Featured Products

DVD demonstrates a complete Elizabeth Dicke treatment 

by Pat Donohue

A Manual of Reflexive Therapy Of The Connective Tissue
by Sidney S. Simon 

Has Illustrations and written description of every stroke used in the Elizabeth Dicke treatment.

Work Book

The classroom companion Workbook has illustrations of every stroke.

The student can make their own notes and label the illustrations.

DVD $75.00

Shipping $15.00

Total $90.00

Manual $50.00

Shipping $15.00

Total $65.00

Work Book $25.00

Shipping $15.00

  Total $40.00

DVD & Manual $125.00

Shipping $ 15.00

Total $ 140.00

DVD & Workbook $100.00 

Shipping $ 15.00

Total $ 115.00

DVD-Manual & Workbook $175.00

Shipping $ 15.00

Total $ 190.00

BINDEGEWEBSMASSAGE

PRONOUNCED

“ bin-dah-ga-vebbs -massage “
 

INTRODUCTION
 

This modern form of massage, also known as Connective Tissue Massage (CTM), bears many similarities to Chinese medicine, reflexology, shiatsu massage, and other non-invasive treatments that work on the nervous system to promote internal healing.
Practitioners use this bodywork approach to provide, encourage and promote pain relief, increase circulation, and help improve nervous system function in clients.
 

 Origins and Development of the Method

By Elizabeth Dicke.

“I discovered a Massage of reflex zones in the connective tissue as a result of my own illness. In 1929 I suffered from a serious impairment of the circulation in my right leg. The leg was ice cold, the color was gray-white, the toes as though tightly bound by rings – they were definitely headed for necrosis. The dorsal artery of the foot was no longer detectable medically. I was told that an amputation might be required as a last resort.

Under those oppressive circumstances, after lying in bed for five months, I attempted to relieve the accompanying serve back pains myself. I had been active as a physiotherapist for two years. I felt in the side position above the sacrum and the crest of the ilium, a thickened “infiltrated” area of tissue, and opposite it, an increased tension of the epidermis and dermis. I tried to relax the tension by means of pulling strokes. In these areas there was a super sensitivity, so that ordinary strokes with the finger-tip evoked considerable pain. Nevertheless, the tension slowly relaxed: the bad back pains perceptibly lessened with the relaxing strokes; a strong feeling of warmth set in. After several attempts I detected a continuing alleviation of the illness.

There now set in an itching and prickling in the affected leg down to the sole, alternating with warm flashes. The leg kept improving. Thereafter I included in my stroking the areas above the right trochanter and the lateral upper thigh – the iliotibial tract. There was a striking “constriction” of the epidermis and dermal tissue. After the treatment the veins of the upper thigh once again became visible and spontaneously filled with blood.

In the course of three months, the symptoms receded completely. The treatment continued for some time at the hands of a colleague. After one year I could completely resume my activity as a gymnastic therapist.

Out of the experiences of this illness, there gradually developed a systematically constructed method of treatment. In the course of the illness a series of disruptions of the inner organs occurred: a chronic gastritis, an inflamed haptic swelling, anginose heart trouble and finally renal colic. All of these organic and functional disorders I could successfully relieve through the new-found style of treatment”.

Elizabeth became familiar with the work of Dr. Henry Head, MD an English neurologist who in 1898, initially drew attention to the fact that the internal organs when diseased, manifested their disorders on the skin surface of the body, rendering it excessively painful and hypersensitive to touch, pressure and temperature changes. 

Elizabeth continued on with selfcare and the development of Bindegewebsmassage (CTT/CTM) in 1938 when Elizabeth Dicke met with a Professor Kohlrausch and Dr. Tierich H. Leube to lay a foundation for research and training in CTT/CTM. They incorporated the work of J. MacKenzie who researched changes in muscle tone in relationship to organs. In 1942 they published “Massage of Reflex Zones in the Connective Tissue in the presence of Rheumatic and Internal Diseases.” German university hospitals accepted the therapy. Physical therapists in their private practices used Bindegewebsmassage in many municipal hospitals and health resorts. It also was introduced to university hospitals in Switzerland and in 1954 at an orthopedic hospital in Florence, Italy. In 1954 the Elisabeth Dicke Society was established to continue further research.  

 How Does Bindegewebsmassage Work?
 

In the Bindegewebsmassage/CTM approach, practitioners move subcutaneous fascia (connective tissue underneath the skin) in patterns that relate to the distribution of neurologic dermatomes. Dermatomes are areas of the body that correspond with the individual nerves that exit the spinal cord between the vertebrae. If the soft discs between the vertebrae are damaged or compressed, they can pinch the nerves that pass through them. When this happens, people feel pain in the areas served by those particular nerves. Bindegewebsmassage therapists work on subcutaneous tissues to help relieve this pain. They massage the superficial layer of connective tissue underneath the skin and above the muscles, applying just enough pressure to move the fascia across the underlying muscles. In Rolfing and Hellerwork massage, connective tissue is also manipulated, but massage therapists who practice these approaches access the fascia surrounding the muscles deep within the body. Typically, the technique (BindegewebsMassage) is primarily applied to the back, where it may help influence relaxation and increase circulation throughout the body, particularly to the abdominal and pelvic areas.

QUESTIONS MOST COMMONLY ASKED ABOUT BINDEGEWEBSMASSAGE
 

What is Connective Tissue?
 

Connective tissue is present in the human body in two main varieties - Formed and Loose Connective Tissue. For the purpose of this work we consider Loose Connective Tissue.
 

