The Mechanical Behavior of the Fascial System

The fascial system has a multilayered organization in which each layer has its own role in force transmission. Each layer’s composition influences the biomechanical properties of the surrounding structures. In other words, elastin and collagen fibers are both a key component. To study the response of the superficial and deep fascia to mechanical stimuli, experimental tests should be chosen (e.g., uniaxial, biaxial configurations), planned (e.g., sample preparation), performed (e.g., failure, stress–relaxation, and cyclic dynamic tests), and interpreted without introducing bias. To highlight the anisotropic and viscoelastic properties of fascial connective tissue, practical examples of stress–relaxation and failure tests were reported and discussed. The results confirmed the difference between superficial and deep fascial structures for site- and patient-specific interventions.