Massage can help “reset” myofibroblast activity by influencing collagen remodeling, reducing fibrosis, and promoting tissue repair through mechanisms like mechanical stress and enhanced circulation. By applying mechanical forces, massage can modulate fibroblast activity, influence the extracellular matrix, and break down scar tissue, which helps to restore more normal tissue function and reduces the overactivity that can lead to issues like fibrosis.
How does massage impact myofibroblasts?
Mechanical stress and remodeling: Massage applies mechanical force to tissues, which can influence the behavior of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. This can help change the orientation of the cells and modulate their activity.
Reduced fibrosis. In conditions where myofibroblasts lead to excessive scarring (fibrosis), massage can help reduce it. Research has shown that massage can promote tissue repair and reduce fibrosis by remodeling collagen, which is the main component of the extracellular matrix that myofibroblasts produce.
Enhanced circulation. Massage can improve circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and helping to clear waste products that can contribute to tissue damage and inflammation.
Modulating inflammation. By improving circulation and potentially influencing mechanoreceptors, massage can help reduce inflammation, which is often a trigger for myofibroblast activity.
Stimulating other cells. Massage can also stimulate other cells, like satellite cells in muscle tissue, to proliferate and contribute to a healthier tissue repair process, notes the National Institutes of Health.
Cross-fiber friction, myofascial spreading, and circular friction are designed to apply mechanical stress to the tissues and can help break down adhesions and modify the activity of myofibroblasts, and regular massage sessions are more likely to have a lasting effect on myofibroblast activity and tissue remodeling than infrequent sessions. Massage can be used in conjunction with other therapies like physical therapy and exercise to further improve range of motion and function.