Blue Portance · Living reference
Clear definitions and independent references to understand the terms used in our articles.
94 published terms
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The definitions
13 results
Fascia are connective tissue structures that envelop, connect or separate certain parts of the body. The "fascial system" refers to a broader set of connective tissues considered in their functional continuity.
3 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
A fascial adhesion is an abnormal union, through fibrous tissue, between two surfaces that normally move relative to each other, such as two layers of fascia, or a fascia and a muscle, an organ or a nerve. The term should not be used to describe any stiffness, pain or sensation of “stuck fascia.”
3 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Fascial densification is a research hypothesis: the loose connective tissue located between the layers of fascia would become more viscous and hinder their gliding, without any accumulation of collagen.
2 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Fascial fibrosis refers to a pathological, persistent accumulation of fibrous matrix, mainly collagen, in a fascia, generally associated with an injury, prolonged inflammation or a fibrotic disease.
3 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Fascial gliding is the relative movement of fascial layers against one another, and against neighboring muscles, nerves and vessels, with every movement of the body.
3 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Hyaluronic acid is a large molecule of the extracellular matrix that retains water. In fascia, it contributes to the viscoelastic and gliding properties of the ground substance, between fibers and between layers.
3 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Fascial innervation refers to the nerve fibers that fascia contains. Made up mainly of free nerve endings that are sensitive to deformation, it informs the nervous system about tissue tension, stretch and pressure, and can contribute to pain.
5 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Fascial stiffness is the resistance of a fascia to deformation; when it increases, the term stiffening is used. The term describes a mechanical property without specifying its cause.
3 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Fascial viscoelasticity is the property of fascia to respond to a load both like an elastic material, which returns to its shape, and like a viscous material, whose response depends on time and rate.
2 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
The fear-avoidance model describes the possible relationships between how a person interprets pain, fear, avoidance and activity restriction. It is an explanatory model, not a diagnosis.
7 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Femoral neuralgia (cruralgia) is pain that follows the path of the femoral nerve, along the front of the thigh and sometimes down to the knee or the inner side of the lower leg. It is linked to irritation of an upper lumbar nerve root, most often L3 or L4.
3 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome combining persistent widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances and often difficulty concentrating, with no tissue damage that could on its own explain the intensity of the symptoms.
4 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
Functional asymmetry refers to a difference between the right and left sides in the way a person moves, bears load or organizes themselves. It is neither automatically pathological nor automatically useful.
2 references cited Scope and limits in the entry
