massage techniques

Connective Tissue Massage: What is it? What benefits does it bring? Characteristics and Contraindications of I.Randi

Generality

Connective tissue massage is a type of massage characterized by the execution of manipulation techniques that can act in depth in the tissues.

More precisely, as can be guessed from its very name, the connective tissue massage aims to act directly on the connective tissue, through the execution of manipulations that sometimes may not be very pleasant.

According to those who practice this form of massage, the manipulation of the connective tissue not only allows to contrast or in any case alleviate disorders localized to the treatment area, but is also able to exert reflex effects on organs and tissues located even more deeply.

Not surprisingly, connective tissue massage is considered as a form of reflexotherapy, a particular type of treatment that involves the superficial stimulation of certain parts of the body in order to obtain a beneficial "reflex" effect on deep tissues and organs, also in locations other than the one where the handling takes place.

Despite some studies on the effectiveness of connective tissue massage in counteracting certain types of disorders, not all doctors and physiotherapists agree that this form of massage is really effective. Therefore, the debate on this is still open.

What is that

What is Connective Massage?

The connective tissue massage is a type of massage that involves putting into practice particular manipulation techniques that aim to reach and stimulate the deeper tissues, which is, in fact, the connective tissue. The purpose of the connective tissue massage is to stimulate a specific area of ​​the body in order to obtain a beneficial effect both locally (if needed), and reflection on visceral functions or organs placed in depth, even in locations distant from that in which massage is practiced.

Brief History of Connective Massage

The connective tissue massage was "invented" in 1929 by Elisabeth Dicke, a German physiotherapist whose doctors diagnosed circulatory disorders of the lower limbs (arteriopathies), so severe that they led them to evaluate the idea of ​​a possible amputation. Forced to bed because of this condition, Dicke began to suffer pain and thickening of the skin in the area of ​​the great trochanter and the sacrum. In an attempt to get relief, the German physiotherapist began practicing manual tractions at these precise areas independently. With the daily execution of this self-massage, Dicke not only obtained an improvement in terms of pain, but also found benefits in terms of arterial circulation thanks to which the lower limbs began to show signs of improvement, until the disappearance of the symptomatology .

On the basis of the empirical data deriving from the experience of Dicke, professors Veil and Kohlrausch and doctor T. Leube studied the methodology put into practice by the German physiotherapist, giving a neurophysiological explanation.

Loans

When it is possible to use the Connective Massage

The connective tissue massage is used both as a treatment against various types of imperfections and as a remedy for disorders affecting muscles and joints.

In detail, the connective tissue massage is widely used in what can be defined as the hard fight against cellulite, but the manipulation techniques that characterize it can also be used to help reduce other types of blemishes, such as stretch marks, sagging skin and sometimes scars .

Did you know that ...

According to those who practice connective tissue massage, it seems to be more effective in the presence of cellulite in the advanced stage . The improvements would be obtained by performing decisive and deep manipulations (tractions) using mainly the thumb and index finger. The "pinches" made in this way should stimulate the inflamed tissues and promote a reduction in the accumulation of liquids typical of cellulite.

Of course, connective tissue massage is NOT capable of eliminating cellulite on its own, but could be useful in the context of a complete treatment aimed at counteracting this imperfection (healthy diet, physical activity, etc.).

In addition to improving the aesthetic aspect, the connective tissue massage is also used in the event of:

  • Different types of pain (chronic pain, lower back pain, etc.);
  • Reduced joint mobility (due, for example, to chronic pain, trauma, etc.);
  • Contractures, stiffness and / or muscular tension ;
  • Disorders related to the assumption of incorrect posture ;
  • Symptoms resulting from connective tissue disorders .

Furthermore, connective tissue massage is sometimes used also in the context of rehabilitation from sports injuries, repeated traumas or other injuries.

Please note

In the presence of muscular, joint or connective disorders and diseases, medical intervention is absolutely essential . In fact, even if this massage technique seems to be able to give relief to the patient from certain pathologies of this type, in no case should the connective tissue massage be considered as a cure for any kind of disease or disorder, but rather as a treatment which, sometimes it can be effective in alleviating the symptoms.

Therefore, if you suffer from particular pathologies or disorders, before undergoing a connective tissue massage, you need to ask for your doctor's advice .

Expected benefits

What benefits should a connective tissue massage bring?

The expected benefits of a connective tissue massage depend substantially on the type of imperfection or disorder that you want to counteract or otherwise alleviate. However, according to the advocates of the effectiveness of this form of massage and taking into consideration also the disorders that can be treated / alleviated with its execution, it should be able to:

  • Exercise a relaxing action on the muscles, counteracting rigidity, tension and contractures;
  • Giving relief of pain of different nature (muscle, joint, etc.);
  • Promote and increase joint mobility ;
  • Contribute to improving posture ;
  • Increase blood circulation within the tissues;
  • Promote the reduction of stress .

Please note

As previously mentioned, not all doctors and physiotherapists agree on the effectiveness and potential benefits obtained by performing a connective tissue massage. Despite this, there are several individuals who, having undergone such treatments, have found positive effects. However, it is important to point out that connective tissue massage is not always able to produce beneficial effects, since each individual can react differently to the manipulation techniques that characterize him. In this regard, the importance of the doctor's preventive advice in the presence of particular conditions is reiterated.

How to practice

How to do a connective tissue massage?

The connective tissue massage should be performed only by professional masseurs and physiotherapists who are thoroughly familiar with the manipulation techniques that characterize it and operate in serious and qualified facilities.

Unlike many other types of massage, the connective tissue does not make use of creams or oils of any kind.

The manipulation is not carried out using the whole hand, but only the fingers and / or the knuckles . In some cases, you can also use forearms or even elbows.

The maneuvers carried out may vary depending on the disturbance to be treated, including:

  • Skin maneuver : performed with the use of index, middle and ring finger, consists in grasping the skin with the fingers above, exerting a traction.
  • Maneuver of the band : it is a manipulation that causes a "cutting" sensation of the skin.
  • Detachment maneuver : involves performing a traction of the skin using the index and thumb.

How long does a connective tissue massage last?

Generally, a connective tissue massage lasts about 50 to 60 minutes . The number of sessions that one must undergo, on the other hand, depends a lot on the type of disorder that one wants to treat / alleviate and the way in which the individual responds to manipulations.

Side effects

Can the Connective Massage cause Side Effects?

Often, the connective tissue massage is performed on painful and inflamed areas. Because of this, it can be painful both during and after the session. Pain could therefore be considered in a certain sense as a known and expected secondary effect. However, if it is particularly intense and / or if it does not resolve itself, the consultation of the doctor becomes necessary.

Contraindications

What are the contraindications to the execution of the connective tissue massage?

Given its specificity and its method of execution, the connective tissue massage cannot be practiced on any individual and in any situation, but has different contraindications. In detail, this form of massage should not be practiced:

  • Su injured skin;
  • In the presence of infections and / or skin inflammation;
  • In the presence of hematomas;
  • In the case of recent fractures;
  • In people with a tendency to blood clots;
  • In patients with cancer, immediately after receiving chemotherapy or anticancer radiotherapy;
  • In correspondence of abdominal hernias.

Finally, remember that patients suffering from cardiovascular disease and pregnant women, before receiving a connective tissue massage, should contact their doctor.