Fascial hyaluronan

Scientific basis

Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is a glycosaminoglycan present in most tissues; its size and concentration vary across tissues and fluids (Cowman et al., 2015). It is not solely responsible for the viscosity of the medium: its concentration, its molecular weight, its organization, its interactions with other components and hydration also play a role. It is not simply an oil.

In human fascia, its content varies with the site and the gliding function (Fede et al., 2018). A change in its viscosity, or its aggregation, has been proposed to explain certain losses of gliding and certain myofascial pain (Stecco et al., 2011; Pavan et al., 2014): these are research hypotheses.

Blue Portance / SBNFA™ reading

SBNFA™ reads hyaluronic acid as one of the material supports of fascial gliding, and therefore of stress redistribution between layers. The hypothesis that movement and variability of support help maintain its properties belongs to the SBNFA™ reading.

Contribution to the analysis of sitting

Seating analysis does not measure hyaluronic acid. It observes whether the position allows loaded tissues to shift and glide.

Not to be confused with

Injectable or cosmetic hyaluronic acid, products whose indications are unrelated to this entry; collagen, a fibrous protein of the matrix; fascial densification, a proposed change in its properties between layers.

Related terms

Fascial gliding · Extracellular matrix

Sources and scope

• Cowman et al. (2015): hyaluronic acid content and size in fluids and tissues (Front Immunol)
• Fede et al. (2018): hyaluronic acid content of human fascia by function and site (Journal of Anatomy)
• Stecco et al. (2011): hyaluronic acid in fascia and the origin of myofascial pain (Surg Radiol Anat)