Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications

Preface

Co-Editor Preface

Editors

Contributors 

Section 1 Fascia

Chapter 1 De Fabrica Humani Corporis: Fascia as the Fabric of the Body

Jaap van der Wal

Chapter 2 Fascial Net Plastination Project

Rachelle L. Clauson

Chapter 3 The Importance of Fascial Models in Anatomical Education

Laurice D. Nemetz , Vladimir Chereminskiy, and Robert Schleip

Chapter 4 Fascial Anatomy

Carla Stecco

Chapter 5 Physiology of the Fascia

Antonio Stecco

Chapter 6 Innervation of Fascia

Robert Schleip

Chapter 7 Fascia and the Circulatory System

Anita Boser and Kieran Schumaker

Chapter 8 Factors Influencing the Extracellular Matrix: Fascia as a Changing Tissue

Caterina Fede

Chapter 9 In Vivo Exploration of Living Human Fascia Using Intra-Tissular Endoscopy: A New Approach to the Study of Living Matter

Jean-Claude Guimberteau

Section 2 Function

Chapter 10 The Mechanical Behavior of the Fascial System

Lorenza Bonaldi, Alice Berardo, and Chiara Giulia Fontanella

Chapter 11 Applied Biotensegrity

Bradley D. Fullerton

Chapter 12 Effects of Loading and Nutrition on Connective Tissue

Kenneth Tam and Keith Baar

Chapter 13 Hormonal Effects on Fascia in Women

Angeli Maun Akey and Kathleen O’Neil-Smith

Chapter 14 Does Fascia Stretch?

Chris Frederick

Chapter 15 The Fascial System in Walking

James Earls

Chapter 16 Postural Evaluation

Katja Bartsch

Chapter 17 Visual Assessment of Postural Antecedents to Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Thomas W. Myers

Section 3 Medical and Clinical Applications: Interstitial Notes on Section 3

Chapter 18 Anatomy Trains Structural Integration

Julie Hammond

Chapter 19 Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy: History, Perspectives, and Treatment

Richard Finn

Chapter 20 Fascial Manipulation

Antonio Stecco

Chapter 21 Dermal-Fascial Restoration®

Paul Mettler

Chapter 22 Fascia Stretch Therapy™

Chris Frederick

Chapter 23 Scar Tissue Management

Catherine Ryan and Nancy Keeney-Smith

Chapter 24 Exercise and Fascial Movement Therapy for Cancer Survivors: Potential Benefits and Recommendations

PJ O’Clair

Chapter 25 Clinical Foundations and Applications for Self-Myofascial Release with Balls, Rollers, and Tools

Jill Miller

Chapter 26 Yoga Styles and Fascia: A Holistic Approach to Movement and Wellness

Laurice D. Nemetz

Chapter 27 Fascia and the Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Patricia Huston 

Index

Fascia is the biodynamic tissue that connects every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve in the body; it is an emerging field in healthcare and allied health modalities. Following its predecessor, the second edition is essential reading for medical and allied health practitioners who want to bring scientific insights of the importance of fascia to human health into their clinical practices. It contains contributions from a team of top researchers and expert practitioners, including physicians, clinicians, therapists, dissectors, and surgeons. Illustrated in full color throughout, this book presents a vital update to the first edition to include the most up-to-date science and practical applications, written by the experts themselves. It provides insight and explanations for problems, including chronic low back pain, frozen shoulder, post-partum issues, chronic inflammation, and other symptoms that may not respond to more conventional treatments. It gives healthcare practitioners information they need to make better decisions to improve the health of patients, often without pharmaceuticals or surgeries.

David Lesondak, BCSI, ATSI, FST, FFT, VMT is an Allied Health Member in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where he is the Senior Structural Integrator and Fascia Specialist at UPMC’s Center for Integrative Medicine. David specializes in helping people resolve chronic pain, improve physical function, and restore resilience.

David is the author of the international best seller Fascia: What it is and Why it Matters, currently in 11 languages. The first edition of his follow up book, as editor, Fascia, Function, and Medical Applications was nominated for a 2021 British Medical Association. He has contributed chapters to the 2nd Edition of Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body, and the 2^nd edition of Metabolic Therapies In Orthopedics.

Dr. Angeli Maun Akey, MD, FACP, ABIHM, ABOIM, ABAARM, IFMCP. Dr. Akey is board-certified in internal medicine, integrative and holistic medicine, anti-aging regenerative medicine, and has completed additional training in functional medicine. In clinical practice for over 30 years, she is the founding medical director of North Florida Integrative Medicine, Ageless Medical Solutions, and the Palm Beach Institute of Preventive Medicine. Her interests in other healing traditions have led her to teach at the Florida School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Currently she specializes in early-stage detection, delay, and reversal of chronic diseases.

Dr. Akey’s undergraduate experience was at the University of Florida (UF), where she was accepted on six academic scholarships and a vocal performance music scholarship. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and is a member of the UF Hall of Fame. Also of note is that she was the youngest person ever admitted to the University of Florida’s College of Medicine in the Junior Honors Medical Program, where she was accepted to Alpha Omega Alpha and graduated with high honors. Dr. Akey did her internal medicine residency, served as a chief resident and taught as assistant clinical professor at Yale University.