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.
A Hyaluronan-binding Peptide (P15-1) Reduces inflammatory and catabolic events in IL-1beta-treated human articular chondrocytes
Inflammation in osteoarthritis drives cartilage degradation. In this laboratory study, researchers investigated whether a peptide (P15-1) combined with hyaluronan (HA) could protect human cartilage cells in a simulated…
Role of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in the development of frozen shoulder: human data and experimental analysis in a rat contracture model
This study investigated the biological processes behind frozen shoulder, a condition characterized by pain and stiffness. Researchers analyzed joint capsule tissue from both patients with frozen shoulder and from a rat…
Lymphatic pump manipulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
This 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…
Neuroinflammation and central sensitization in chronic and widespread pain
Chronic pain is partly maintained by central sensitization, a state where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive. This review discusses how neuroinflammation—inflammation in the nervous system—contributes to this pro…
Innervation Changes Induced by Inflammation of the Thoracolumbar Fascia
This 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…
Hyaluronan, inflammation and breast cancer progression
This 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…
Evidence for the existence of nociceptors in rat thoracolumbar fascia
This 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…
A RHAMM Mimetic Peptide Blocks Hyaluronan Signaling and Reduces Inflammation and Fibrogenesis in Excisional Skin Wounds
In this animal study, researchers investigated how to reduce scarring during skin wound healing. They developed a peptide, P15-1, designed to interfere with signals from fragmented hyaluronan, a molecule involved in inf…
Elevated [11C]-D-Deprenyl Uptake in Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder Suggests Persistent Musculoskeletal Inflammation
Diagnosing chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is often difficult, as standard structural imaging methods seldom show clear signs of injury. This study used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with a tracer molecu…
Transcapillary exchange: role and importance of the interstitial fluid pressure and the extracellular matrix
This narrative review discusses how the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the pressure of its fluid (interstitial fluid pressure, or Pif) regulate fluid exchange with capillaries. Conventionally, this pressure is seen as a…
Edema and fluid dynamics in connective tissue remodelling
This review describes the role of loose connective tissues, focusing on fluid exchange across capillaries and the formation of edema (swelling). This process is relevant for conditions like inflammation, fibrosis (scarr…
Fascia: A missing link in our understanding of the pathology of fibromyalgia
This 2009 paper proposes that inflammation in the fascia, the body's connective tissue, could be a key source of the persistent pain signals that lead to central sensitization in fibromyalgia. While muscle tissue itself…
A stromal address code defined by fibroblasts
This 2005 review article explores how immune cells (leukocytes) navigate within the body's tissues. The authors propose that fibroblasts create a "stromal address code" that acts as a local guidance system. This code di…
The myofibroblast in wound healing and fibrocontractive diseases
During wound healing, cells called fibroblasts can transform into a more specialized type called myofibroblasts. These myofibroblasts have contractile properties, much like muscle cells, which help to pull the edges of…
New and active role of the interstitium in control of interstitial fluid pressure: potential therapeutic consequences
This review challenges the traditional view of the interstitium as merely a passive fluid reservoir. The researchers present data suggesting that connective tissue cells and the extracellular matrix actively regulate in…