Connective
Tissue massage
Dr. Ida P. Rolf's work is the foundation of connective tissue massage (CTM)
This form of therapy extends the principles of Rolfing alignment and movement to
create a dynamic approach to myofascial release.
Understanding Fascia
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Reflexology
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Trigger
Point Release In Our Opinion Trigger Point Release
Massage is the most effective chronic pain relief treatment out
there. The draw back is that it needs to be done several times a
week preferable several times a day. We have just about every tool
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Massagers
- Hand Held Massage tools that make giving a
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without tiring. |
All of the structures in the body are surrounded, protected and supported by
connective tissue. This matrix connects the body's organs and systems, and at
the same time provides compartmentalization between them. This is what is known
as "fascia". The fascia is a continuous elastic sheath that provides support for
the skeleton and soft tissues (i.e., muscles, tendons and organs). It surrounds
the muscles and is known as the fascial envelope.
Dr. Rolf's original research on the characteristics of fascia
identified its different biochemical states. These states as were identified as
"gel" and "sol." In the gel state the fascia has a low hydration level in
which fascia often shortens and becomes adhered to surrounding layers of tissue.
Tissue in this state feels thick and dense to the touch. The fascia quickly
begins to sol when the chemistry of the fascia changes with increased hydration.
In its sol state, fascia is better hydrated, more elastic, and more easily
stretched and lengthened. The goal in Connective Tissue Massage is to facilitate
the change from gel to sol state.
Criteria Of Fascial Work
1) Elasticity Of Connective Tissue
Connective tissue has a unique elasticity, allowing it to be
elongated. This requires a precise level of energy and palpation skill to
effectively make changes in the tissue. Rubbing, kneading, massaging or
compressing the tissue works on the muscle and will not change or elongate the
fascia. Fascia and muscle are distinct types of tissue requiring totally
different approaches of palpation and manipulation. When connective tissue
receives appropriate contact and sufficient energy, it changes immediately.
2) Oblique Angle Of Contact
In order for fascia to be stretched, it must be contacted at an
oblique angle (less than 45 degrees). The tissue responds and lengthens only
when the downward, compressive force is eliminated. For example, shortened
fascia, like wrinkles in a sheet, can be pulled out and lengthened only when we
put a more forward, stretching movement into the tissue. The oblique angle of
entry to the body maximizes this stretching quality, while minimizing any
invasive or compressive contact.
3) Continuity Of Fascial Planes
Fascia lies in broad, continuous sheets in the body. This
quality of continuity allows for transmission of structural change via these
sheets. Think of the fascia as a sweater surrounding a muscle group, you could
pull or stretch the sweater from any part of it and affect the entire structural
fabric. Conversely, without contacting and stretching these long planes of
connective tissue, a practitioner would be working only on isolated spots. The
individual muscles are not the focus of Connective Tissue massage. It is the
relationships of long, broad fascial sheets to one another that is the focus.
This provides an effective means whereby fascial work in one area affects the
entire body.
4) Fascial Layering
Fascia organizes the body through an elaborate three-dimensional
webbing of layers. Within this continuous network, Connective Tissue Massage
addresses the fascial layers one at a time, progressing from superficial to
deep. Only after the more superficial layer has become more elastic, supple and
lengthened is it appropriate to work on the next, deeper layer. Without
initially achieving a superficial release, the body shuts down to the energy
input, and armors its defenses. Ultimately, the client will likely experience
the work as harsh or painful.
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