic symphysispubic symphysis diastasisurinary bladder overactive - A2014
The cervical myodural bridge, a review of literature and clinical implications
Dennis E Enix, Frank Scali, Matthew E PontellThis literature review examines the cervical myodural bridge, a soft tissue connection between deep suboccipital muscles and the dura mater surrounding the spinal cord. This bridge appears to anchor the spinal cord and…
fasciarectus capitis posterior majordura materMyodural Bridgeobliquus capitis inferior - A2014
Lumbopelvic muscle activation patterns in three stances under graded loading conditions: Proposing a tensegrity model for load transfer through the sacroiliac joints
Hamed Pardehshenas, Nader Maroufi, Mohammad Ali Sanjari, Mohamad Parnianpour, Stephen M LevinResearchers investigated how lumbopelvic muscles activate to stabilize the sacroiliac (SI) joints under different loads. They compared muscle activity in 30 men during two-legged and one-legged standing while holding we…
fasciasacroiliac jointload transferwire-spoke wheel modelarch theory; Self-bracing - A2014
Fat Connected with the Primo Vascular System
Kyoung-Hee Bae, Kwang-Sup SohThis research entry is currently available as a title only, so a detailed summary is not yet possible. The title, "Fat Connected with the Primo Vascular System," suggests an investigation into the relationship between a…
fasciafatadipose tissueprimo vascular system (PVS) - A2014
Skin, fascias, and scars: symptoms and systemic connections
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierThis review article explores how skin, fascia, and scars are interconnected and can affect the entire body. The authors describe the skin as an organ that communicates with the nervous system and other structures. When…
fasciaOsteopathicSkinscarringscar - A2014
Clinical and symptomatological reflections: the fascial system
Bruno Bordoni, Emiliano ZanierThis narrative review discusses the fascial system as a continuous network of connective tissue that gives form and function to the entire body. The authors note that despite its importance in transmitting force, coordi…
fasciapainlow back painOsteopathicneck - A2014
Our Internal Universe
Stephen M LevinThis 2014 entry, titled 'Our Internal Universe' by Stephen M Levin, has not yet been summarized. The title suggests a conceptual exploration of the body's internal environment, possibly from a structural or philosophica…
fasciaTensegrityhapticperception - A2014
Clinical Relevance of Fascial Tissue and Dysfunctions
Werner Klingler, M Velders, K Hoppe, M Pedro, Robert SchleipFascia is a continuous network of connective tissue that supports the entire body. Traditionally seen as a passive structure, recent research shows it plays a more active role. Fascia contains contractile elements that…
fasciaMyofascial painlumbar fasciadysfunction - A2014
Definition of the To Be Named Ligament and Vertebrodural Ligament and Their Possible Effects on the Circulation of CSF
Nan Zheng, Xiao-Ying Yuan, Yun-Fei Li, Yan-Yan Chi, Hai-Bin Gao, Xin Zhao, Sheng-Bo Yu, Hong-Jin Sui, John SharkeyIn this cadaver study, researchers investigated connective tissue structures in the upper neck of 30 human specimens. They identified two specific ligaments, the 'to be named ligament' (TBNL) and the vertebrodural ligam…
fasciadura materMyodural Bridgecerebrospinal fluid circulation