Connective tissue massage refers to alternative therapy. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the specialist irritates the patient's reflexogenic points by means of fingers.
Description of procedure
The main method of connective tissue massage is that it is stroking the skin and its subcutaneous part. When stroking is done, there is some displacement of the skin. Thus, tension occurs.
Then the intercellular tissue is irritated. Due to this type of massage, there is a positive effect on the internal organs of a person. This effect is achieved due to the reflex effect on certain zones.
Method History
If you look at the history of the appearance of this type of massage, it is worth saying that it appeared in Germany. Its founder is Elizabeth Dicke. The author of connective tissue massage was a specialist in therapeutic gymnastics. The years of life of Elizabeth: 1885-1952. The cause of this trend in the massage was pain in the back of a girl who was acute. She, as a specialist in medicine, noticed that the back area, where pain is present, tenses up and there is an accumulation of fluid. When there was a massage with stretching the skin, then the tension was relieved.
In addition, as a result of the massage, Elizabeth began to improve blood circulation in her leg. The fact is that she had a threat to remain without her. After some time, Dicke created a massage system that was based on her personal painful sensations and the healing process. Later, the effectiveness of this method was confirmed by the medical faculty of the University of Freiburg.
Application of this technique
When is connective tissue massage recommended? Usually it is prescribed for such ailments that are rheumatic in nature. Namely:
- Lumbago.
- Polyarthritis.
- Muscle pains.
- Various inflammatory processes that can occur in the joints.
In addition to the above diseases, this massage also has a beneficial healing effect in the following pathologies:
- Violation of the functions of the respiratory system of the human body, for example, bronchial asthma.
- Malfunctions in the digestive tract.
- Liver disease.
- Gallbladder ailments.
- Problems with the kidneys and renal pelvis.
Let's look at the physiological effects of connective tissue massage:
- he removes pain in the head;
- massage improves blood circulation;
- Helps reduce varicose veins
- cures orthopedic and neurological diseases.
Contraindications to this therapy
Does connective tissue massage have any contraindications? Typically, this therapy is prescribed to relieve stress in certain areas. These areas of man have the character of compaction. You should know that this procedure is not particularly pleasant for the perception of the patient, but, on the contrary, is quite painful. Massage marks in the form of red or white spots may appear at the seal sites. Before the appointment of massage, the doctor examines the patient.
If he has any acute forms of illness, then this type of massage is not prescribed. Also, even if there are no serious diseases, the doctor makes an assessment of the patient's condition. Only after that he gives permission to conduct the procedure.
What is connective tissue massage, what is its principle?
First of all, massage locally affects tissues. There is an improvement in blood circulation in the body. Visually, this is visible by redness of the skin. Vasodilation occurs, the patient has a feeling of warmth. In those places where massage is carried out, the metabolism is accelerated. This type of massage has a restorative effect on connective tissue. And this leads to an improvement in the work of internal organs.
How is this procedure carried out?
How is connective tissue massage performed? You should be aware that the procedure can be performed while lying down or sitting. If the patient needs to lie, then he is located on his stomach. Massage begins from the sacrum. When the procedure is performed on the back, the specialist conducts it from the bottom up.
For limbs, movements are made from the torso towards the arms and legs. It is customary to start a massage of this type from healthy areas. Then move on to areas where pain is present. The movements of the masseur at the beginning of the procedure are light, but then they turn into deep ones.
Connective tissue massage is done with your fingertips. The specialist uses three or four fingers. There is a special technique that involves stretching the fabric. Due to the fact that the massage is carried out with your fingertips, the patient may have the feeling that they are driving along with his nails.
What are the periods in massage?
The full course is 6 sessions. Massage is carried out two or three times a week. After the patient has done everything, he needs to see a doctor to assess his condition.
If the massage gives a positive result, but the expected effect has not yet been achieved, then the doctor prescribes additional procedures. The time of one session is short and is about 20 minutes.
Which specialists perform the procedure?
As a rule, this massage technique is carried out by professional massage therapists who own this technique, or specialists whose occupation is associated with therapeutic exercises. Doctors who have undergone appropriate training can also perform this type of massage.
It should be remembered that if a person has acute diseases, then such therapy should be abandoned and physiotherapeutic procedures should be carried out.
What technology is used for connective tissue massage. Receptions
First you need to understand the principle. The technique of connective tissue massage is that human tissues are shifted in relation to his muscles, tendons and bones. To do this, use the thumb and forefinger. It is easier to grasp the fabric through them. The duration of the procedure can vary from 5 to 20 minutes.
Let's look at a description of a connective tissue massage session. Massage begins with areas of the body that are not prone to pain. Further, the specialist gradually approaches those places where pain is present. At first, the movements of the masseur are superficial. Further, when the tension subsides, the massage becomes deep.
The specialist who performs the procedure moves along the tendons, namely along their edge, along the muscle fibers, also in places where the muscles, fascia and capsules of the joint are attached.
When the chest or back is massaged, the movements of the doctor are directed to the spine. During the massage of the hands and feet, the specialist moves to the departments called proximal.
The massage procedure starts from the sacrum. What it is? The sacrum is a paravertebral zone of the back. Further, the movements are directed upwards and reach the cervical spine. The next step in the procedure is massaging the hips and legs. And then the doctor goes to the shoulder.
When a massage of the patient's painful zones is carried out, the specialist should monitor the patient's condition. It is necessary to ensure that a person does not become ill or does not cause any deterioration in his condition. Also, to prevent any complications, the masseur performs movements along the border of reflexogenic zones.
Session Features
Let's look at the main method of connective tissue massage for certain diseases. There are some recommendations for such therapy for certain diseases.
Features of connective tissue massage:
- If the patient is concerned about headaches, it is necessary to massage the occipital area. It is also worth paying attention to the area between the shoulder blades and the muscles of the forearm.
- When a person has a sore spine, it is recommended to have an effect on the lumbar region. Then you need to go to the cervical spine. The transition should be smooth.
- In the case when a person suffers lumbago, the massage begins with the lower back and sacrum. And then move on to the area that lies behind the ilium.
- If the patient has such an ailment as sciatica, then the massage also starts from the lower back. Then it goes into the crease between the buttocks. Further, the movements go to the fossa under the knee, then to the thigh, namely to its back and then to the calf muscle.
- When the patient has an ailment in the area of the shoulder or joint of the shoulder, massage movements should be carried out in the area that is located between the spinal column and the shoulder blade. Next, you need to go to the ribs and elbow bend. Movement in the forearm and wrist joint is completed.
- With such ailments that occur in the hip joint or hips, massage begins with the buttocks. Then it goes into the gluteal folds, groin and directly on the hip joint.
- When a person is bothered by knees, a massage session begins with the buttocks. Then it passes into the folds, on the groin, in the hip joint and popliteal fossa. The same procedure is carried out when a person experiences pain in the lower leg.
Little conclusion
Thus, it becomes approximately clear how connective tissue massage occurs. Its beneficial properties are confirmed by many patients.
It is not worth doubting its positive effect on the human body. Therefore, if a person does not have any contraindications, you should definitely use this healing technique, since it allows you to get the effect of curing a person from many diseases due to the resources of the body. The main thing is to undergo the necessary examination with your doctor. And then, after several sessions, look at the dynamics of recovery.