The Effect of Tissue Flossing Technique on Sports and Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review of Recent Research

Abstract

Flossband, as a novel and effective tissue flossing technique, is becoming increasingly popular in the field of athletic training, sports injury prevention, and rehabilitation. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize updated evidence about the effects of flossband application on joint range of motion (ROM), pain, muscle tightness, strength, and physical functional performance as well as identify research gaps for future study. Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science were used to search related articles. The keywords of floss bands, flossbands, floss band, tissue flossing, flossing band, voodoo floss band, voodoo floss bands, track floss, rock floss, life floss band, and Rogue voodoo floss were used to extract target articles. English journal articles, full-text available, and content related to outcome measures were included. Conference abstracts, books, case studies, guideline reviews were omitted. 23 full-text journal articles were included for further qualitative analysis after removing duplicates and deleting articles that violate the screening criterion. Flossband application on limbs, soft tissue, or joints with about 50% flossing tension or 150 mmHg wrapping pressure could have small to medium effects on the parameters of ROM, muscle stiffness, muscle strength, and physical function performance, and large effects on pain management. Most previous studies were mainly focused on the acute effect of flossband application on peripheral joints or soft tissues in healthy and active participants or well-trained athletes. Therefore, for future studies, more evidence is needed on the benefits of long-term flossband trunk application and concerning patients with various diseases.

Clinical management of finger joint capsulitis/synovitis in a rock climber

“…Additionally, the climber was told to wrap the digit with a self-adherent compression bandage wrap (less aggressive) or a floss band (more aggressive) and to perform finger flicks. It has been shown that floss band wrapping of peripheral joints can increase joint range of motion, manage pain, and reduce muscle tightness ( 13 ). This active compression method was chosen over the use of compression gloves since the research on the effectiveness of passive prolonged compression with gloves in cases of rheumatoid arthritis and hand osteoarthritis remains inconclusive ( 14 ).…”

Tissue Flossing: A Commentary on Clinical Practice Recommendations

“…2 Despite the lack of universal agreement on optimal treatment parameters, the existing literature provides evidence that tissue flossing may improve joint ROM, muscle strength, athletic performance, and balance in specific situations, while also being a potential intervention to reduce musculoskeletal pain (Table 1). [3][4][5][6]13 It is important to note that selected studies were used to support the specific indications discussed and this commentary is not meant to serve as a comprehensive literature review or systematic analysis of the current body of research evidence. Sports medicine professionals are encouraged to review published systematic and scoping reviews that further appraise the tissue flossing research evidence.…”

“…[1][2][3] After applying the band, the individual performs up to an eight-minute treatment session that may include different active and passive movements of the wrapped body region. [1][2][3][4][5] Tissue flossing has been used by sports medicine professionals to attempt to increase myofascial mobility, improve joint range of motion (ROM), enhance athletic performance, and reduce pain. [3][4][5][6] This intervention has also been explored as a method for performing blood flow restriction training.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Tissue flossing has been used by sports medicine professionals to attempt to increase myofascial mobility, improve joint range of motion (ROM), enhance athletic performance, and reduce pain. [3][4][5][6] This intervention has also been explored as a method for performing blood flow restriction training. 7,8 Several companies manufacture tissue flossing bands, such as The Ready State™, RockTape®, and Rogue Fitness®, with most bands being constructed of latex rubber (1.5 mm thick) and available in 2 inch (5.08 cm) and 4 inch (10.16 cm) widths and an average length of 7 feet long (213.36cm).…”

“…2,9,10 The current body of evidence has grown over that past 10 years with several researchers reporting positive post intervention effects for joint ROM, muscle stiffness, muscle strength, pain reduction, and athletic performance. [3][4][5] Despite the growing popularity, there seems to be a lack of consensus regarding tissue flossing clinical practice recommendations such as indications, precautions, contraindications, and patient management during treatment. A review of the research evidence conducted in January 2024 (PubMed, PEDro, Science Direct, and EBSCOhost) did not reveal any manuscripts specifically discussing best practices for the use of tissue flossing bands.…”