Strain-based biomarkers at the skin surface detect changes in soft tissue mobility linked to myofascial pain following soft tissue manipulation intervention.

ABSTRACT: Soft tissue manipulation is a widely used massage-based intervention in treating myofascial pain, yet its efficacy in increasing tissue mobility is evaluated primarily through subjective observations. To establish objective measures of tissue mobility, this study captures patterns of skin surface deformation during hands-on clinician assessment using digital image correlation. Nineteen participants underwent an established soft tissue manipulation (STM) intervention protocol targeting the cervicothoracic region. Tissue mobility was assessed bilaterally (left v. right) and directionally (superior v. inferior) before and after the STM intervention using eleven strain-based biomarkers. Post-intervention, those biomarkers associated with tissue deformation and glide exhibited systematic change

SUBMITTER: Kao AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12324639 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature