Research.
Every peer-reviewed study on fascia in one place — graded for strength of evidence, summarised in plain language for clinicians, researchers, and curious readers.
We grade studies from A to 1A+++ using the Fascia Research Database rubric — 1A+++ is the strongest.
Researchers behind the studiesA multidisciplinary approach to scars: a narrative review
This narrative review examines complementary and alternative medicine approaches to treating scar tissue. The authors survey literature on osteopathy, naturopathy, and manual therapies like physiotherapy. They also disc…
Sensory Nerve Fibers Containing Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Gastrocnemius, Latissimus Dorsi and Erector Spinae Muscles and Thoracolumbar Fascia in Mice
In this animal study, researchers investigated sensory nerve fibers containing CGRP, a peptide involved in pain signaling. They compared the presence of these nerve fibers in various muscles (gastrocnemius, latissimus d…
Tracking CNS and systemic sources of oxidative stress during the course of chronic neuroinflammation
In this animal study, researchers used a mouse model for multiple sclerosis (MS) to track the sources of oxidative stress in the central nervous system. Using an advanced imaging technique, they identified specific immu…
Reflections on osteopathic fascia treatment in the peripheral nervous system
In this reflective article, the authors discuss the fascia of the peripheral nervous system. They explain that nerves are enclosed in several layers of fascia that must be able to slide, and that impeded sliding can be…
Modes of cancer cell invasion and the role of the microenvironment
For cancer to spread, or metastasize, tumor cells must first invade the surrounding connective tissue (stroma). This review article describes how cancer cells can move in different ways—either as single cells or in coll…
Investigation of meningomyovertebral structures within the upper cervical epidural space: a sheet plastination study with clinical implications
This cadaver study investigated soft-tissue connections within the epidural space of the upper cervical spine using dissection and a technique called sheet plastination. The researchers found consistent connections wher…
Duration and Magnitude of Myofascial Release in 3-Dimensional Bioengineered Tendons: Effects on Wound Healing
This laboratory study investigated how myofascial release (MFR) affects wound healing in bioengineered tendons. Researchers created a wound in the tendon models and then applied different magnitudes and durations of str…
Mapping Sensory Nerve Communications Between Peripheral Nerve Territories
In this literature review, researchers examined the traditional maps of skin sensation, known as dermatomes. They searched for evidence of direct communications between sensory nerves from different, adjacent spinal ner…
Deformations Experienced in the Human Skin, Adipose Tissue, and Fascia in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
This study used a mathematical model to investigate how forces from manual therapy affect the skin, adipose tissue, and fascia. The researchers aimed to understand how much each layer deforms under compression and shear…
Our Internal Universe
This 2014 entry, titled 'Our Internal Universe' by Stephen M Levin, has not yet been summarized. The title suggests a conceptual exploration of the body's internal environment, possibly from a structural or philosophica…
Clinical and symptomatological reflections: the fascial system
This narrative review discusses the fascial system as a continuous network of connective tissue that gives form and function to the entire body. The authors note that despite its importance in transmitting force, coordi…
Fascia—Current knowledge and future directions in physiatry: Narrative review
In this 2014 narrative review, the authors discuss fascia from the perspective of physiatry, or rehabilitation medicine. They note that while fascia is part of the body's connective tissue, its definition is unclear in…