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.
- 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
The Cranial Bowl in the New Millennium and Sutherland's Legacy for Osteopathic Medicine: Part 2
Bruno Bordoni, Stevan Walkowski, Bruno Ducoux, Filippo TobbiThis narrative review, the second in a series, discusses how modern scientific research challenges some of the original concepts of cranial osteopathy. The authors examine the mechanical characteristics of cranial struc…
fasciaManual TherapyOsteopathiccraniocraniosacral - A2019
Improving the New Definition of Fascial System
Bruno BordoniThis 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…
fasciaChiropracticosteopathyManual Therapyfascial system - 1A+2018
Effect of Stretching on Thoracolumbar Fascia Injury and Movement Restriction in a Porcine Model
H M Langevin, J Bishop, R Maple, G J Badger, J R FoxIn 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…
fasciaConnective tissueStretchingManual TherapyMovement Therapy - A2018
A New Concept of Biotensegrity Incorporating Liquid Tissues: Blood and Lymph
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Roberto CastagnaThis 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…
fasciaChiropracticManual TherapyMyofascialOsteopathic - A2018
A fundamental critique of the fascial distortion model and its application in clinical practice
Christoph ThalhamerThis 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…
Manual Therapyfasciaefascial distortion modelreductionismtypaldos - 1A+2018
Equine Manual Therapies in Sport Horse Practice
Kevin K HausslerManual therapies can provide diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for assessing and managing neuromuscular coordination and strength in sport horses. This review describes various techniques, including active and passi…
osteopathyManual Therapyproprioceptionmassage therapyNeuromuscular control - A2018
Meaning of the Solid and Liquid Fascia to Reconsider the Model of Biotensegrity
Bruno Bordoni, David Lintonbon, Bruno MorabitoThis 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…
fasciaChiropracticManual TherapyMyofascialOsteopathic - 1A+++2018
Emission of Biophotons and Adjustable Sounds by the Fascial System: Review and Reflections for Manual Therapy
Bruno Bordoni, F Marelli, B Morabito, B SacconiIn this narrative review, the authors explore how fascia, the web of connective tissue enveloping everything in the body, might communicate. They discuss research suggesting the fascial system may emit faint light parti…
fasciaMuscleManual TherapyMyofascialOsteopathic - 1A+2017
Emotions in Motion: Myofascial Interoception
B Bordoni, F MarelliIn this perspective piece, the authors argue that the myofascial system is closely linked to our emotional state. They suggest that manual treatment not only affects the body physically but also activates the interocept…
fasciaManual TherapyMyofascialOsteopathicInteroception - A++2017
Biological effects of direct and indirect manipulation of the fascial system. Narrative review
Giovanni Parravicini, Andrea BergnaThis narrative review explores the biological effects of manual fascial therapies. While osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is clinically effective, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The authors…
fasciaMyofascial releaseManual TherapyMyofascial manipulation - A2017
The indeterminable resilience of the fascial system
Bruno Bordoni, Fabiola Marelli, Bruno Morabito, Beatrice SacconiThis 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…
fasciafibroblastManual TherapyOsteopathicfascial continuum - A+++2016
Manual evaluation of the diaphragm muscle
Bruno Bordoni, F Marelli, B Morabito, B SacconiThe diaphragm is a vital muscle for breathing, but it also plays a key role in posture, organ function, and even emotional states. Despite its importance, there is little scientific literature on how to manually assess…
ChiropracticManual Therapydiaphragmphysiotherapyosteopathic evaluation - A+2015
A unifying neuro-fasciagenic model of somatic dysfunction - Underlying mechanisms and treatment - Part II
Paolo TozziThis 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…
fasciaManual Therapysomatic dysfunctionfascial dysfunctionfascial mechanisms - A2015
Modeled Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments: A Review of Their in Vitro Effects on Fibroblast Tissue Preparations
Manal Zein-Hammoud, Paul R StandleyThis 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…
fasciaFibroblastsManual TherapyOsteopathic - A2015
The fascial system and exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure: hypothesis of osteopathic treatment
Bruno Bordoni, F MarelliThis 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…
fasciaManual TherapyOsteopathicfatiguechronic heart failure