Presenter(s)
Lily Ekert and Ella Halopka
Abstract
Deep tissue massage is a common treatment method used to aid in muscle recovery, reduce pain, and promote overall physical well-being. However, there is limited research explaining its biochemical effects at a cellular level, particularly in relation to muscle damage and systemic inflammation. Severe cases of muscle tissue breakdown are Rhabdomyolysis, which is discussed with an emphasis on clinical evidence rather than biochemical aspects. The goal of this study is to determine whether deep tissue massages cause cellular damage and tissue inflammation. This testing will be done through quantitative measurements of biomarkers within the bloodstream. In previous studies, four specific markers were tested before and 24 hours after the massage. These markers were Interleukin-6, C-reactive proteins, Myoglobin, and Creatine Kinase. Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels provide insight into the inflammation. Myoglobin and Creatine Kinase are proteins that aid in energy supply within muscles. It was shown through Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) that signs of inflammation had returned to the baseline within 24 hours of the massage. Current research for this study includes adding sensitivity testing for cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that indicates if the body is under stress. It would also include more time increments within the 24 hours to gain a better understanding of the trend of inflammation caused by deep tissue massages.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Chemistry
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Jonathon Mauser
Second Advisor/Mentor
Kent Hansen
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
21
Deep Tissue Massage-Induced Muscle Damage Associated with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), Stress, and Rhabdomyolysis
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Deep tissue massage is a common treatment method used to aid in muscle recovery, reduce pain, and promote overall physical well-being. However, there is limited research explaining its biochemical effects at a cellular level, particularly in relation to muscle damage and systemic inflammation. Severe cases of muscle tissue breakdown are Rhabdomyolysis, which is discussed with an emphasis on clinical evidence rather than biochemical aspects. The goal of this study is to determine whether deep tissue massages cause cellular damage and tissue inflammation. This testing will be done through quantitative measurements of biomarkers within the bloodstream. In previous studies, four specific markers were tested before and 24 hours after the massage. These markers were Interleukin-6, C-reactive proteins, Myoglobin, and Creatine Kinase. Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels provide insight into the inflammation. Myoglobin and Creatine Kinase are proteins that aid in energy supply within muscles. It was shown through Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) that signs of inflammation had returned to the baseline within 24 hours of the massage. Current research for this study includes adding sensitivity testing for cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that indicates if the body is under stress. It would also include more time increments within the 24 hours to gain a better understanding of the trend of inflammation caused by deep tissue massages.
