Objective: The aim of this study was to induce the remodeling of subcutaneous fibrosis in mice by the manual mobilization of skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Methods: Seven days after the induction of subcutaneous fibrosis, mice were divided into 3 groups: control, stretch, and manual mobilization. Stretch was achieved by elongating the trunk, and manual mobilization was achieved by using the indicator fingertip of both hands, side by side, touching the back and performing a brief stretch. Stretch or manual mobilization was performed once a day for 7 days.

Results: Fibrosis was present in the subcutaneous tissue of control animals, whereas brief stretch and manual mobilization were found to reduce fibrosis.

Conclusions: Mechanical stimulation through manual mobilization, or brief stretching, reduced subcutaneous fibrosis after tissue injury.

Author keywords: Fibrosis, Extracellular Matrix, Musculoskeletal Manipulations, Mice

Author affiliations: Tissue Repair Laboratory, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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