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- A2017
Correlation between chronic headaches and the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle: A comparative analysis of cross-sectional trail
Xiao-Ying Yuan, Sheng-Bo Yu, Cong Liu, Qiang Xu, Nan Zheng, Jian-Fei Zhang, Yan-Yan Chi, Xu-Gang Wang, Xiang-Tao Lin, H…Researchers investigated the relationship between chronic headaches and a small muscle at the base of the skull, the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPmi). Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), they compared the size…
Myodural Bridgerectus capitis posterior minor musclechronic headacheshypertrophy - A2017
The second terminations of the suboccipital muscles: An assistant pivot for the To Be Named Ligament
Xiao-Ying Yuan, Chan Li, Jia-Ying Sui, Qi-Qi Zhao, Xiao Zhang, Na-Na Mou, Zhao Huang-Fu, Okoye Chukwuemeka Samuel, Nan…In this anatomical dissection study of 35 head-neck specimens, researchers investigated small muscle attachments in the suboccipital region. The scientists confirmed the existence of "second terminations" from several s…
Myodural Bridge - A2017
The universal existence of myodural bridge in mammals: an indication of a necessary function
Nan Zheng, Xiao-Ying Yuan, Yan-Yan Chi, Pei Liu, Bing Wang, Jia-Ying Sui, Seung-Ho Han, Sheng-Bo Yu, Hong-Jin SuiThe myodural bridge is a connective tissue structure linking one of the deep, upper neck muscles to the spinal dura mater. This anatomical study investigated whether this structure, known in humans, also exists in other…
Myodural Bridge - A++2017
The effect of pre-exercise vibration stimulation on the exercise-induced muscle damage
Ji-Yun Kim, Da-Haeng Kang, Joon-Hee Lee, Se-Min O, Jae-Keun JeonThis study investigated whether vibration stimulation before or after exercise could reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. Thirty healthy men were divided into three groups: one receiving vibration before exercise, one…
pressure pain thresholdmuscle fatiguemuscle damage - A2017
Correlations of magnetic resonance imaging findings with clinical symptom severity and prognosis of frozen shoulder
Jong Pil Yoon, Seok Won Chung, Byung Joo Lee, Hyung Sup Kim, Jae Hyuck Yi, Hyun‑Joo Lee, Won‑Ju Jeong, Sung Gyu Moon, K…Researchers used a specific type of MRI (indirect MR arthrography) to examine the shoulders of 52 people with frozen shoulder and 52 without. They found that certain features, like thickening and inflammation-related ch…
frozen shoulderMR findingIndirect MR arthrogramClinical symptomCorrelation - A2017
Non-contrast MRI diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
Andrew S Chi, John Kim, Suzanne S Long, William B Morrison, Adam C ZogaThis study investigated whether a standard MRI without contrast dye could be used to reliably diagnose adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. Researchers reviewed MRIs for specific signs, such as a thickene…
MRIfrozen shoulderAdhesive capsulitisNoncontrast - A2017
CT arthrography of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Are MR signs applicable?
Milena Cernya, Patrick Omoumia, Ahmed Larbi, Daniel Manicourt, Anne Perozziello, Frédéric Lecouvet, Bruno Vande Berg, B…This retrospective study investigated whether signs of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) typically seen on MRI could also be identified using CT arthrography (CTA). Researchers compared CTA scans from 22 patients wi…
frozen shoulderAdhesive capsulitisArthrographyRotator intervalCTA - C2017
Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome (a.k.a. Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Type III and Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type): Clinical Description and Natural History
Brad Tinkle, Marco Castori, Britta Berglund, Helen Cohen, Rodney Grahame, Hanadi Kazkaz, Howard LevyThis 2017 review summarizes the clinical understanding of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), thought to be the most common hereditary disorder of connective tissue. It is primarily characterized by musculoskelet…
joint hypermobilityjoint hypermobility syndromeEhlers–Danlos syndrome type IIEhlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type - A++2017
Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis
Gregory Shaw, Ann Lee-Barthel, Megan L R Ross, Bing Wang, Keith BaarIn a small study involving eight healthy men, researchers investigated the effect of vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before exercise. Participants who consumed 15 grams of gelatin one hour before a short, int…
Bonetendonexerciseligamentreturn to play - B2017
Acoustic wave therapy for cellulite, body shaping and fat reduction
Doris Hexsel, Fernanda Oliveira Camozzato, Aline Flor Silva, Carolina SiegaThis study evaluated the efficacy of acoustic wave therapy (AWT) for cellulite and body shaping. Thirty women with moderate to severe cellulite underwent 12 treatment sessions on the glutes and thighs over six weeks. Th…
Acoustic wave therapy; body shaping; cellulite; Cellulite Severity Scale; subcutaneous fat tissue thickness - A++2017
Massage therapy research review
Tiffany FieldThis review summarizes research showing beneficial effects of massage therapy for a wide range of conditions, including prenatal depression, pain syndromes, autoimmune conditions, and issues related to aging. The author…
Massage therapy research review - A2017
Effect of MELT method on thoracolumbar connective tissue: The full study
Faria Sanjana, Hans Chaudhry, Thomas FindleyThis study investigated if the MELT method, a self-treatment technique using soft rollers and balls, could affect the thoracolumbar connective tissue in people with chronic low back pain. Researchers used ultrasound ima…
Low back pain; MELT method; Connective tissue; Thickness; Myofascia; Flexibility