What if we’ve been studying the body the wrong way?
The Living Body: It’s time to talk about Fascia is a documentary about fascia — the body’s most overlooked tissue — and about the researchers, surgeons and others who believe we need to understand the body as a living system, not as separate parts.
Watch the full film here.
The Living Body
Premiered 4 June 2026. The Fascia Guide.
If you do one thing — share it
The short version is 3:20. Share it with someone you think of when you watch it.
Short film — 3:20
Seven years of pain, and a way out that had existed all along
After a difficult birth, Sanna developed pelvic floor cramping that worsened over years, until she could no longer eat or use the toilet normally. She was told her only remaining option was a stoma — and that she needn’t come back to care. After fascia treatment, her symptoms resolved.
“You’re not supposed to be in constant pain just because you gave birth in Sweden.”
Her account is one person’s experience, not clinical evidence. But it is the kind of story the film argues is far too common.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a public health problem many live with in silence
The pattern repeats across countries — a public health problem many live with in silence.
- Sweden
Up to one in two women are affected at some point in life. In June 2025, the National Board of Health and Welfare issued its first national guidelines, describing the condition as complex and taboo — and warning that women are told their symptoms are “normal” after childbirth or with age.
Socialstyrelsen, 18 June 2025 - UK
In a survey of 2,000 women (RCOG, 2023), around 60% had at least one symptom, 69% had never discussed it with the NHS, and 53% with symptoms never sought help — 39% of them because they assumed the symptoms were normal.
RCOG - NICE
NICE reports prolapse is found in up to half of women on examination, and that one in ten will need surgery.
NICE
Fascia as a distinct anatomical system
Fascia is the connective tissue network wrapping every muscle, organ and cell. In January 2025, an international team published a paper in the Journal of Anatomy proposing that fascia be recognised as a distinct anatomical system of the body — comparable to the cardiovascular system or the nervous system. Several of the researchers appear in the film.
The film asks whether part of the problem is that care treats the pelvis too locally — when it may need to be understood as part of a larger, connected network. This is a complement to conventional care, not a replacement, and rigorous clinical trials are still needed.
Institutions are beginning to take notice too. The work behind the paper drew support from the US National Institutes of Health, and in Japan the government has founded a subcommittee on fascia and written it into the country’s 30-year health vision. Three of the committee’s members are interviewed in the film.
The Fascia Guide
The Fascia Guide is a knowledge platform on fascia, with articles, a research database, a podcast and the documentary The Living Body. Behind it is a team that has worked for over a decade to make fascia research accessible to the public — and that also develops and provides fascia treatment. The team organised the first Swedish Fascia Convention in 2025.
Screener, press images and contact
We are happy to provide a screener, press images and access to contributors.
- The full documentary and short film are above.
- Sanna is available for interview; her full name will be provided on request.
- Torkel Lassen appears in the film under his full name.
- Screener and press images: on request.
Socialstyrelsen (18 June 2025) · RCOG (2023) · NICE (NG123/NG210) · NHS England, Perinatal Pelvic Health Services · Journal of Anatomy (DOI: 10.1111/joa.14212)