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.
Improving the New Definition of Fascial System
This 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…
Meaning of the Solid and Liquid Fascia to Reconsider the Model of Biotensegrity
This 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…
A New Concept of Biotensegrity Incorporating Liquid Tissues: Blood and Lymph
This 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…
A fundamental critique of the fascial distortion model and its application in clinical practice
This narrative review critiques the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), a manual therapy approach based on the idea that all musculoskeletal complaints stem from distortions of fascia. The author investigated the scientific…
The indeterminable resilience of the fascial system
This 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…
Modeled Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments: A Review of Their in Vitro Effects on Fibroblast Tissue Preparations
This 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…
The fascial system and exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure: hypothesis of osteopathic treatment
This 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…
Treatment of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome according to the Fascial Distortion Model: A Prospective Case Control Study
This prospective case-control study investigated the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) for treating medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), or shin splints. Researchers applied targeted manual techniques to the lower leg fas…
Deformations Experienced in the Human Skin, Adipose Tissue, and Fascia in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
This study used a mathematical model to investigate how forces from manual therapy affect the skin, adipose tissue, and fascia. The researchers aimed to understand how much each layer deforms under compression and shear…
A theoretical framework for the role of fascia in manual therapy
This theoretical paper explores why different types of manual therapy, such as soft tissue work and joint manipulation, often seem to produce similar results. The authors compare these approaches based on their effects…
Assessing the influence of FDM to the postoperative healing processes in distal fracture of the radius
Researchers investigated if the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) could improve recovery following surgery for a common wrist fracture. In this study, 65 patients were divided into two groups; one received standard rehabil…
How much time is required to modify a fascial fibrosis?
This study investigated how long it takes for manual therapy to alter a palpable sensation of fascial "fibrosis" and reduce discomfort. Researchers worked with 40 people experiencing low back pain, applying the Fascial…
The treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain following the principles of the Fascial Distortion Modell (FDM)
This small study investigated the effect of two Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) treatments on 22 people with chronic low back pain. Researchers measured pain, function, flexibility (finger-floor distance), and use of pai…
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…
Three-Dimensional Mathematical Model for Deformation of Human Fasciae in Manual Therapy
Researchers developed a mathematical model to calculate the force required to deform human fascia during manual therapy. The model showed that very large forces, beyond the normal physiological range of a therapist, are…