Mechanisms Underlying Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Properties of Stretching-A Review

Stretching is one of the popular elements in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. When correctly guided, it can help minimize or slow down the disabling effects of chronic health conditions. Most likely, the benefits are associated with reducing inflammation; recent studies demonstrate that this effect from stretching is not just systemic but also local. In this review, we present the current body of knowledge on the anti-inflammatory properties of stretching at a molecular level. A total of 22 papers, focusing on anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of stretching, have been selected and reviewed. We show the regulation of oxidative stress, the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes and mediators, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, expressed by changes in collagen and matrix metalloproteinases levels, in tissues subjected to stretching. We point out that a better understanding of the anti-inflammatory properties of stretching may result in increasing its importance in treatment and recovery from diseases such as osteoarthritis, systemic sclerosis, and cancer.

Automated summary

Stretching is a popular element in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, which can help reduce the disabling effects of chronic health conditions. Recent studies have shown that stretching not only has systemic anti-inflammatory effects, but also local effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the anti-inflammatory properties of stretching and suggests that a better understanding of this may increase its importance in the treatment and recovery of diseases.