Induction of enhanced growth factor availability in tendon healing via augmented soft tissue mobilization
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Abstract
Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTM) is a new technique designed to enhance healing in injured tendons. "Injury," here refers to the gradual and prolonged damage to tendons that results from overuse as in the case of chronic tenonditis. There are currently two general bodies of information in the literature relevant to ASTM. One includes the reported clinical results of having employed the ASTM technique, a form. of friction massage; the other concerns the various roles of growth factors in the process of tendon repair. Remaining is the question of whether ASTM leads to enhanced growth factor availability. There is little known about the biochemical mechanism behind ASTM's reported therapeutic effects. This paper reviews the relevant literature and proposes an experimental protocol designed to help determine the roles (if any) of certain growth factors in ASTM-mediated tendon healing.