Connective Tissue Manipulation

Abstract

Connective tissue massage is based on the principle of direct manipulation of the subcutaneous fascia layers creating a response in the autonomic nervous system. There is a neural link between deep tissues and superficial tissues known as “cutaneo-visceral reflexes, " involving autonomic pathways and rich somatic sensory plexuses in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It has been shown that there is tension in the skin and subcutaneous tissues innervated from the same level of the medulla spinalis with the organ with impaired function. These affected dermatomes are stimulated with a strong pulling motion made in a special sequence in accordance with anatomical structure. Thus, a reflex effect is created in the relevant organ innervated from the same segment as the dermatome. The most important feature that distinguishes CTM from other manual treatment methods is that it has a therapeutic effect by playing a balancing role in the autonomic nervous system. Although its efficacy in pathological problems, such as migraine, constipation, dysmenorrhea, peripheral artery disease, and painful conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic neck pain, have been demonstrated in different studies in the literature, there have been no studies showing the effectiveness of CTM in patients with OAB. © MIPS MediterraneanIncontinence Pelvic Floor Society 2022.