Loose Connective Tissue is distributed widely throughout the human body. It forms superficial and deep fascia, the inter-muscular septa; it surrounds blood vessels, nerves and aids in forming the framework of most organs. This spider's like web provides connection between structures throughout the body.
The Epimysium Sheath is the outermost sheath of connective tissue that surrounds a skeletal muscle. It consists of irregularly distributed collagenous, reticular, and elastic fibers, connective tissue cells, and fat cells.
The Perivascular Sheath is located around blood vessels and the perineural sheath is located around nerves, the fibrous capsule for glands and organs.
 

To Summarize: Superficial fascia supports nerves, blood vessels, and lymph vessels and sometimes muscles. Superficially it bends with the true cutis (skin). Deep fascia surrounds muscle groups, attaches to bone and blends with the periosteum. In its areolar variety it forms tissue spaces. Fascia is strong and flexible. It allows and restricts movement while giving quality and strength to tissue.
 

How does the treatment effect the body?
 

Connective Tissue treatment effects the tension of the fascia releasing it where it is tightened, increasing range of motion, flexibility, reduces numbness, tingling or pain resulting from tightened tissue. CTM predominantly effects the central nervous system, balancing the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. It seems to increase parasympathetic activity, blood vessel dilation, possibly because patients/clients have treatments/sessions when experiencing a pathological problem, stress and anxiety. It aids in blood circulation, increases oxygenation the tissues, encourages lymph drainage, elimination of waste and toxins, relieves arthritis and visceral disease. It is helpful with musculoskeletal injuries and in the prevention of scarring following surgery or injury. Because CTM has a profound effect upon the autonomic nervous system it may produce awareness and /or emotional changes.
 

How often and long are treatments/sessions?
 

Treatment plans may be long or short-term, depending on the needs of the individuals and their desire to relearn patterns in their body. A series of treatments can be 10 to 20 sessions, as the effects are cumulative. The treatment is given with the patient/client sitting or lying position. The treatment/session may take anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes and no oils or lotions are used.
 

How will it feel? 

The strokes are carefully applied and follow a prescribed order, starting in the pelvic region. The strokes may feel like a cutting sensation or may feel quite dull with little sensation by the patient/client. Different sensations are experienced with each pull on the tissue. The results of a treatment/session can vary from producing weariness, a desire to sleep, excessive perspiration, deeper breathing and even a drop in body temperature. The area where the stroke is applied may become reddened as the blood vessels dilate. Beneficial effects may continue for long period after a series of treatments.

 

Can I use it with other modalities?
Yes, Bindegewebsmassage (CTM) is used as a therapy independently but can complement other modalities once the CTM is administered.
 

Why use CTM?
 

When dysfunction occurs it is understandable that pathological as well as physiological balance is off. CTM attempts to influence these imbalances. Reactive adaptation is therefore possible in both directions through the connective tissue reflexes. The reflexes can pass from deeper lying structure to the body surface or it may pass in the opposite direction. CTM influences the circulation the body surface in selected areas and so opens up increased circulation pathways to other regions of the organism in its reflexive manor.
 

What are the effects of Connective Tissue Massage?
 

The mechanical tension stimulus is the immediate cause of the circulatory effect. At the present time it is only possible to suggest various explanations as to how this effect is achieved. The autonomic reflex pathways are involved and gives evidence that the endocrine system is involved when the mechanical tension stimulus is applied. Mast cells contain heparin and histamine in the cell granules and are released by appropriate stimulation. The types of reaction to the stimulus are similar, however the intensity and duration may vary, depending on the severity of the pathological condition and strength of the stimulus.
 

Three main reactions to CTM:
 

Sensation - When the tensile stroke is applied to healthy tissue, the patient/client will report a very slight scratching or cutting sensation. Applying the stroke to tissues with increased tension will produce a very sharp cutting sensation, which is obtained by applying very little pressure with a much-decreased angle of the fingers on the skin. The sharp cutting or scratching sensations is typical of the correct application of the technique. It is also indicative of a satisfactory circulatory response. As tension decreases, so the intensity of the cutting sensation decreases. Under certain conditions the patient/client may report a sensation of deep dull pressure, which shows no relation to the pressure actually applied by the fingers. This feeling of dull pressure often becomes apparent when passing through areas of elevations or swelling. It is possible to decrease the cutting sensation by decreasing the speed of the stroke. It is difficult to give a definite explanation of the pathways responsible for the conduction of the described sensations.
Skin Reaction - When applying the tensile stroke to healthy skin a two-fold reaction can be observed.
 

Appearance of a red line confined to the area of the stroke, within 30 to 60 seconds after the stroke is applied. It may disappear in a few minutes or a few hours.
When the stimulus of the stroke is strong and / or repeated several times over the same line a second visible reaction can be observed. The reddening so no longer confined to the line of the stroke. There is a few second delay and beyond the original red line, from the stroke, a reddish flush develops which may spread in varied distances.
Along the line of the original stroke and often slightly beyond it, a slight swelling may appear. This swelling is termed a "Wheal" and may take up to three minutes to appear and may take several hours to disappear.
The appearance of these lines is not a contraindication to the massage treatment. It is advisable to explain this to your client before the treatment. The improvement in the peripheral circulation coincides with a less violent reaction in response to the massage stroke.
 

General Reaction - The overall effect of the massage seems to be improvement of circulation to all structures including supporting tissues, muscles and nerves. It thereby helps to restore the balance between the two parts of the autonomic system. CTM attempts to influence the pathological alterations on the body surface as far as these can be influenced by alterations in the circulation. Change in peripheral temperature ads in warming the hands and feet. Relief of Visceral Functional Symptoms- patients suffering from asthma, can suddenly breathe freely and deeply. Relief of Visceral Pain causing gastric discomfort can be lessened. Finally patients/clients reports a general feeling of wellbeing and are very inductive to sleep.
 

References:
 

Dicke, E.H., