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.
Fascia Is Able to Actively Contract and May Thereby Influence Musculoskeletal Dynamics: A Histochemical and Mechanographic Investigation
This study investigated whether fascia can actively contract, challenging the traditional view of it as a passive tissue. Researchers examined human and rat fascial samples for the presence of contractile cells called m…
Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations After the Ingestion of Dairy and Collagen Proteins, in Healthy Active Males
This study investigated how blood amino acid levels changed in healthy, active men after they consumed either collagen or dairy proteins. Researchers found that the different protein sources led to distinct amino acid p…
New Proposal to Define the Fascial System
In 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…
The myodural bridge in the common rock pigeon (Columbia livia): Morphology and possible physiological implications
In this anatomical study on pigeons, researchers investigated a connective tissue structure called the myodural bridge. Through dissections and tissue analysis of the suboccipital region where the skull meets the neck,…
Effect of Stretching on Thoracolumbar Fascia Injury and Movement Restriction in a Porcine Model
In this animal study on pigs, researchers investigated the effect of stretching on the thoracolumbar fascia after injury and movement restriction. An injury combined with restricted movement led to reduced fascial mobil…
Human Recombinant Hyaluronidase Injections For Upper Limb Muscle Stiffness in Individuals With Cerebral Injury: A Case Series
This 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…
A Systematic Review of the Soft-Tissue Connections Between Neck Muscles and Dura Mater
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…
Connecting (T)issues: How Research in Fascia Biology Can Impact Integrative Oncology
Many cancer patients use complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture, and yoga to improve their quality of life. This review article suggests these treatments may have further benefits by affecting the body's conn…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Cellular Control of Connective Tissue Matrix Tension
This review article explores how fibroblasts, the cells within connective tissue, actively help regulate tissue tension. Traditionally, the mechanical properties of connective tissue have been attributed to its passive…
Cellulite's aetiology: a review
In this literature review, researchers examined the underlying causes of cellulite. They found that cellulite is a complex phenomenon with many interacting factors, rather than a single cause. The research points to wom…
Stretching of the Back Improves Gait, Mechanical Sensitivity and Connective Tissue Inflammation in a Rodent Model
In this rodent study, researchers investigated how stretching affects inflammation in the connective tissue of the low back. They first induced local inflammation, which resulted in altered gait, increased mechanical se…
Fascia: a morphological description and classification system based on a literature review
In this literature review, the authors address the historical problem of ambiguous and inconsistent terminology for fascia. Based on a review of existing research, they propose a new system for classifying fascia accord…
Fibroblast cytoskeletal remodeling contributes to connective tissue tension
The mechanical properties of connective tissue, such as its elasticity and resistance, have traditionally been attributed to its non-cellular matrix. This study investigated the role of fibroblasts, the cells residing w…
Fascia redefined: anatomical features and technical relevance in fascial flap surgery
Fascia has traditionally been seen as a passive wrapping, but this review redefines it as a dynamic tissue with its own complex blood supply and innervation. The authors detail the specific characteristics of different…
Pandiculation: Nature’s way of maintaining the functional integrity of the myofascial system?
This paper explores the hypothesis that pandiculation—the involuntary stretching and yawning most animals do upon waking—serves a key role for the locomotor system. Beyond preparing the nervous system for wakefulness, t…
Dynamic fascial release and the role of mechanical/vibrational assist devices in manual therapies
This review article explores the use of mechanical vibration devices in manual therapy. The author examines several such tools, including percussion vibrators, vibrational platforms, and deep tissue oscillation. The art…
Sensory Innervation of the Nonspecialized Connective Tissues in the Low Back of the Rat
In this animal study, researchers investigated the sensory nerves in the nonspecialized connective tissue of the rat low back, an area where knowledge is limited. Using 3D reconstruction and dye-labeling techniques, the…
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…
3D reconstruction of the crural and thoracolumbar fasciae
Researchers created detailed 3D computer models to visualize the structure of the crural fascia in the lower leg and the superficial layer of the thoracolumbar fascia in the lower back. They found the crural fascia is c…
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…
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…
Force Transmission between Synergistic Skeletal Muscles through Connective Tissue Linkages
This review examines how force is transmitted between neighboring muscles through their shared connective tissue. Traditionally, muscles were seen as independent units pulling on bones via tendons, but emerging research…