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.
Change in gliding properties of the iliotibial tract in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome
This study used ultrasonography to examine the gliding properties of the iliotibial tract (ITT) in individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Researchers found that the shear strain, which represents ho…
Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2021, Part 1
This review article discusses the need for clear, scientifically grounded terminology for the fascial system. The authors, representing the FORCE organization, emphasize the importance of an impartial approach to fascia…
Fascial Nomenclature: Update 2021, Part 2
This conceptual article addresses the ongoing debate about how to classify and name fascia. The authors suggest that progress is hindered because the discussion is often limited to a few scientific specialties and can b…
Impaired Lymphatic Drainage and Interstitial Inflammatory Stasis in Chronic Musculoskeletal and Idiopathic Pain Syndromes: Exploring a Novel Mechanism
In this theoretical paper, the authors propose a potential mechanism for chronic pain syndromes. They hypothesize that impaired lymphatic drainage following trauma or an immune response can trap inflammatory substances…
The Cranial Bowl in the New Millennium and Sutherland's Legacy for Osteopathic Medicine: Part 1
In this review article, the first of a two-part series, the authors examine the foundational assumptions of cranial osteopathy. They argue that a theoretical model must evolve with new scientific information to avoid be…
A Review of the Theoretical Fascial Models: Biotensegrity, Fascintegrity, and Myofascial Chains
In this review article, the authors discuss three theoretical models used to understand how fascia functions in the body. The biotensegrity model is mechanical and considers the solid fascia, while the fascintegrity mod…
Ankle Motion Is Associated With Soft Tissue Displacement in the Dorsal Thigh: An in vivo Investigation Suggesting Myofascial Force Transmission Across the Knee Joint
This study investigated how ankle motion affects tissue in the back of the thigh. Researchers passively stretched the calves of healthy participants lying prone with an extended knee. Using ultrasound, they observed tha…
The Five Diaphragms in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: Myofascial Relationships, Part 1
This review article outlines the osteopathic concept of the body's "five diaphragms": the tentorium cerebelli, tongue, thoracic outlet, respiratory diaphragm, and pelvic floor. According to the osteopathic respiratory-c…
The Five Diaphragms in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: Myofascial Relationships, Part 2
This conceptual review article continues an examination of the "five diaphragms" concept within osteopathic manipulative medicine. The paper focuses on the myofascial connections along the front and sides of the body, e…
Fascia and soft tissues innervation in the human hip and their possible role in post-surgical pain
Researchers investigated the nerve supply to various soft tissues in the human hip to better understand persistent pain after hip replacement surgery. Analyzing tissue samples from patients and cadavers, they measured t…
The immediate effect of IASTM vs. Vibration vs. Light Hand Massage on knee angle repositioning accuracy and hamstrings flexibility: A pilot study
This pilot study compared the immediate effects of three different soft tissue techniques on the hamstrings of 16 healthy men. The techniques were instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), vibration massage,…
Anatomy, Tendons
This is a placeholder for a summary of a publication titled "Anatomy, Tendons". The full text has not yet been reviewed by our team. Once summarized, this entry will provide an overview of the key anatomical features of…
The Cranial Bowl in the New Millennium and Sutherland's Legacy for Osteopathic Medicine: Part 2
This 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…
Ageing of the diaphragm muscle
This narrative review explores how the diaphragm, our main breathing muscle, is affected by aging. Like other muscles, the diaphragm can weaken and lose mass over time, a condition known as sarcopenia. This age-related…
Ultrasound imaging of a scar on the knee: Sonopalpation for fascia and subcutaneous tissues
Persistent pain from surgical or trauma-related scars is a common and sometimes debilitating problem. In this article, the authors describe the use of ultrasound imaging to provide an objective diagnosis for debilitatin…
Reflections on the Development of Fascial Tissue: Starting from Embryology
This reflective article discusses the ongoing challenges in classifying fascial tissue. The authors highlight that the scientific literature contains many contradictions and lacks a clear, straightforward definition. Th…