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- B2011
Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
Andrew S Neviase, Robert J NeviaserThis clinical overview describes adhesive capsulitis, or "frozen shoulder," a condition marked by painful, progressive loss of shoulder movement due to fibrosis of the joint capsule. The authors note that diagnosis requ…
frozen shoulderAdhesive capsulitis - A2011
A questionnaire survey of UK physiotherapists on the diagnosis and management of contracted (frozen) shoulder
Nigel C A Hanchard, Lorna Goodchild, Jackie Thompson, Tracey O’Brien, Dot Davison, Chris RichardsonThis survey of 289 UK physiotherapists explored how they diagnose and manage frozen shoulder. The results showed that diagnosis typically relies on assessing movement restriction, particularly passive external rotation.…
frozen shoulderAdhesive capsulitisShoulder painDiagnosisTherapy - A2011
Structure and function of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix
Allison R Gillies, Richard L LieberThis narrative review explores the extracellular matrix (ECM), the connective tissue network within skeletal muscle. The authors describe the ECM's crucial roles in transmitting force and in muscle maintenance and repai…
Skeletal muscle; extracellular matrix; collagen; biomechanics; fibrosis - A2011
Hyaluronan as an Immune Regulator in Human Diseases
Paul W Noble, Jiurong Liang, Dianhua JiangThis 2011 narrative review explores the role of hyaluronan (HA) in the immune system. While intact HA is a normal part of the extracellular matrix, fragments of HA produced during tissue injury can act as signals. These…
hyaluronanfascia - A++2011
Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis - back to the future?
Whitney P Bowe, Alan C LoganThis review article discusses a theory first proposed over 70 years ago connecting the gastrointestinal tract, the brain, and the skin. Researchers Stokes and Pillsbury hypothesized that emotional states like anxiety an…
acneprobioticsintestinal microfloragut-brain-skinbacteriotherapy - A2011
ExtracellularMatrix Degradation and Remodeling in Development and Disease
Pengfei Lu, Ken Takai, Valerie M Weaver, Zena WerbIn this review, the authors describe the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a dynamic structure that is constantly being remodeled. This process of breakdown and rebuilding is essential for normal bodily functions like tissu…
fasciaextracellular matrixmatrix remodeling - A2011
Management of the stiff shoulder. A prospective multicenter comparative study of the six main techniques in use: 235 cases
P Gleyzea, P Clavert, P-H Flurin, E Laprelle, D Katz, B Toussaint, T Benkalfate, C Charousset, T Joudet, T Georges, L H…This prospective study compared six different therapeutic techniques for stiff shoulder in 235 patients. Researchers evaluated conventional rehabilitation below the pain threshold against self-rehabilitation pushing pas…
frozen shoulderAdhesive capsulitisPain managementAlgodystrophyTherapeutic education - 1A+2011
Reduced thoracolumbar fascia shear strain in human chronic low back pain
Helene M Langevin, J R Fox, C Koptiuch, G J Badger, A C Greenan-Naumann, N A Bouffard, E E Konofagou, W-N Lee, J J Tria…Researchers used ultrasound to investigate the movement between layers of the thoracolumbar fascia, a large sheet of connective tissue in the lower back. They compared a group of people with chronic low back pain to a g…
Thoracolumbar fascialow back painshear strain - A+2011
Diet-induced metabolic acidosis
María M Adeva, Gema SoutoThe typical Western diet, high in animal products and low in fruits and vegetables, can lead to a state of chronic, low-grade metabolic acidosis. This means the body becomes slightly more acidic, a situation that can wo…
Metabolic acidosisAmmonium ionsCitrateInsulin resistance - A+2011
The presence of physiological stress shielding in the degenerative cycle of musculoskeletal disorders
Mark Driscoll, L BlyumThis theoretical paper discusses how mechanical stimulation is essential for tissue health, a concept known as mechanical homeostasis. When this process is flawed, it can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal…
Fascia; Musculoskeletal; Cerebral palsy; Remodeling; Stress shielding - A+2011
The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline pH Diet Benefits Health
Gerry K SchwalfenbergThis 2011 review examined the published medical literature to evaluate the health benefits of an alkaline diet. The author looked at studies on the body's pH and its connection to bone health, muscle function, back pain…
Metabolic acidosisalkaline dietmetabolic syndrom - A2011
Elevated [11C]-D-Deprenyl Uptake in Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder Suggests Persistent Musculoskeletal Inflammation
Clas Linnman, Lieuwe Appel, Mats Fredrikson, Torsten Gordh, Anne Söderlund, Bengt Långström, Henry EnglerDiagnosing chronic whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is often difficult, as standard structural imaging methods seldom show clear signs of injury. This study used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with a tracer molecu…
inflammationfasciaWhiplash