Mechanotransduction as one of potential mechanisms of impact of massage on the organism

Massage as a mechanical factor acting on the human body has long been used in the prophylaxis, treatment and restoration of functions when they were disturbed. Its effects on the body have not been explicitly confirmed and require further research. Mechanotransduction may be a potential mechanism of massage action. It is understood as a process in which the mechanical element is converted intracellularly into various types of electrical and chemical signals. Massage action consists primarily of the deformation of the connective tissue which is a component of various anatomical structures. During deformation of these structures, there comes to tension within the limits of their elasticity and thus to the transfer of pulling force via the integrins on the fibres forming the cell cytoskeleton inducing complex cellular reactions. They can be characterized by rapid changes occurring in tissues on hormonal basis or be of long-lasting nature consisting of the expression of growth factors initiating tissue structural adaptation to the changed external conditions.