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.
Collagen network strengthening following cyclic tensile loading
Tissues adapt to the mechanical loads they experience, with collagen being the primary load-bearing component. In this study, researchers investigated how a collagen-based material responded to repeated, cyclic tensile…
Fibromyalgia: A Critical and Comprehensive Review
This comprehensive review discusses fibromyalgia as a complex disorder within a spectrum of medically unexplained syndromes. Characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, it is often associated with…
Functional locomotor consequences of uneven forefeet for trot symmetry in individual riding horses
This study investigated how horses with uneven forefeet, where the angle differs between left and right, move at a trot. Researchers found that the flatter foot experiences higher loading, including greater braking forc…
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…
Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatics
The central nervous system (CNS) was long thought to lack a conventional lymphatic drainage system. In this study, however, researchers discovered functional lymphatic vessels within the meninges, the membranes surround…
Pathophysiology and Immune Dysfunction in Endometriosis
This narrative review explores the current understanding of endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting many women of reproductive age. The authors focus on how endometriosis lesions develop a blood supply…
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…
Fruit, vegetable and vitamin C intakes and plasma vitamin C: cross-sectional associations with insulin resistance and glycaemia in 9-10 year-old children
This cross-sectional study of over 2000 children in the UK examined the relationship between vitamin C and risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that higher levels of vitamin C in the blood were associated…
Primo Vascular System: An Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Potential Transitional Tissue Involved in Gastric Cancer Metastasis
The 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…
Neurovisceral phenotypes in the expression of psychiatric symptoms
This narrative review explores the idea that vulnerability to anxiety may be rooted in inherent physical differences in how the body is regulated. The authors focus on conditions like joint hypermobility, Postural Tachy…
Primo Vascular System: A Unique Biological System Shifting a Medical Paradigm
This 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…
Glycine improves biochemical and biomechanical properties following inflammation of the achilles tendon
This animal study investigated the effect of the amino acid glycine on inflamed Achilles tendons in rats. Researchers induced inflammation and then fed one group of rats a diet supplemented with 5% glycine. After 22 day…
Reflections on osteopathic fascia treatment in the peripheral nervous system
In 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…
New Developments in the Primo Vascular System: Imaging and Functions with regard to Acupuncture
This research entry, for which only the title is available, appears to discuss recent advancements in understanding the primo vascular system. The title suggests a focus on new imaging techniques and the system's functi…
Size Matters: Molecular Weight Specificity of Hyaluronan Effects in Cell Biology
This narrative review summarizes current knowledge about hyaluronan, a molecule whose biological effects are dependent on its size. Unlike many other molecules, hyaluronan's signaling properties are determined not by ch…
Telocytes in regenerative medicine
This 2015 review article summarizes research on telocytes, a distinct type of cell found in the connective tissue of many organs. These cells form a complex 3D network and are thought to play a key role in guiding stem…
Role of reactive oxygen species in ultra-weak photon emission in biological systems
This narrative review explores the connection between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the faint light, or ultra-weak photon emission, that living organisms naturally produce. The authors explain that normal metabolic…
Highly sensitive imaging for ultra-weak photon emission from living organisms
This review article describes research on ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), also known as biophotons, which is faint light spontaneously emitted from living organisms. This light emission is associated with metabolic pr…
Biophoton signal transmission and processing in the brain
This narrative review explores an alternative theory of how brain cells communicate. The traditional view is that the nervous system uses bioelectrical and chemical signals, but these models struggle to explain higher b…
Towards whole-body ultra-weak photon counting and imaging with a focus on human beings: A review
In this review article, the authors describe the history and development of research into ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), the faint light naturally emitted by the human body. The scientific understanding of this pheno…
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-induced excitation and sensitization to mechanical stimulation of mechanosensitive C-fiber afferents in rat skin
