Fascial or Muscle Stretching? A Narrative Review

Carla Stecco, Carmelo Pirri, Caterina Fede, Can A. Yucesoy , Raffaele De Caro, and Antonio Stecco

https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010307

This narrative review examines whether the effects of stretching are driven primarily by muscle tissue or by the fascia, and challenges the traditional view that muscles and tendons are the main limiting factors in flexibility. Drawing on biomechanical studies of muscle, tendon, and fascial tissues, the authors describe how fascia behaves as a continuous, viscoelastic structure that plays a key role in force transmission and range‑of‑motion limitation. The review highlights evidence that fascia is often the first tissue to resist elongation during passive stretching and may therefore be a primary target of static stretching interventions. The authors emphasise the concept of the myofascial unit, noting that muscle and fascia cannot be considered in isolation due to their tight structural and functional integration. They also discuss properties such as stress–strain behaviour and thixotropy, which influence how tissues respond over time to stretch. Overall, the paper suggests that a better understanding of fascial biomechanics could help refine stretching protocols in rehabilitation and sport, shifting emphasis away from muscles alone toward a more integrated myofascial approach.

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