I am trying to better understand how non-muscle tissue in the muscuoloskeletal system heals. Specifically, I am interested in how ligaments or tendons heal once torn.
I read the following text:
If the muscle pulls the damaged tendon and then releases it then we have a deformation cycle that the cells are able to detect. They also then receive the information they require regarding orientation. This is why the elasticity of the early callus is important; the tissue must be able to be pulled out and then return to its original shape in order to receive information about orientation.
Source: http://www.peraspenberg.com/texts/how-do-tendons-and-ligaments-heal/
I don't understand what they mean by "deformation cycle" and how cells detect it.
Is there a name for this cycle? If so, how do the cells detect tissue deformation?
Also, if there is any literature that specializes in the tissue of ligaments or tendons, recommendations would be appreciated. I have plenty on muscle tissue and some on bones, but not ligament or tendon tissue regeneration.