How controlled motion alters the biophysical properties of musculoskeletal tissue architecture

Much of what is done in hand therapy relates to the benefits of controlled motion after a whole variety of injury patterns. Mason and Allen's1 historic paper on flexor tendon repair and motion, while recognizing that “function stimulates repair”, still advocated for three weeks of immobilization to protect the repair until sufficient healing had occurred. Following these scholarly works was a contemporary commentary by Harvey2 who recognized that the introduction of active functional pull upon the tissues ac celerates fiber realignment, and in effect remodels “tendon with the function of a tendon”.
Source: Journal of Hand Therapy - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Source Type: research