Fascia is the fascinating biological fabric and glue that holds us together.
There has been an explosion of research on fascia related therapeutic approaches to treat soft tissue pain and dysfunction. The range of methods and modalities that focus attention on fascial dysfunction are proliferating. A few of those where supporting validation exists are summarized below:
- Heat in the therapeutic range, relaxes many fascial contractures associated with myofascial dysfunction. External heat has been shown to be beneficial in low back pain (Klingler 2011)
- Graston Technique® (GT) is an instrument-assisted soft tissue assessment and mobilization method delivering load deformation via stainless steel instruments. Mechanical deformation influences the extracellular matrix (ECM,) modulating the synthesis of proteoglycans and collagen by fibroblasts, increasing collagen formation (Hammer 2007)
- Neurologically active scars can restrict back flexion, which the patient feels as low back pain. This can be relieved by treatment of scars on the abdomen and/or below the symphysis (Kobesová, 2007)
- Fryer & Fossum have suggested that apart from the influence of mechanoreceptors on pain (via both ascending and descending pathways), Muscle Energy Techniques induce in-vivo mechanical stretching of fibro-blasts that both alters interstitial osmotic pressure as well as increasing blood flow, so reducing concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing sensitization of peripheral nociceptors.
- Standley & Meltzer (2008) have demonstrated – on a cellular level – the beneficial effects, on fibroblasts, of both myofascial release and positional release (Strain/counterstrain) methods. “……strain direction, frequency and duration, impact important fibroblast physiological functions known to mediate pain, inflammation and ROM….”
- Borgini et al (2010) have demonstrated the influence of direct compressive force on dense fascial restrictions, using the Italian modality developed at the University of Padua, Fascial Manipulation®
- The benefits of Connective Tissue Massage have been demonstrated in a number of clinical trials – notably in relation to chronic pelvic pain (Fitzgerald 2009)”
- The methods used in structural integration (Rolfing) are directed mainly at fascia and connective tissue, which are treated with fingers, open hands, clenched fists, and elbows, with pressure directed to release adhesions between what should be freely sliding structures. (Findley & Schleip 2007)
- Fernandez-de-las-Penas and Pilat (2010) have described the successful use of neuromuscular technique (NMT) in treatment of myofascial pain.
