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- A++2019
Fascial neuromodulation: an emerging concept linking acupuncture, fasciology, osteopathy and neuroscience
Gianluca BiancoThis conceptual paper presents a model called "fascial neuromodulation" to explain how therapies like acupuncture might work. The author suggests that mechanical signals through the fascial network can influence the ner…
acupunctureosteopathyneuromodulationposturologyfascial system - 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 - A2019
Adhesive capsulitis: review of imaging findings, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options
Brandon K K Fields, Matthew R Skalski, Dakshesh B Patel, Eric A White, Anderanik Tomasian, Jordan S Gross, George R Mat…This narrative review summarizes the current understanding of adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as "frozen shoulder." This debilitating condition, characterized by progressive pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint,…
frozen shoulderAdhesive capsulitiscoracohumeral ligamentMagnetic resonance imagingSubcoracoid fat triangle - A+++2019
Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials
Juan Mario García-Coronado, Lorena Martínez-Olvera, Rodrigo E Elizondo-Omaña, Carlos Alberto Acosta-Olivo, Félix Vilche…This meta-analysis of five randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluated the impact of oral collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. The findings suggest that collagen may help reduce the overall disea…
Collagen supplementation; Meta-analysis; Osteoarthritis symptoms; Visual Analogue Scale; WOMAC index - A+++2019
An extravascular fluid transport system based on structural framework of fibrous connective tissues in human body
Hongyi Li, Chongqing Yang, Yajun Yin, Fang Wang, Min Chen, Liang Xu, Naili Wang, Di Zhang, Xiaoxia Wang, Yiya Kong, Qin…Researchers investigated a potential fluid transport system within the body's fibrous connective tissues, separate from blood and lymphatic vessels. Using fluorescent tracers in cadavers and MRI in volunteers, they visu…
interstitial fluidinterstitiuminterstitial spacesfascia fluid - A2019
Association of thoraco-lumbar fascia length in individuals with non-specific low back pain - an observational study
Shellette D' Almeida, Charu Eapen, Shyam KrishnanThis observational study compared 31 people with non-specific low back pain to 31 healthy individuals to investigate the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF). Researchers measured TLF length by assessing lumbar spine rotation, an…
low back painthoracolumar fascia lenght - A2019
Cellular nanoscale stiffness patterns governed by intracellular forces
Nicola Mandriota, Claudia Friedsam, John A Jones-Molina, Kathleen V Tatem, Donald E Ingber, Ozgur SahinCell stiffness is important in many biological processes, but its precise relationship to the forces acting inside the cell has been unclear. In this study, researchers developed a new high-resolution imaging platform t…
Tensegritymechanotransductioncell - cell interaction - B2019
Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Pelvic Fascia
Marco A Siccardi, Cristina ValleThis anatomical review describes the pelvis not as a rigid, static base, but as a dynamic structure. Applying a biotensegrity model, the authors explain how the pelvic bones are suspended within a complex web of tension…
Pelvispelvic fascia - A+++2019
Is It All About the Fascia? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Prevalence of Extramuscular Connective Tissue Lesions in Muscle Strain Injury
Jan Wilke, Luiz Hespanhol, Martin BehrensThis systematic review and meta-analysis examined how often connective tissue is damaged in athletic muscle strains. Researchers analyzed 16 imaging studies and found that lesions to the fascia and tendons are highly pr…
return to play; muscle injury; collagen; imaging; ultrasound; MRI - A2019
Lipedema: friend and foe
Yanira Sanchez-De la Torre, Rita Wadeea, Victoria Rosas, Karen L HerbstLipedema is a chronic disorder characterized by painful, disproportionate fat accumulation in the limbs of women, and is often misdiagnosed as obesity. In this review, researchers examined both the negative ('foe') and…
gynoid fat; hypermobility; lipedema; lymphedema; women - A2019
Experimental myofascial trigger point creation in rodents
Ramon Margalef, Marc Sisquella, Marc Bosque, Clara Romeu, Orlando Mayoral, Sonia Monterde, Mercedes Priego, Rafael Guer…This animal study investigated how myofascial trigger points might form. Researchers treated mice and rats with a substance that increases nerve signals to the muscles, mimicking a state of high neurotransmission. This…
animal model; endplate noise; myofascial pain syndrome; myofascial trigger point; spontaneous acetylcholine release - 1A+2019
The Awareness of the Fascial System
Bruno Bordoni, Marta SimonelliIn this theoretical article, the authors propose a new way of looking at the fascial system, drawing on concepts from quantum physics. They suggest that fascial cells can sense, remember, and even anticipate mechanical…
fasciafascial systemMyofascialquantum physicsphysiology