Elizabeth Dicke (1884-1952), a German physical therapist, invented the Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) technique in 1928. She had a blood vessel infection in the late 1920s, which caused her right leg’s circulation to be obstructed (Isler). Following back care with stretching strokes to alleviate lumbosacral discomfort, she noticed “a sense of tingling and warmth” in her leg. She started to stretch in her back and other places, and her leg circulation, as well as her kidney and liver problems, significantly improved. She began researching and developing this new type of healing from that point forward.
Professor Kohlrausch and Dr. Teirich-Laube, two medical physicians, later scientifically verified Dicke’s CTM techniques, confirming the therapeutic benefit of CMT (Isler). CMT started to gain traction and acceptance among the general public.
What Is Connective Tissue Massage, and How Does It Work?
Connective tissue massage is a form of massage that focuses on the superficial connective and subcutaneous tissues and is used to help in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
The concepts of CTM are based on the idea that “internal organ dysfunction” can be detected by “increased tone of superficial muscles, particularly in the back,” “a changed character of interstitial fluid in the subsutaneous tissues,” and “hypensensitivity to contact” (Goats & Keir, 1991).
What Is Connective Tissue and How Does It Work?
Fascia, or connective tissue, refers to tissues that connect organs and systems as well as “surround, protect, and sustain” all other body structures.
“Gravity, injury, disease, emotional distress,” or other pressures may all affect fascia, causing discomfort, stiffness, decreased flexibility, or pain (Institute for Structural Integration). To normalise tissues and provide care for those symptoms, connective tissue massage manipulates facsica by lengthening and opening it (Howe) (Natural Therapy Pages;Institute for Structural Integration).

The Five Principles of CTM Body Mechanics by John Latz

The basic five principles for influencing fascia in an optimal way, as developed by John Latz, are as follows. “Leaning into the client with a balanced body weight” (Latz, 2001). This technique guarantees “contact with the required layer of fascial resistance” and is therefore painless for the client (Latz, 2003). Using the power of gravity, therapists may reduce their muscular efforts (Latz, 2003). “Alignment maintenance.” The “vertical line” that “runs from the sole of the foot through the ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, ear, and top of the head” is referred to as “alignment” (Latz, 2003). Maintaining the line is essential for successful balanced leaning. “Alignment by movement”. The alighment is extended by the campaign (Latz, 2003). When moving with the alighment, lengthening in a vertical direction through the bottom of the feet and out of the top of the head, and expanding through the arms, the body becomes “bigger and longer” and the fascia expands in all directions. This can result in the client’s fascia lengthening and widening over time (Latz, 2003). “Using oblique touch angles” (Latz, 2001). Fascia is found in long, continuous planes throughout the body (Latz, 2003). To lengthen the wide sheet, an oblique angle of touch is needed, which “takes the downward thrust out of the touch and puts in a more forward, stretching movement” (Latz, 2003). “Contacting with smooth, relaxed hands and body” is number five (Latz, 2001). As a therapist, the relaxation during the treatment means that the manipulation is noninvasive and that the client relaxes (Latz, 2003). This will improve proprioceptive sensations and improve the effectiveness of therapy (Latz, 2003).

The five principles are linked and should be applied as a whole

More details on the five CTM body mechanics concepts. Jennifer Greenwood, a Connective Tissue Massage teacher at Florida School of Massage in Gainesville, Florida, has been teaching Connective Tissue Massage for around 15 years. She discusses Connective Tissue Massage in this video, as well as the differences between it and Deep Tissue Massage.

Health Advantages

Connective Tissue Massage has both local and general physiological effects on the body. CTM reduces discomfort and aids in the healing of subacute or chronic inflammation by removing nocigenic chemicals from the tissues around the manipulation sites (Goats & Keir, 1991). CTM has a physiological effect on the whole body by benefiting deep tissue well away from the superficial stimulation region, as well as increasing flood flow and reducing pain. CTM, in particular, relieves chronic anxiety, improves posture, and increases self-awareness by increasing mobility and flexibility (Hunter). It can also help with injury prevention and recovery by reducing fascia pressure and stress around joints (Hunter). It also helps with fibromyalgia, arthritis, tendonitis, and sciatica, as well as other chronic symptoms and neuromusculoskeletal disorders (Institute for Structural Integration; Hunter). Deep tissue massage relieves discomfort and restores normal movement by physically breaking down adhesions. The massage therapist does this by using massage oil and applying direct deep pressure. Is Deep Tissue Massage Painful? It’s important to inform the massage therapist if anything hurts or if any soreness or discomfort exceeds your tolerance level.

Deep Tissue Massage's Advantages

Deep tissue massage is typically used to address a particular issue, such as chronic muscle pain, injury recovery, or the following conditions: Pain that lasts a long time Back pain in the lower back Mobility is limited. Recovering from an accident (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury) Problems with posture According to Consumer Reports magazine, deep tissue massage is more successful than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine, and over-the-counter medicines in relieving osteoarthritis pain. Deep tissue massage was also voted the best treatment for fibromyalgia pain. Following a deep tissue massage, many people experience an immediate improvement in range of motion. What Should I Look Forward To During My Visit? During deep tissue massage, massage therapists can use their fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms. When the massage therapist works on tense areas, you will be advised to take deep breaths. Precautionary measures

Massage is not advised for the following people

Body infections, rashes, or open wounds Immediately after surgery If the doctor advises otherwise, immediately after chemotherapy or radiation. Before having a massage, people with osteoporosis should consult their doctor.