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.
Isolated human uterine telocytes: immunocytochemistry and electrophysiology of T-type calcium channels
Telocytes are a relatively newly described cell type found in the muscular wall of the uterus, thought to play a role in cell-to-cell signaling. In this laboratory study, researchers examined telocytes from both pregnan…
A unifying neuro-fasciagenic model of somatic dysfunction - Underlying mechanisms and treatment - Part II
This review paper proposes a new, unifying "neuro-fasciagenic" model for understanding somatic dysfunction. The author argues for a shift in perspective, moving from a purely neurological explanation to one where fascia…
Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-stimulated Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Differentiation Is Mediated by Hyaluronan (HA)-facilitated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and CD44 Co-localization in Lipid Rafts
The transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is a key part of wound healing, a process largely regulated by the signaling molecule TGF-β1. This study investigated how hyaluronan (HA) and specific receptors (CD4…
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…
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…
Sensory Nerve Fibers Containing Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Gastrocnemius, Latissimus Dorsi and Erector Spinae Muscles and Thoracolumbar Fascia in Mice
In 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…
Electron microscopy of human fascia lata: focus on telocytes
This study used an electron microscope to examine the types of cells present in the fascia lata, a sheet of connective tissue in the thigh. For the first time, researchers confirmed the existence of a specific cell type…
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…
Changes in electrical pain threshold of fascia and muscle after initial and secondary bouts of elbow flexor eccentric exercise
This study investigated how pain sensitivity changes in fascia and muscle after strenuous eccentric exercise. Ten young men performed two bouts of maximal eccentric elbow curls, four weeks apart. After the first session…
Biological electric fields and rate equations for biophotons
This theoretical paper explores the relationship between biophotons (light emitted by living organisms) and the electric fields within biological systems. The authors note that biophoton intensity is linked to the stren…
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…
Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on inflammatory biomarker expression in patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
New perspective in cell communication: Potential role of ultra-weak photon emission
This 2014 narrative review explores how cells might communicate with each other. Beyond chemical signals and direct contact, the authors discuss evidence for communication via electromagnetic radiation, specifically ult…
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…
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…
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…
Altered Gene Transcription in Human Cells Treated with Ludox® Silica Nanoparticles
This in vitro study investigated how human lung cells react to exposure to Ludox® silica nanoparticles, which are common in industrial and biomedical applications. Using genetic analysis, researchers observed that the c…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Neuroreceptor Activation by Vibration-Assisted Tunneling
This theoretical study used quantum chemical modeling to explore how receptors in the nervous system get activated. The researchers propose a model where a molecule's specific vibrations, like a musical key, may be what…
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,…
The theory and fundamentals of bioimpedance analysis in clinical status monitoring and diagnosis of diseases
Bioimpedance analysis is a noninvasive, low cost and a commonly used approach for body composition measurements and assessment of clinical condition. There are a variety of methods applied for interpretation of measured…
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…
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…
Mapping Sensory Nerve Communications Between Peripheral Nerve Territories
In this literature review, researchers examined the traditional maps of skin sensation, known as dermatomes. They searched for evidence of direct communications between sensory nerves from different, adjacent spinal ner…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Biotensegrity of the extracellular matrix: physiology, dynamic mechanical balance, and implications in oncology and mechanotherapy
This 2014 review article explores the concept of biotensegrity, a principle where cells and tissues maintain structural integrity through a balance of tension and compression. This dynamic mechanical balance involves th…
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…
The Medium of Haptic Perception: A Tensegrity Hypothesis
In this theoretical paper, the authors propose a new hypothesis for how our sense of touch, or haptic perception, works. Unlike other senses that have a clear medium (like air for sound), the haptic system lacks one. Th…
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…