Massage has traditionally been used to assist in restoring normal bodily functions particularly restoring mobility. Massage is not typically thought of as a treatment for skin regeneration and indeed it is contraindicated during the acute phase of an injury involving a skin wound or following an operation. Recent animal studies however have shown that skin massage is effective in promoting skin regeneration by improving skin elasticity and resilience.

Wound healing process

Angiogenesis or the development of new blood vessels is the key process in wound healing and tissue regeneration. It is the process of forming new capillaries from the existing vascular network. It is a coordinated activity involving the division and migration of endothelial cells (lining the inside surface of blood and lymphatic vessels) and degradation of vascular cells and the extracellular matrix.

There are several factors which stimulate the development of new blood vessels. The most important angiogenesis stimulating factors are Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF) with VEGF-A being the strongest stimulator. The effect of VEGF on target cells is due to specific receptors (VEGFRs) which are located on vascular endothelial cells. VEGF attracts progenitor and mature endothelial cells and encourages their proliferation, growth, and organisation during blood vessel formation.

Another marker of angiogenesis is CD34, also known as sialomucin. CD34 is a marker of progenitor endothelial cells. It regulates the migration of cells while new blood vessels are forming.

Finally, the process of angiogenesis is stimulated by Basic Fibroblast Growth Factors, specifically FGF-2.

Effects of skin massage on skin regeneration

A study involving rats sought to investigate if skin massage stimulates regeneration processes in the skin and increases skin blood circulation to deliver nutrition to the cells. The study measured the effect of skin massage on angiogenesis in rats by measuring the following angiogenesis initiating factors VEGF-A, FGF-2 and CD34.

Materials and methods

The study involved 48 rats which were divided into two groups. In the massaged group, rats received five (5) minute massage to their rear leg. The massage treatments occurred 5 times per week for 7 weeks. The control group received no massage. Tissue was collected from rats in both groups at the end of weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7.

Results

In week 1, VEGF-A expression in the massaged group increased compared to the control group. The upward trend continued until week 5 where levels were the same as the control group. The expression of FGF-2 and CD-34 increased in the massaged group in week 1, 3, 5, and 7. The findings showed a positive correlation between the expression of VEGF-A, FGF-2 and CD-34 in the massaged group.

In the massaged group, VEGF-A and FGF-2 concentrations were localised in the cytoplasm of epidermal cells (within the skin). While CD-34 was concentrated in the vascular endothelial cells (within the blood vessels).

Discussion

The study investigated whether long term massage improves vascularity and nutrition of the skin which contributes to skin regeneration. VEGF-A and FGF-2 have been identified as important factors in regenerating and proliferating blood vessels in the skin. The study showed higher expression of these factors in the massaged group compared with the control group and concluded that massage created better conditions for skin regeneration.

The results of this study are comparable with other animal studies which investigated the effect of massage on wound healing in terms of increasing the expression of pro-angiogenic factors in the skin.

Likewise, studies of rats that received massage combined with physical activity indicated an increase in the expression of angiogenesis markers in rat’s tendons. This study concluded that massage contributes to the creation of new and existing vascular networks in skeletal muscle tissue and tendons.

Take away message for dog owners

This study and related animal studies indicate massage’s positive effect on stimulating factors that regenerate skin and skeletal muscle tissue. Massage, notwithstanding contraindications, should therefore be considered as part of a natural wound and tissue healing treatment plan for dogs. Other contraindications in relation to medication, infection, and inflammation should also be considered when formulating a treatment plan involving wounds or skin lesions.

Full Stride provides canine remedial massage treatments in Brisbane, Australia. My treatments are designed to meet your dog’s unique requirements and to maintain your dog’s mobility and general health.

Until next time, enjoy your dogs.

Source:

Katarzyna Ratajczak-Wielgomas, Krzysztof Kassolik, Jedrzej Grzegrzolka, Tomasz Halski, Aleksandra Piotrowska, Katarzyna Mieszala, Iwona Wilk, Marzenna Podhorska-Okolow, Piotr Dziegiel, Waldemar Andrzejewski, 2018 “Effects of massage on the expression of proangiogenic markers in rat skin”.
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2018;56(2):83-91.