Fascia Research Congress Evidence from the 100 year perspective of Andrew Taylor Still

Abstract

More than 100 years ago A.T. Still MD founded osteopathic medicine, and specifically described fascia as a covering, with common origins of layers of the fascial system despite diverse names for individual parts. Fascia assists gliding and fluid flow and is highly innervated. Fascia is intimately involved with respiration and with nourishment of all cells of the body, including those of disease and cancer. This paper reviews information presented at the first three International Fascia Research Congresses in 2007, 2009 and 2012 from the perspective of Dr Still, that fascia is vital for organism's growth and support, and it is where disease is sown.

Fascia–Current knowledge and future directions in physiatry: Narrative review

“…More than 100 years ago, A. T. Still, MD, was an acute observer of the body, particularly the fascial system, and founded the practice of osteopathic medicine. Many of his observations hold true today [60] and can guide the incorporation of fascial concepts into the practice of physiatry.…”

Clinical and symptomatological reflections: the fascial system

“…The connective tissue can directly convey pain signals; in fact, it contains nociceptors that can translate mechanical stimuli into pain information. Furthermore, if there are nonphysiological mechanical stimuli, the proprioceptors can turn into nociceptors 3,6,7. There are many reasons why the fascial continuum can turn into a source of pain.…”

“…The immune system and bone tissue share molecular interactions, including transcription factors, signal molecules and membrane receptors; in particular, osteoclasts are sensitized by cytokines, and vice versa 61. When the layers of the fascial continuum do not slide properly over one another, from the most superficial layer to the periosteum, an inflammatory environment develops, either acute or chronic; the resultant cytokines could activate the osteoclasts and bone resorption, generating osteoporosis in the long run 7,61. This is probably one of the causes producing articular disorders in rheumatoid arthritis 47…”

“…The most external layer is denominated subcutaneous fascia or loose (areolar) connective fascia 7,11. This layer is made up of several levels, each with variable amounts of fibroblasts (ie, connective cells) arranged in a disorderly manner and soaked in a gelatinous substance known as extracellular matrix, where numerous molecules (ie, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid) can be found 3,12.…”

“…Its vascular and lymphatic system is well developed, with numerous corpuscles in charge of proprioception, particularly the Ruffini’s and Pacini’s corpuscles 22. It is a less extendable fibrous layer, with collagen fibers arranged more regularly, thick and parallel to each other; it is rich in hyaluronic acid 7,22…”