CONNECTIVE-TISSUE MASSAGE

Connective tissue massage deals with the skin and the subcutaneous tis sue. It focusses on definite regions of the body, assigned in segmenta l order to inner organ systems and structures of the locomotor system (spinal cord, joints, muscles). In case of acute disease, oedematous s welling of a generally soft tissue consistency can be observed in circ umscribed areas. Persisting symptoms may result in induration of such tissues, associated with reduced rheology and epicritic pain if manipu lated mechanically. Eventually, chronic conditions may progress to atr ophy. The name ''connective tissue massage'' is based on the concept t hat corresponding physiological events take place in connective tissue structures and the segmentally associated organ. With regard to the p athophysiology of such zones, mechanisms which are comparable to sympa thetic reflex dystrophy are discussed at present. Analysis of such cha nges has contributed to general diagnosis. Connective tissue massage i s considered to be an important element of physiotherapy. The clinical data on the efficacy of connective tissue massage are reviewed.