[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

Fascia Layers and Functions
Fascia taxonomy varies almost as widely as fascia itself. Which is likely why (at
least in part) at the FRC 3 in 2012, Dr Paul Standley proclaimed, ‘We need a
Rosetta Stone of manual therapy.’
In an attempt to simplify functional understanding and create a conceptual
visual, favoring relevance to MT, this book will briefly cover two of the most
current classification systems: Willard’s (2012a, 2012b) layer/structural
classification system and Kumka and Bonar’s (2012) functional classification
system.
Layer Classification
Willard (2012a) suggests four primary categories: superficial/panniculus (loose),
deep/axial (investing), meningeal and visceral (Swanson 2013). Only the
superficial and axial layers will be covered in more detail – as the techniques
covered in subsequent chapter predominantly target the superficial and deep
fascial layers. The meningeal layer will be covered (in some detail) in Chapter 4,
the visceral layer will not be covered in much detail in this book. For more
information on visceral work please see the recommended references and
reading suggestions provided at the end of the chapter.
Superficial/panniculus fascia (SF)
Although not a universally accepted term, in many textbooks superficial fascia is
used to describe the subcutaneous loose CT layer (Platzer 2008, Standring 2008,
Netter 2011, Tank 2012).
Continuous with the dermis, the SF lies directly beneath the skin, supporting the
skin’s structural integrity. Essentially, the SF surrounds the entire torso and the
extremities and mostly comprises loose CT and adipocytes.
According to Langevin and colleagues (Langevin et al. 2009), there are two
typical presentations of SF:
• Loose/areolar CT often embedded with adipocytes
• A fine mesh of dense irregular CT with areolar CT and adipocytes within the