Influence of Fascial Manipulation on Postural Sway and Ankle Range of Motion

Fascia is defined as the soft tissue component of the connective tissue system. It is a continuous mesh that has several functions such as maintaining structural integrity and providing support and protection. Ligaments are part of the dense connective tissue system. Studies conducted for ankle retinacula, which are thickened bands of fascia, also confirmed the presence of nervous tissue and proprioceptors within. Specific changes are seen in the MRI of ankle retinacula of individuals with chronic ankle instability. These changes include thickening of subcutaneous tissue. These structural changes may be responsible for interrupting the signals from the mechanoreceptors or also in damaging them. Since fascial manipulation can help reduce the densifications of deep fascia, it is possible that on restoring the original structural and material properties, the proprioception may improve due to clearer signals from the mechanoreceptors. For a normal individual, recurrent sprains may lead to occupational absence and difficulty with their ADLs. Hence, there is a need for this study to determine the influence of FM on chronic ankle instability.