In vitro mimicking of therapeutic soft tissue stimulation regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines
Objective Soft tissue manual therapies such as massage and myofascial release are commonly utilized by osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists. These techniques are predicated on subjecting tissues to biophysical mechanical stimulation but the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) mediating these effects are poorly understood. A series of studies established an in vitro model system for mimicking therapeutic soft tissue stimulation of dermal fibroblasts and established that injury-like strain induces the secretion of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, mechanical strain replicating soft tissue manual therapy reduces strain-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we sought to partially confirm and extend these reports and provide independent corroboration of prior results … MORE