Bindegewebsmassage

also known as Connective Tissue Massage (CTM)

A reflexive therapy of the connective tissue, this structured medical massage protocol was developed by a German Physiotherapist and enjoys widespread use in Europe. The technique is particularly useful for difficult to treat conditions, including most inflammatory conditions, adhesions, breathing problems, menstrual problems, frozen shoulder, blood pressure, migraines, sinus conditions, to name a few. Treatments engage the reflexes of the connective tissue and the autonomic nervous system to bring on powerful healing responses in the body.

All treatments begin at the sacrum, activating the parasympathetic portion of the autonomic nervous system. Treatments are generally given to the client in a seated position; the client wears underwear and a hospital gown.

Bindegewebsmassage is done in a series of treatments of graduated length, 2-3 times per week. The first session is usually 20-30 minutes plus some time for rest and observation. A Basic series will be 7-8 sessions, building up to a full hour. If the client has health problems, more than 8 sessions may be required to complete the series. Much depends on how well the client's body assimilates the work. Your therapist can advise you. Once this Basic series is completed, advanced strokes can be added, and the session length may be increased to more than an hour. Frequency can be dropped to once per week. Or if the desired results have been achieved, the client may wish to discontinue the Bindegewebsmassage. Once the Basic is complete, the client may choose to have a "tune-up" session at any time.

The deepest layer of body surface is muscle; the layer between skin and muscle is connective tissue. That is the layer in which Bindegewebsmassage strokes are administered. Your therapist accesses the superficial fascia, a continuous plane of fascia covering the entire body, subdermally.

Types of conditions treated:

1. Lack of balance in the parasympathetic/sympathetic response (restoring homeostatic set-points)
2. Smooth muscle rigidity or lack of responsiveness
3. Changes in organs due to interference with their blood supply
4. Changes in peripheral structures due to interference with their blood supply
5. Changes in peripheral structures which have occurred due to pathological conditions existing or having existed in the past in other parts of the segmental distribution
6. Restoration of the proper texture of actual connective tissue and removal of pressures due to the embedding of structures in “stuck” connective tissue (such as nerves and nerve roots, tendons, ligaments)
7. Removal of scar tissue and lesions in the connective tissue (caused by posture, repetitive movement, hormonal imbalance, poor diet, lack of exercise, poor lymphatic return, poor venous return)
8. Proper fluid balance and movement in the tissues of the body
9. Weak or improper functioning of the endocrine glands
10. Chronic inflammation
11. Muscular contracture

  Symptoms relieved: Pain, fatigue, restrictions, rigidity, stress/anxiety, bowel irregularity, digestive upset; menstrual pain and irregularity, edema.

  Also Recommended: Good healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables; lots of water; light exercise- aerobic, stretching; detox.

Conditions that have been successfully treated, or symptoms lessened or alleviated, with CTM:

TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE BINDEGWEBSMASSAGE CLIENT

Before receiving treatment, clients should shower. Temperature extremes can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatments, so no very hot or very cold water, please, and no hotpacks or icepacks within 8 hours of arrival. Do not use any lotions or oils on the body.

During treatment, the following may be experienced:

• Feelings of deep relaxation (everyone)
• Red marking (everyone), even welting can arise and can last for up to 3 days (some)
• Profuse sweating (some)
• Possible dizziness, light-headedness, or weakness which passes quickly (rare)
• Some discomfort while actually receiving the strokes in areas that are health-compromised (most, but stops with continued treatments)

Regarding the strokes

• The deepest layer of body surface is muscle; the layer between skin and muscle is connective tissue. That is the layer in which Bindegewebsmassage strokes are given. Your therapist accesses the superficial fascia, a continuous plane of fascia covering the entire body, subdermally.

After-care symptoms and Care

• You may feel unexpectedly fatigued- Be sure to allow time to REST after your session!
• Possible increased frequency or volume of urination
• Be sure to drink lots of water to assist with the detoxification process after your session
• No extreme temperatures; no other bodywork or other physical work for 24 hours
• Bouts of sweating (rare)
• If you experience pain or discomfort after your session, you should call your practitioner and tell them about it.

Rapid Results! Conditions responding well to the first three half-hour sessions, which are done around the base of the spine, and serve as the basis for all continuing Bindegewebsmassage bodywork:

• All low back pain
• All intestinal difficulties (constipation, irritable bowl, inflammation)
• All menstrual and menopausal difficulties
• Headache (frequently, but not always)
• Leg circulation, hip replacement

Contra-indications to Bindegewebsmassage:

• Pregnancy
• Malignant tumors
• Tuberculosis
• Active infection
• Mental Disorders
• Some medications

• Click here for information on the types of conditions treated with Bindegewebsmassage.
• To view a testimonials video click here.
• Click here for the current class schedule.
• Click here for photos.
• Click here for the list of available classes and practitioner certification.