In this animal study, researchers investigated the effects of the protein MCP-1, which is involved in inflammation, on nerve endings in the skin. Using skin-nerve preparations from rats, they found that applying MCP-1 d…
Spatiotemporal Imaging of Glutamate-Induced Biophotonic Activities and Transmission in Neural Circuits
This study on mouse brain tissue investigated biophotons, which are ultra-weak light emissions from biological systems. Researchers found that applying the neurotransmitter glutamate caused a significant and long-lastin…
Age- and diabetes-related nonenzymatic crosslinks in collagen fibrils: Candidate amino acids involved in Advanced Glycation End-products
Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are harmful crosslinks that form in collagen with aging and in diabetes, making tissues stiffer. However, the exact location of these crosslinks has been unclear. In this theoretic…
Clinical and symptomatological reflections: the fascial system
This 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…
Specific Sizes of Hyaluronan Oligosaccharides Stimulate Fibroblast Migration and Excisional Wound Repair
Hyaluronan (HA) is a molecule important for wound healing, and its effects appear to depend on its size. In this study using cell cultures and animal models, researchers investigated how specific, small fragments of HA…
Chiropractic Management of Pubic Symphysis Shear Dysfunction in a Patient With Overactive Bladder
This 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…
Whey protein hydrolysate augments tendon and muscle hypertrophy independent of resistance exercise contraction mode
This study investigated the effects of resistance training combined with either whey protein or a placebo on muscle and tendon growth. Twenty-two participants performed 12 weeks of knee extension training, using eccentr…
The effectiveness of exercise interventions to prevent sports injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 25 studies to evaluate which types of exercise best prevent sports injuries. The analysis included over 26,000 participants and data on more than 3,400 injuries. Researc…
Vitamin C in the Treatment and/or Prevention of Obesity
In this 2014 narrative review, the authors examine the relationship between vitamin C and obesity. Obesity is often linked to oxidative stress, which can lead to other health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular dise…
Antioxidants, inflammation and cardiovascular disease
This narrative review explores the links between inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The authors explain that chronic immune activation in CVD leads to high levels of reactive oxygen specie…
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…
Ultrasound Elastography: The New Frontier in Direct Measurement of Muscle Stiffness
This 2014 review article describes ultrasound elastography, a technology that can directly measure the mechanical properties of tissue, such as muscle stiffness. The authors suggest that its real-time measurements can a…
Uptake and intracytoplasmic storage of pigmented particles by human CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes: endocytic property of telocytes
Researchers investigated whether a specific type of connective tissue cell, called a telocyte, could absorb foreign particles. They examined human colon tissue that had been injected with India ink as a surgical marker.…
Telocytes revisited
This narrative review summarizes findings on telocytes, a relatively new type of cell found in the interstitial, or connective, tissue of many organs. These cells are defined by their small bodies and extremely long, th…
Primary frozen shoulder: brief review of pathology and imaging abnormalities
This narrative review examines the underlying pathology of primary frozen shoulder, a condition causing spontaneous pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. The authors summarize evidence indicating that the main issue…
Painful Connections: Densification Versus Fibrosis of Fascia
In this review article, the authors describe two types of fascial changes that can cause pain: densification and fibrosis. Densification is described as a reversible alteration in the viscosity of the loose connective t…
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…
Our Internal Universe
This 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…
Crosstalk between fibroblasts and inflammatory cells
This narrative review describes how fibroblasts, traditionally seen as passive cells that produce extracellular matrix, are increasingly understood as active key players in the immune system. The authors provide an over…
Cartilage repair using human embryonic stem cell-derived chondroprogenitors
In this animal study, researchers developed a method to turn human embryonic stem cells into cartilage-forming cells under laboratory conditions. These new cells were then implanted into cartilage defects in the knee jo…
Mechanisms of Myofascial Pain
This 2014 narrative review discusses the potential causes of myofascial pain. Myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition involving painful trigger points in muscle, but its precise mechanisms are not well understood…
The active role of vitamin C in mammalian iron metabolism: much more than just enhanced iron absorption!
