Objective To investigate the effects of "Roujin Wentong" massage therapy on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases(MMP-2, MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors(TIMP-1, TIMP-2) in skeletal muscle of rabbits with denervated skeletal muscle atrophy, and to elucidate its mechanism in delaying muscle atrophy. Methods Forty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, model group, traditional tendon injury massage group, and "Roujin Wentong" massage group. A denervated skeletal muscle atrophy model was established by tibial nerve transection. After intervention, RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in the gastrocnemius muscle. Results Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P<0.01) and significantly decreased expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the "Roujin Wentong" massage group exhibited significantly reduced expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9(P<0.01) and significantly increased expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2(P<0.01), whereas the traditional tendon injury massage group only showed a significant decrease in MMP-9(P<0.05). Conclusion "Roujin Wentong" massage therapy can regulate the MMPs/TIMPs balance, reduce extracellular matrix degradation, promote the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells, and delay denervated skeletal muscle atrophy. Its therapeutic effect is superior to that of traditional tendon injury massage.