Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background: Deep friction massage (DFM) and Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTM) are usedto enhance healing after strain injury. However, their clinical effectiveness islacking scientific evidence. Purpose: To compare the efficacy of DFM and ASTM on tissue healing and functional recovery after induced-strain injury of Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscle in rodents. Further,to determine whether treatment effectiveness is dependent on massage onset time.Animals: Sixty adult male Wistar rats,Methods:Rats were randomly and equally assigned to 6 groups as following: two animal groups receiving DFM either atthe sub-acute or chronic stages, two animal groups receiving ASTM either at the sub-acute or chronic stages,aninjured and a normal control groups. All animals, except those in the normal control group, had the TA strained. Massage was appliedusing a solid tool,with 1.5 N/mm2 pressure for 3 min, every 4 days for 4 sessions. DFM was applied transverselywhile the ASTM was applied longitudinally. At the 27th day, functional recovery was assed prior to euthanasia.Then, TA was harvested and processed for histopathological examination

Issued also as CD