This review explores how vitamin C (ascorbate) plays a sophisticated role in mammalian iron metabolism beyond simply enhancing absorption in the gut. Evidence suggests that vitamin C regulates how cells take up, store,…
Dietary Hyaluronic Acid Migrates into the Skin of Rats
In this animal study, researchers investigated whether orally ingested hyaluronic acid could reach the skin in rats. Using a radio-labeled version of hyaluronic acid, they tracked its path through the body after rats we…
Ultraweak photon emission as a non-invasive health assessment: a systematic review
This systematic review explores the use of ultraweak photon emission (UPE) as a non-invasive tool for assessing human health. By analyzing 56 studies, researchers found that measuring light particles emitted by the body…
Definition of the To Be Named Ligament and Vertebrodural Ligament and Their Possible Effects on the Circulation of CSF
In 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…
The cervical myodural bridge, a review of literature and clinical implications
This 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…
Case study: Could ultrasound and elastography visualized densified areas inside the deep fascia?
In this case study, researchers used ultrasound and elastography to visualize the deep fascia of a 40-year-old male with calf pain. The imaging techniques allowed them to see changes in the fascia's gliding, echogenicit…
Low-intensity vibration improves angiogenesis and wound healing in diabetic mice
This animal study investigated if whole-body low-intensity vibration (LIV) could improve chronic wound healing in diabetic mice. Mice with surgical wounds received either 30 minutes of daily vibration or a sham treatmen…
Vibration therapy: clinical applications in bone
This review article explores vibration therapy as a way to mimic the positive effects of physical activity on bone and muscle, especially for frail individuals who cannot exercise. Animal and human studies suggest that…
Fat Connected with the Primo Vascular System
This 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…
Ultra-weak photon emission from biological samples: Definition, mechanisms, properties, detection and applications
This review article summarizes the current understanding of ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), a faint light naturally produced by living organisms. This light, a form of chemiluminescence, is generated during normal met…
Fascia—Current knowledge and future directions in physiatry: Narrative review
In this 2014 narrative review, the authors discuss fascia from the perspective of physiatry, or rehabilitation medicine. They note that while fascia is part of the body's connective tissue, its definition is unclear in…
Peripheral Mechanisms Contributing to Spasticity and Implications for Treatment
This narrative review explores how changes in connective tissue might contribute to spasticity following a central nervous system injury. The authors suggest that the initial injury can alter the turnover of hyaluronic…
The role of collagen crosslinks in ageing and diabetes - the good, the bad, and the ugly
This narrative review explores how glucose in the body can bind to proteins like collagen, a process called glycation. This process creates crosslinks that can change the mechanical properties and function of connective…
Identification and signature profiles for pro-resolving and inflammatory lipid mediators in human tissue
Researchers developed a method to identify and measure specific molecules in human blood and lymphoid tissues called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). These molecules are known to actively help resolve inflamm…
Skin, fascias, and scars: symptoms and systemic connections
This 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…
Antioxidants in health and disease
This narrative review summarizes research on antioxidants published since 2010. The main role of antioxidants is to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease, c…
Pro-Resolving lipid mediators and Mechanisms in the resolution of acute inflammation
In this narrative review, the authors explain that the resolution of inflammation is an active, carefully orchestrated process, not just the passive stopping of an inflammatory response. Specific molecules called specia…
Neuroimaging and psychophysiological investigation of the link between anxiety, enhanced affective reactivity and interoception in people with joint hypermobility
This study investigated the connection between joint hypermobility, anxiety, and interoception (the sense of the body's internal state). Researchers confirmed that hypermobility is associated with higher levels of anxie…
Hyaluronan: Biosynthesis and signaling
This 2014 narrative review discusses hyaluronan (HA), a key component of the extracellular matrix. Beyond its structural role in tissue hydration and architecture, HA is an active signaling molecule. The authors highlig…