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 studies- A2014
Deformations Experienced in the Human Skin, Adipose Tissue, and Fascia in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Hans Chaudhry, Bruce Bukiet, Zhiming Ji, Antonio Stecco, Thomas W FindleyThis 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…
fasciaosteopathyManual Therapy - A2014
Our Internal Universe
Stephen M LevinThis 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…
fasciaTensegrityhapticperception - A2014
Clinical Relevance of Fascial Tissue and Dysfunctions
Werner Klingler, M Velders, K Hoppe, M Pedro, Robert SchleipFascia is a continuous network of connective tissue that supports the entire body. Traditionally seen as a passive structure, recent research shows it plays a more active role. Fascia contains contractile elements that…
fasciaMyofascial painlumbar fasciadysfunction - A++2013
Vibration Induced Osteogenic Commitment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells is Enhanced by Cytoskeletal Remodeling but not Fluid Shear
Gunes Uzer, Suphannee Pongkitwitoon, M Ete Chan, Stefan JudexThis laboratory study investigated how mechanical vibrations encourage stem cells to develop into bone cells. Researchers tested two potential mechanisms: the force of fluid moving across the cells (fluid shear) and cha…
fasciaBonedifferentiationProliferationvibrations - A2013
A pilot study of myofascial release therapy compared to Swedish massage in Fibromyalgia
Ginevra Liptan, Scott Mist, Cheryl Wright, Anna Arzt, Kim Dupree JonesThis small pilot study compared the effects of myofascial release (MFR) and Swedish massage on women with fibromyalgia. Participants received either MFR or Swedish massage for 90 minutes weekly over four weeks. While bo…
fasciaMyofascial releaseFibromyalgiamassage therapycentral sensitization - A2013
Fascia Research Congress Evidence from the 100 year perspective of Andrew Taylor Still
Thomas W Findley, Mona ShalwalaThis review paper examines research from the first three International Fascia Research Congresses through the perspective of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine. Over a century ago, Still described…
fasciaextracellular matrixfibroblastOsteopathic medicinefascia anatomy - A2013
The Primo Vascular System as a New Anatomical System
Miroslav Stefanov, Michael Potroz, Jungdae Kim, Jake Lim, Richard Cha, Min-Ho NamThis review paper proposes the existence of a "primo vascular system" (PVS) as the physical, anatomical basis for the meridian system of traditional Eastern medicine. According to the authors, this previously unknown sy…
fasciaEvolutioncirculatory systemnew morphologicalfunctional theory - A2013
Dosed Myofascial Release in Three-Dimensional Bioengineered Tendons: Effects on Human Fibroblast Hyperplasia, Hypertrophy, and Cytokine Secretion
Thanh V Cao, Michael R Hicks, David Campbell, Paul R StandleyThis laboratory study investigated how different amounts and durations of simulated myofascial release (MFR) affect lab-grown human tendon tissue. Researchers applied varying degrees of stretch for different lengths of…
fasciamusculoskeletal manipulationsFibroblaststendons - A2013
Helical Structure of the Cardiac Ventricular Anatomy Assessed by Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Multiresolution Tractography
Ferran Poveda, Debora Gil, Enric Marti, Albert,aluz, Manel Ballester, Francesc CarrerasIn this animal study, researchers used advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer modeling to visualize the complex fiber structure of the heart muscle in dogs. They developed an automated method to trace th…
fasciaheartifdfusion magnetic resonance imagingdiffusion tractographyhelical heart - A2013
Visceral and Somatic Disorders: Tissue Softening with Frequency-Specific Microcurrent
Carolyn R McMakin, James L OschmanThis review article explores a technique called Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM), which uses microampere-level electrical currents to treat various health conditions. A consistent finding is a rapid and palpable so…
fasciafrequency-specific microcurrentvisceral diseasesomatic disease - A2013
Sensory findings after stimulation of the thoracolumbar fascia with hypertonic saline suggest its contribution to low back pain
Andreas Schilder, Ulrich Hoheisel, Walter Magerl, Justus Benrath, Thomas Klein, Rolf-Detlef TreedeThis experimental study investigated the role of the thoracolumbar fascia as a potential source of low back pain. Researchers injected a pain-inducing saline solution into the fascia, back muscles, and subcutaneous tiss…
fasciaThoracolumbar fascialow back painhypertonic salineerector spinae muscle - A2013
Primo Vascular System: Past, Present, and Future
Byung-Cheon Lee, Walter J Akers, Xianghong Jing, M Isabel Miguel Perez, Yeonhee RyuAs only the title of this article was available, this summary is necessarily limited. The title, "Primo Vascular System: Past, Present, and Future," suggests this is a review article. It likely covers the history of the…
fasciaprimo vascular systemeditorial