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.
- A2020
A Hyaluronan-binding Peptide (P15-1) Reduces inflammatory and catabolic events in IL-1beta-treated human articular chondrocytes
Claire Shortt, Leonard G Luyt, Eva A Turley, Mary K Cowman, Thorsten KirschInflammation 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…
hyaluronaninflammationchondrocytesP15-1IL-1beta - A+++2020
Effects of vitamin C on oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle soreness, and strength following acute exercise: meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials
Natiele Camponogara Righi, Felipe Barreto Schuch, Angélica Trevisan De Nardi, Caroline Montagner Pippi, Geovana de Alme…This meta-analysis compiled results from 18 randomized clinical trials to investigate the effects of vitamin C supplementation following a single bout of exercise. The researchers found that vitamin C reduced certain ma…
inflammationOxidative stressexerciseathleteAscorbic acid - A+++2020
Mechanical stimulation of human dermal fibroblasts regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines: potential insight into soft tissue manual therapies
Aric Anloague, Aaron Mahoney, Oladipupo Ogunbekun, Taylor A Hiland, William R Thompson, Bryan Larsen, M Terry Loghmani,…This lab study investigated how mechanical forces, similar to those in manual therapy, affect human skin cells. Researchers first applied a repetitive strain to cultured dermal fibroblasts to simulate an overuse injury,…
inflammationMyofascial releaseManual Therapyphysical therapyphysiotherapy - A+++2020
Cannabidiol (CBD): a killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
Torsten Lowin, Ren Tingting, Julia Zurmahr, Tim Classen, Matthias Schneider, Georg PongratzThis laboratory study investigated how cannabidiol (CBD) affects synovial fibroblasts, the cells responsible for joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers found that CBD can reduce the viability of these ce…
inflammationfibroblastCannabinoidsrheumatoid arthritissynovia - A+++2020
Manipulation of the Fascial System Applied During Acute Inflammation of the Connective Tissue of the Thoracolumbar Region Affects Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Interleukin-4 Levels: Experimental Study in Mice
Maria Elisa Duarte França, Larissa Sinhorim, Daniel Fernandes Martins, Robert Schleip, Nicolas A M M Machado-Pereira, G…This animal study investigated the effects of manual fascial manipulation on acute inflammation in the connective tissue of mice's lower backs. Researchers induced inflammation and then applied a specific manipulation p…
inflammationcytokinesfascial systemManipulationmice - A++2019
Observation using thermography of post-operative reaction after fascial manipulation®
Joanna Fidut-Wrońska, Kamil Chołuj, Justyna Chmiel, Katarzyna Pikto-Pitkiewicz, Piotr MajcherThis study investigated whether Fascial Manipulation® causes a local increase in skin temperature, which is theorized to be part of its mechanism. Researchers used a thermal-imaging camera to measure skin temperature in…
inflammationFascial manipulationthermography - A2019
Lymphatic pump manipulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Bruno BordoniThis 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…
inflammationfasciaOsteopathicCOPDlymphatic pump - A++2019
8 natural supplements to help fight inflammation
Zawn VillinesInflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to long-term pain and tissue damage. This article reviews several natural supplements that may help the body manage chr…
inflammationomega-3curcumin - A2019
Role of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in the development of frozen shoulder: human data and experimental analysis in a rat contracture model
Chul-Hyun Cho, Yun-Mee Lho, Ilseon Hwang, Du Hwan KimThis 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…
inflammationfibrosisfrozen shoulderimmobilizationrat; matrix metalloproteinases - A2018
Neuroinflammation and central sensitization in chronic and widespread pain
Ru-Rong Ji, Andrea Nackley, Yul Huh, Niccolò Terrando, William MaixnerChronic 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…
inflammationchronic paainneuroinflammationsensitization - B2017
All you need to know about the AIP diet
Lana BurgessThis article reviews the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, which aims to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of autoimmune disorders. The diet is based on the idea that problems with the gut wall, sometimes called 'l…
inflammationAutoimmune protocolautoimmune disease - B2017
Stretching Reduces Skin Thickness and Improves Subcutaneous Tissue Mobility in a Murine Model of Systemic Sclerosis
Y Xiong, L Berrueta, K Urso, Sara Olenich, Igla Muskaj, G J Badger, A Aliprantis, R Lafyatis, H M LangevinThis animal study investigated the effects of stretching on systemic sclerosis, a condition that causes skin inflammation and fibrosis. Using a mouse model of the disease, researchers found that ten minutes of daily str…
inflammationfibrosisSystemic sclerosisStretchingscleroderma - C2017
Bi component T1p and T2 Relaxation Mapping of Skeletal Muscle In-Vivo
Azadeh Sharafi, Gregory Chang, Ravinder R RegatteResearchers evaluated a specific MRI technique for creating more detailed images of skeletal muscle. Using what is known as T1ρ and T2 relaxation mapping on the calf muscles of healthy volunteers, they were able to dist…
inflammationfibrosisskeletal musclebi-componentT2 relaxation - B2017
Evidence of both systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia patients, as assessed by a multiplex protein panel applied to the cerebrospinal fluid and to plasma
Emmanuel Bäckryd, Lars Tanum, Anne-Li Lind, Anders Larsson, Torsten GordhThis study investigated signs of inflammation in people with fibromyalgia (FM). Researchers analyzed 92 different inflammation-related proteins in both blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid from 40 FM patients, comparing…
inflammationFibromyalgiacytokineschronic paincerebrospinal fluid - A++2017
Interaction between the gut microbiome and mucosal immune system
Na Shi, Na Li, Xinwang Duan, Haitao NiuIn this narrative review, the authors outline the two-way relationship between the gut microbiome and the mucosal immune system. A balanced microbiome is essential for the proper maturation and function of the immune sy…
inflammationMicrobiomeImmunity - A++2016
Reduced diversity and altered composition of the gut microbiome in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Ludovic Giloteaux, Julia K. Goodrich, William A. Walters, Susan M. Levine, Ruth E. Ley, Maureen R. HansonResearchers investigated the gut microbiome and blood markers of inflammation in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Compared to healthy controls, individuals with ME/CFS had reduced…
inflammationChronic fatigue syndromeMyalgic encephalomyelitisLipopolysaccharidesMicrobiome - A+++2016
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: What Polyphenols Can Do for Us?
Tarique Hussain, Bie Tan, Yulong Yin, Francois Blachier, Myrlene C B Tossou, Najma RahuThis narrative review explores the link between oxidative stress and inflammation, focusing on how plant-derived polyphenols may mitigate these processes. Oxidative stress occurs when reactive oxygen species overwhelm t…
inflammationOxidative stresspolyphenols - A2015
Evidence for the existence of nociceptors in rat thoracolumbar fascia
S Mense, U HoheiselThis 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…
inflammationfasciafasciitisnon-specific low back painfascia nociceptors - A2015
Innervation Changes Induced by Inflammation of the Thoracolumbar Fascia
U Hoheisel, J Rosner, S MenseThis 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…
inflammationfasciafasciitisfascia innervationsympathetic fibers - A2015
Hyaluronan, inflammation and breast cancer progression
Katryn L Schwertfeger, Mary K Cowman, Patrick G Telmer, Eva A Turley, James B McCarthyThis 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…
hyaluronaninflammationCD44fasciaBreast cancer