03/20/2026
We shared a post earlier showing a dramatic representation of fascial changes before and after regular massage sessions.
While the images, to us, were clearly and obviously rendered - and were not actual medical images, we realize that it could have been misleading to others.
So in the spirit of authenticity, and the joy of “nerding out,” Kristin compiled a few medical images of fascia, as well as a few scientific papers written about the effects of massage on fascia.
Image in OP (showing pathological changes to fascial thickness) from:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11639881/
How ultrasound can be used to visualize perceived changes in fascial structure and function following manual therapy techniques:
“In this pilot study, we demonstrated that pain or discomfort in self-identified somatic locations was associated with CC densifications. Moreover, we showed that both pain intensity ratings and densification thickness, measured using diagnostic ultrasound, tend to decrease after a brief FM intervention. As such, FM may be an effective means to reduce musculoskeletal pain related to fascial densifications. Given the putative role of HA in the formation of densifications, FM may also represent an effective approach for reducing the HA content,17 and HA-related increased viscosity,14previously shown to be involved in the etiology of fascial densifications. However, larger and better controlled studies are warranted to address these questions. Overall, the identification of a beneficial therapeutic role for brief manipulation of fascial tissue on pain and associated densifications is of high clinical relevance. Importantly, our use of objective ultrasound measurements emphasizes the physiological importance of manual therapies for reducing pain intensity.
Moreover, given that Cowman et al.14 suggested that local increases in temperature may decrease viscosity of polymerized HA, painful densifications within the fascial system could be treated by increasing heat using manual therapeutic interventions directed to the somatic location of interest. Fascial Manipulation (FM) is a relatively recent manual therapy approach that involves repetitive back and forth manipulations over specific fascial foci that produce deep mechanical forces and localized temperature increases.18 A number of studies have shown that FM is effective in reducing pain associated with various pain conditions, including low back pain,19,20 knee pain,3 elbow pain,21temporomandibular joint pain,22 and ankle pain following a sprain.23 In the study described here, we hypothesized that FM may reduce musculoskeletal pain associated with clinically defined fascial densifications in normal, healthy adults. Moreover, given that ultrasound can be used to visualize perceived changes in fascial structure and function following manual therapy techniques,24 we hypothesized that FM would also decrease the thickness of densifications as measured by diagnostic ultrasonographic techniques.”
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8992677/
An older article about manual therapy’s effect on fascia:
Fascia–what a fascinating tissue! Also known as dense irregular connective tissue, this tissue surrounds and connects every muscle, even the tiniest myofibril, and every single organ of the body. It forms a true continuity throughout our whole body. Fascia has been shown to be an important element in our posture and movement organization. It is often referred to as our organ of form (Varela & Frenk 1987, Garfin et al. 1981).
Many approaches to manual therapy focus their treatment on the fascia. They claim to alter either the density, tonus, viscosity or arrangement of fascia through the application of manual pressure (Barnes 1990, Cantu & Grodin 1992, Chaitow 1980, Paoletti 1998, Rolf 1977, Ward 1993). Their theoretical explanations usually refer to the ability of fascia to adapt to physical stress. How the practitioner understands the nature of this particular responsiveness of fascia will of course influence the treatment. Unfortunately, fascia is often referred to in terms of its mechanicalproperties alone. This series of articles will not only explore the neural dynamics behind fascial plasticity, but will also offer new perspectives for myofascial treatment methods.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859202000670
