Connective tissue massage

The connective tissue massage (also called subcutaneous reflex therapy (SRT)) was founded in 1929 by Elisabeth Dicke . It is an alternative medical massage based on the concept of Head's zones , which contradicts scientific knowledge . Skin, subcutaneous and fascia techniques are used to treat the connective tissue zones. The cuti-visceral reflex arc triggers a nervous-reflex reaction to internal organs, the musculoskeletal system and the skin.

Connective tissue massage is mainly used to treat spinal and peripheral joint dysfunction, osteoarthritis and rheumatic diseases, nerve root pain, sciatica and neuralgia.

A special form is the so-called segment massage , in which individual body segments are treated with skin, subcutaneous or fascia techniques. These handles are perceived by the patient as a bright sensation of cutting. The local reaction consists of increased blood flow to the tissue.

aims

The therapeutic importance of connective tissue massage lies in the possibility of influencing vegetative regulatory mechanisms. Visceral kuti kuti and on the cutaneous reflex arc takes place Tonusnormalisierung both Bindegewebsspannung, as well as the internal organs, muscles, nerves and vessels.

In the treatment area, the detonation of the peripheral blood vessels initially results in a local increase in blood flow. This hyperemia is the first reaction. In the course of the treatment, the tissue elasticity normalizes in the treated skin area. Organ functions in terms of vasomotor activity , secretion and motility are also normalized via the reflex arc . In the case of functional pain syndromes, an analgesic effect is possible.

Connective tissue zones

The connective tissue zones are largely identical to Head's zones . It is characteristic of them that they do not cause any spontaneous complaints. They only become painful when palpated and treated. They exhibit increased tension and have reduced mobility.

The following connective tissue zones exist (from cranial to caudal): head zones, bronchial zone, arm zone, stomach zone, liver zone, heart zone, kidney zone, intestinal zone, genital zone, bladder zone and venous lymph zone.

execution

Finding

The starting point for every treatment is a whole-body approach. The focus of the findings is the palpation of skin folds according to Kibler , which Häfelin was the first to develop from 1980 in the course of Benninghoff's split lines . He assumes that the subcutaneous disorders of the whole body (subcutaneous turgor changes , adhesions , scar disorders and sensory disorders ) correspond to one another. From 1975 onwards, Häfelin developed the Subcutaneous Petrissage especially for the solution of adhesions . For the further development of the connective tissue massage see: Subcutaneous reflex therapy according to Häfelin .

Operations

The connective tissue massage according to Elisabeth Dicke is based on a strict treatment structure. The treatment always begins with the small build-up . This is understood to mean work processes in the pelvic region. After a few treatments, the individual strokes are applied to the entire back and later, including the abdomen, as a large build-up .

Course of therapy

Start of treatment: Usually small build-up, beginning in the area of the caudal section of the back ( sacrum ).

Treatment time: 10-30 min, longer in the first treatments.

techniques

Flat techniques: flat moving of the subcutaneous tissue with the thumb and fingertips
Skin technique: Flat, superficial shifting in the superficial shifting layer of the skin.
Subcutaneous technique requires stronger pull. The higher the voltage, the shorter the work steps
Fascia technique on the fascia and muscle edge. "Hook" on the edges of the fascia with your fingertips in short steps. The pull is strongest here.

Reactions

During the treatment, the patient should feel a bright, clear sensation of cutting in the treated tissue area. The following applies: the higher the tissue tension, the greater the feeling of cutting. Furthermore, there is temporary wheal formation.

Indications

Indications for connective tissue massage:

Musculoskeletal disorders: WS syndromes, arthrosis, rheumatic diseases, after trauma
Diseases of the internal organs: diseases of the respiratory tract, diseases of the digestive organs, diseases of the urogenital area, etc. inflammation
Vascular disease: functional arterial circulation disorders, arteriosclerosis, migraines, post-thrombotic syndrome
Neurological disorders: paresis, spasticity, neuralgia
stress
Sudeck's disease

Contraindications

Acute inflammation
Acute asthma attack
Heart disease
Tumors
Acute fever
Acute injuries (e.g. ruptures )
Myositis
Acute thrombosis
open wounds

swell

literature

Gisela Ebelt-Paprotny: Guide to Physiotherapy, Bernard Kolster. Gustav Fischer Verlag, 1998, ISBN 3-437-45160-X .

Individual evidence

^ Stephanie A. Pendergast, Elisabeth H. Rummer: Connective tissue massage. In: Robert Schleip (Ed.): Textbook fascia. Urban & Fischer, Munich 2014, ISBN 978-3-437-55306-6 , pp. 245ff.
^ Elisabeth Dicke: My connective tissue massage . Hippokrates-Verlag Marquardt & Cie., Stuttgart 1953, p. 16ff.
^ Elisabeth Dicke: My connective tissue massage . Hippokrates-Verlag Marquardt & Cie., Stuttgart 1953, p. 38f.

[1] Stephanie A. Pendergast, Elisabeth H. Rummer: Connective tissue massage. In: Robert Schleip (Ed.): Textbook fascia. Urban & Fischer, Munich 2014, ISBN 978-3-437-55306-6 , pp. 245ff.

[2] Elisabeth Dicke: My connective tissue massage . Hippokrates-Verlag Marquardt & Cie., Stuttgart 1953, p. 16ff.

[3] Elisabeth Dicke: My connective tissue massage . Hippokrates-Verlag Marquardt & Cie., Stuttgart 1953, p. 38f.