Title | Investigating the mechanisms of massage efficacy: the role of mechanical immunomodulation. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | Waters-Banker C, Dupont-Versteegden EE, Kitzman P, Butterfield TA |
Journal | J Athl Train |
Volume | 49 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 266-73 |
Date Published | 2014 Mar-Apr |
ISSN | 1938-162X |
Keywords | Athletic Injuries, Humans, Immunomodulation, Massage, Mechanotransduction, Cellular, Muscle, Skeletal, Myositis, Neurons, Afferent, Pain, Pain Management |
Abstract | Massage has the potential to attenuate the inflammatory process, facilitate early recovery, and provide pain relief from muscular injuries. In this hypothesis-driven paper, we integrate the concept of mechanotransduction with the application of massage to explore beneficial mechanisms. By altering signaling pathways involved with the inflammatory process, massage may decrease secondary injury, nerve sensitization, and collateral sprouting, resulting in increased recovery from damage and reduction or prevention of pain. Our goal is to provide a framework that describes our current understanding of the mechanisms whereby massage therapy activates potentially beneficial immunomodulatory pathways. |
DOI | 10.4085/1062-6050-49.2.25 |
Alternate Journal | J Athl Train |
PubMed ID | 24641083 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC3975781 |
Grant List | T32 HL086341 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States |