title: Connective tissue manipulation: a review of theory and clinical evidence.
abstract: Connective tissue manipulation or connective tissue massage (bindegewebsmassage) is a manual reflex therapy in that it is applied with the therapist's hands which are in contact with the patient's skin. The assessment of the patient and the clinical decision-making that directs treatment is based on a theoretical model that assumes a reflex effect on the autonomic nervous system which is induced by manipulating the fascial layers within and beneath the skin to stimulate cutaneo-visceral reflexes. This paper reviews the literature and current research findings to establish the theoretical framework for CTM and the evidence for its clinical effects. The rationale for the principles of treatment are discussed and the evidence for the clinical effectiveness assessed through an analytical review of the clinical research.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK.
authors.forename: Liz A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Holey
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK. Electronic address: john.dixon@tees.ac.uk.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dixon
mesh_terms: D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
keywords: Autonomic function; Connective tissue manipulation; Connective tissue massage