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
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
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
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
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 - 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++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 - 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 - 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++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
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 - 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 - B2014
Identification and signature profiles for pro-resolving and inflammatory lipid mediators in human tissue
Romain A Colas, Masakazu Shinohara, Jesmond Dalli, Nan Chiang, Charles N SerhanResearchers developed a method to identify and measure specific molecules in human blood and lymphoid tissues called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). These molecules are known to actively help resolve inflamm…
inflammationresolutioneicosanoidsresolvins - B2013
The resolution of inflammation
Christopher D Buckley, Derek W Gilroy, Charles N Serhan, Brigitta Stockinger, Paul P TakThis article summarizes a discussion from a scientific conference on how to turn off undesirable inflammation. There is a growing appreciation that the resolution of inflammation, much like its initiation, is an active…
inflammationresolution - A++2012
Diet-Induced Dysbiosis of the Intestinal Microbiota and the Effects on Immunity and Disease
Kirsty Brown, Daniella DeCoffe, Erin Molcan, Deanna L GibsonThis 2012 narrative review explores the connection between diet, gut microbes, and the immune system. The gastrointestinal tract must balance tolerance for harmless bacteria and food with responsiveness to pathogens. An…
inflammationnutritionintestinal microbiotadisease susceptibility - A+2012
The role of stromal cells in the persistence of chronic inflammation
A J Naylor, A Filer, C D BuckleyThis review article explores why chronic inflammation often persists in specific anatomical locations. The authors highlight that stromal cells, particularly the fibroblasts that define a tissue's architecture, are like…
inflammationfasciafibroblastchronicpersistence - A2012
A RHAMM Mimetic Peptide Blocks Hyaluronan Signaling and Reduces Inflammation and Fibrogenesis in Excisional Skin Wounds
Cornelia Tolg, Sara R Hamilton, Ewa Zalinska, Lori McCulloch, Ripal Amin, Natalia Akentieva, Francoise Winnik, Rashmin…In this animal study, researchers investigated how to reduce scarring during skin wound healing. They developed a peptide, P15-1, designed to interfere with signals from fragmented hyaluronan, a molecule involved in inf…
hyaluronaninflammationfasciaextracellular matrixfibrosis - A2011
Elevated [11C]-D-Deprenyl Uptake in Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder Suggests Persistent Musculoskeletal Inflammation
Clas Linnman, Lieuwe Appel, Mats Fredrikson, Torsten Gordh, Anne Söderlund, Bengt Långström, Henry EnglerDiagnosing chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is often difficult, as standard structural imaging methods seldom show clear signs of injury. This study used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with a tracer molecu…
inflammationfasciaWhiplash - A+2011
Why does chronic inflammation persist: An unexpected role for fibroblasts
C D BuckleyThis 2011 review explores why chronic inflammation persists. Traditionally, research has focused on immune cells, but this text highlights the crucial role that stromal cells, particularly fibroblasts, play in sustainin…
inflammationfasciafibroblast - A2010
Transcapillary exchange: role and importance of the interstitial fluid pressure and the extracellular matrix
Rolf K Reed, Kristofer RubinThis 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…
inflammationConnective tissueglycosaminoglycansbeta-Integrin receptors - A2010
Edema and fluid dynamics in connective tissue remodelling
Rolf K Reed, Åsa Lidén, Kristofer RubinThis 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…
inflammationLoose connective tissueConnective tissueheartEdema - C2010
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes: key effector cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Beatrix Bartok, Gary S FiresteinRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex disease involving multiple immune cells. This review highlights the crucial role of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), cells in the joint lining that become unusually aggressive i…
inflammationcytokinessignaling proteinrheumatoid arthritis - A2009
Fascia: A missing link in our understanding of the pathology of fibromyalgia
Ginevra L LiptanThis 2009 paper proposes that inflammation in the fascia, the body's connective tissue, could be a key source of the persistent pain signals that lead to central sensitization in fibromyalgia. While muscle tissue itself…
inflammationfasciaConnective tissueMyofascial releaseManual Therapy - B2008
Hyaluronan (HA) Deposition Precedes and Promotes Leukocyte Recruitment in Intestinal Inflammation
Kessler S, Rho H, West G, Fiocchi C, Drazba J, de la Motte CHyaluronan (HA) accumulation is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but whether it is a cause or an effect has been unclear. In this study using a mouse model and human tissue, researchers found that HA builds u…
inflammationcolitisinflammatory bowel diseaseintestineendothelium - B2008
The inflammatory response to cell death
K L Rock, H KonoThis 2008 review article explores how the body responds when cells die from injury rather than infection. Such cell death triggers an inflammatory response that is essential for host defense and tissue repair. However,…
inflammationNecrosisdangertoll-like receptorscytokines - 1A+2007
Hyaluronan in Tissue Injury and Repair
Dianhua Jiang, Jiurong Liang, Paul W NobleThis 2007 review article explores the complex role of hyaluronan (HA), a component of the extracellular matrix, in tissue injury and repair. The authors describe how HA's function depends on its size: while the large, n…
hyaluronaninflammationtissue repair - B2007
Cytokines, Inflammation and Pain
J-M Zhang, J AnThis review chapter describes the role of cytokines—small proteins that cells use for communication—in inflammation and pain. The authors explain that there are both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory types of cytok…
inflammationcytokinepainhyperalgesia - A2005
A stromal address code defined by fibroblasts
G Parsonage, A D Filer, O Haworth, G B Nash, G E Rainger, M Salmon, C D BuckleyThis 2005 review article explores how immune cells (leukocytes) navigate within the body's tissues. The authors propose that fibroblasts create a "stromal address code" that acts as a local guidance system. This code di…
inflammationfibroblaststromal adress codeleukocyte - A2003
New and active role of the interstitium in control of interstitial fluid pressure: potential therapeutic consequences
H Wiig, K Rubin, R K ReedThis review challenges the traditional view of the interstitium as merely a passive fluid reservoir. The researchers present data suggesting that connective tissue cells and the extracellular matrix actively regulate in…
inflammationextracellular matrixInterstitial fluid volumeintegrins edema - A2003
The myofibroblast in wound healing and fibrocontractive diseases
G GabbianiDuring wound healing, cells called fibroblasts can transform into a more specialized type called myofibroblasts. These myofibroblasts have contractile properties, much like muscle cells, which help to pull the edges of…
inflammationα-smooth muscle actinstress fibresTGF-β1 fibronectintension - 1A+2001
Hyaluronan and its catabolic products in tissue injury and repair
P W NobleThis narrative review explores the role of hyaluronan (HA), a common component of connective tissue, in the body's response to injury. In healthy tissues, HA exists as a large molecule that helps maintain structural int…
hyaluronaninflammationCD44respons to injury