Objective To observe the effect of cyclosporine A（CsA） and oblique needling into the gastrocnemius on soft tissue injury（ STI） and its mechanism. Methods Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into blank group

model group

CsA group

needling group and needling combined with CsA group

with 6 in each. The acute STI models were established by heavy objects in free fall for 20 consecutive shocks. The needling group was given oblique insertion of the needles into Ashi points

CsA group was given intraperitoneal injection of 9. 25 mg /（kg·d） CsA and needling combined with CsA group was given both needling and CsA 24h after modeling. There was no intervention in the model group and blank group. The expressions of insulin-like growth factor 1（ IGF-1） mRNA and its protein in gastrocnemius were detected with Real-time PCR and Western blot 72 hours after injury. Results Comparing with the blank group

the expression of IGF-1 mRNA was significantly decreased in other groups（P <0. 05 or P <0. 01） and the expression of its protein was significantly decreased in the model group

CsA group and needling group（ P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01）. Comparing with the model group

the expressions of IGF-1 mRNA and its protein were significantly increased in the needling group and needling combined with CsA group（ P < 0. 05）. Comparing with the CsA group

the expressions of IGF-1 mRNA and its protein were significantly increased in the needling group and needling combined with CsA group（ P < 0. 05）. Conclusion STI can decrease the expressions of IGF-1 mRNA and its protein. The combo therapy of CsA and inserting the needles obliquely into the gastrocnemius can up-regulate the expressions of IGF-1 mRNA and its protein in partially injured skeletal muscles

and improve the soft tissue repairment.