Deep transverse frictions in ligament healing

Abstract

Although there is considerable clinical evidence to support the effectiveness of deep transverse frictions in the treatment of minor strains and sprains of ligaments and muscles, this histological study in rabbits does not support the hypothesis that deep transverse frictions prevent random binding of newly formed collagen fibers. The premise that minor tearing of collagen fibers was produced cannot be proven. Given injury, healing may have occurred in most animals before they were sacrificed. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and to determine whether this technique may be effective, as claimed, in stretching and breaking down adhesions in chronic injuries.