Morphological changes of collagenase induced tendinitis of achilles rat tendons utilizing augmented soft tissue mobilization

• Main Author: Kelly, Patricia J.
• Other Authors: Ganion, Larry R.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Massage therapy > Physiological aspects.; Musculoskeletal system > Wounds and injuries > Treatment.; Achilles tendon > Wounds and injuries > Treatment.; Tendinitis.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/186516; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1129629

Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTM) is a new noninvasive technique utilized to treat chronic musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study was to trace the morphological events in collagenase injured rat Achilles tendons during ASTM treatment and to observe passive occurrence of post treatment remodeling in tendons. Twelve groups of rats were divided into the following categories, A) control, B) sham surgery, C) ASTM only, D) ASTM/sham , E) tendinitis, F) ASTM/tendinitis 1 week, G) ASTM/tendinits 2 weeks H) ASTM/tendinits 3 weeks I) ASTM/tendinits 4 weeks, J) Post ASTM 5 weeks, K) Post ASTM 10 weeks, L) Post ASTM 15 weeks. One week after the last designated treatment, the Achilles tendons were harvested and then prepared for light microscopy, electron microscopy, and bifringence polarizing microscopy. An increase in fibroblast activation and proliferation was noted with the tendinitis, ASTM/tendinitis, and post groups. Ossification occurred in the core of the Achilles tendon in all of the ASTM groups. The presence of inflammatory cells was observed in the tendons and longitudinal remodeling of the collagen fibers did not occur. === Department of Biology