Biological effects of direct and indirect manipulation of the fascial system.

Parravicini, G., & Bergna, A. (2017). Biological effects of direct and indirect manipulation of the fascial system. Narrative review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 21(2), 435–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JBMT.2017.01.005

Summary:

This article is a narrative review of studies that show the effects of performing osteopathic manipulative techniques on the fascia. I was looking for a study that described hpe structural integration techniques effected fascia. Osteopathic Manipulatative Treatment are similar to structural integration techniques. Both work closely with manipulating fascia. This study is close. It discusses the specific techniques of: stretching and myofascial release (MFR). It does not cover other structural integration techniques. The summary of the conclusion states: “To elevate manual medicine as a primary intervention in clinical settings, it's necessary to clarify how OMT modalities work in order to underpin their clinical efficacies.” This same conclusion is similar to what is often found in studies showing the effectiveness of acupuncture.

Abstract:

Introduction: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is effective in improving function, movement and restoring pain conditions. Despite clinical results, the mechanisms of how OMT achieves its' effects remain unclear. The fascial system is described as a tensional network that envelops the human body. Direct or indirect manipulations of the fascial system are a distinctive part of OMT.

Objective: This review describes the biological effects of direct and indirect manipulation of the fascial system.

Material and methods: Literature search was performed in February 2016 in the electronic databases:

Cochrane, Medline, Scopus, Ostmed, Pedro and authors' publications relative to Fascia Research Congress Website.

Results: Manipulation of the fascial system seems to interfere with some cellular processes providing

various pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cells and molecules.

Discussion: Despite growing research in the osteopathic field, biological effects of direct or indirect

manipulation of the fascial system are not conclusive.

Conclusion: To elevate manual medicine as a primary intervention in clinical settings, it's necessary to

clarify how OMT modalities work in order to underpin their clinical efficacies.