Fascia as a Multi-Purpose Structure of Connective Tissue - Dysfunction, Diagnostics and Treatment

Fascia is a system of connective tissue that encases our body parts and binds them together. It surrounds muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments and gives them shape. Fascia also connects skin to the tissue, transmits mechanical tension generated by muscular activities or external forces throughout the body and reduces the friction of muscular force. Fascial tissues are innervated by sensory nerve endings, therefore a proprioceptive and nociceptive function was suggested. Fascial tissues are also able to store and release elastic potential energy. Although many pathologies are linked with the imbalance of the three-dimensional myofascial system, specific indications for treatment cannot always be found.

Fascial dysfunction may also arise through overuse strain injury as acute traumatic injury, which leads to inflammation and inadequate tissue remodelling. Therefore it is important in diagnosis and treatment not to focus only on the painful area, which is often just a consequence of dysfunction but to find the primary disorders. But, an important element in identifying the effectiveness of a given therapy is the selection of appropriate tools that can sensitively, objectively and unequivocally measure the effects of the treatment. In this Research Topic, we are looking to address key aspects of the pathophysiology underlying fascial system dysfunctions to promote the discussion around this topic and to facilitate knowledge dissemination in the field for new and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.

Researchers are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, systematic reviews, clinical trials, case reports, perspectives, short communications as well as theoretical papers, opinions, and study protocols relevant to this article collection that will cover topics such as (but not limited to):

- Fascia as a structure related to all elements of the musculoskeletal system
- Methods of diagnosing dysfunctions occurring within the fascia
- Disorders within the fascia resulting in pain, overload and increased risk of injury within the musculoskeletal system as well as the pathology of connective tissue diseases
- Methods of fascial dysfunction treatment, including but not limited to: rehabilitation, natural methods, pharmacology and alternative medicine
- The importance of fascia in sports and training

Keywords: fascia, musculoskeletal system, diagnostic methods, rehabilitation, treatment

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.