ABSTRACT Researchers Andreas Brandl, DO, and Robert Schleip, PhD, Rolfing® Instructor, discuss their 2023 peer-reviewed publication about the increase of microcirculation observed in thoracolumbar fascia after a myofascial release protocol. Study design, measurement tools, and application for manual therapy practitioners are considered.

Medical Doctor Certified Advanced Rolfer® Swiss Society for Structural Integration (SGSI)1 Licensed

ABSTRACT Close associates contribute to this remembrance of Thomas W. Findley, MD, PhD, who wore multiple hats as a Rolfer, researcher (fascia, rehabilitation medicine, structural integration), physician, editor, and organizing force behind Fascia Research Congresses. Findley was indeed a visionary, and he propelled the understanding of fascia in research and manual therapies well into the future. Those of us who are interested in the properties and mechanisms of fascia will be forever indebted to him for his contributions not only to the field of structural integration, but all manual therapies and basic science research as they are related to each other.

ABSTRACT The human body is by majority made of water, specifically interstitial water dissolved in our extracellular matrix. Easy flow of water through the lymph system is associated with healthy tissue and in vivo studies describe this water flow as moving through channels in the ground substance. Dr. Schleip discusses the molecule hyaluronan and the discovery of the ‘fasciacyte’. Tissue water distribution is reviewed in relation to manual pressure, movement, and induced shearing forces.

ABSTRACT The ubiquitous network of fascial tissues in the human body is usually regarded as a passive contributor to musculoskeletal dynamics. This review aims to highlight the current understanding of fascial stiffness regulation. Notably the ability for active cellular contraction which may augment the stiffness of fascial tissues and thereby contribute to musculoskeletal dynamics. A related narrative literature search via PubMed and Google Scholar reveals a multitude of studies indicating that the intrafascial presence of myofibroblasts may enable these tissues to alter their stiffness. This contractile tissue behavior occurs not only in several pathological fibrotic contractures but has also been documented in normal fasciae. When viewed at time frames of seconds and minutes the force of such tissue contractions is not sufficient for exerting a significant effect on mechanical joint stability. However, when viewed in a time-window of several minutes and longer, such cellular contractions can impact motoneuronal coordination. In addition, over a time frame of days to months, this cellular activity can induce long-term and severe tissue contractures. These findings tend to question the common clear distinction between active tissues and passive tissues in musculoskeletal dynamics.

“In thus inserting on the medial side of the femur (the rotators insert more laterally), the psoas major can function as a medial and internal rotator of the thigh, balancing external rotators.”Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D.