Evaluation of hyaluronan content in areas of densification compared to adjacent areas of fascia

Abstract

Connective tissues between fascia layers are rich in hyaluronan (HA), allowing normal gliding of fascial layers. Fascial densifications contain increased concentration of HA molecules, leading to aggregation of HA chains and altered HA consistency. Restricted fascial gliding, dysfunction and pain may follow. Centers of coordination (CC) are specific points where forces of muscle contraction converge in epimysial fascia to coordinate joint movement. This study compared HA content at a densified CC to adjacent non-densified areas and looked for visible differences between CC and non-CC sites through histological staining techniques.