Role of fascial connectivity in musculoskeletal dysfunctions: A narrative review

Abstract

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Myofascial Force Transmission in the Humans: A Systematic Scoping Review of In-Vivo Studies

“…Unfortunately, there is a dearth of such studies at present. Even though the levels of evidence in this review may be considered arbitrary, it seems unlikely that a different review approach or grading system would have resulted in a different conclusion (Ajimsha et al, 2020). Although efforts were made to gather most of the published studies, some relevant trials might have been missed.…”

“…Many researchers have found the role of fascia of interest and importance in musculoskeletal disorders, due to its potential to influence muscle activity and continuity. (Ajimsha et al, 2020). Studies have already demonstrated the role of fascia as a connecting link between the skeletal muscles throughout the body that are linked to each other by fascial tissue forming a network with some specific patterns (Luomala and Pihlman, 2016;Wilke et al, 2016a) that can undergo dysfunction and pain if under or over used (Ajimsha et al 2020).…”

“…The fascial system provides an environment that enables all body systems to operate in an integrated manner (Adstrum et al, 2017) and is capable of modifying its tensional situation in response to the stress applied to it (Bordoni and Simonelli, 2018;Wilke et al, 2017b) and it is believed that strain or force transmission could occur in certain directions in response to changes in muscle activity or length (Luomala and Pihlman, 2016;Norton-Old et al, 2013;Krause et al, 2016). It has been proposed that myofascial force transfer may play a major role in musculoskeletal function and dysfunction (Ajimsha et al, 2020).…”

“…(Huijing, 1999; Yucesoy, 2010; Ajimsha & Shenoy 2019). These connective tissues can be endomysium, perimysium, epimysium, tendons, joint capsules, neurovascular tracts, fascia or even the viscera since fascia is ubiquitous across the body (Huijing, 2009;Karakuzu et al, 2017;Ajimsha et al, 2020). More simply EMFT refers to the transmission of muscle forces to the bone via pathways other than the classic muscle origin and insertion.…”

Effectiveness of external myofascial mobilisation in the management of male chronic pelvic pain of muscle spastic type: A retrospective study

“…We further analysed the treatment effectiveness through determining change in symptom severity. Patients' symptom severity was classified as mild (0-15), moderate (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29) or severe (>29) based on their total score (Table 4). Before the implementation of treatment, most patients had severe (42%) or moderate symptoms (45%).…”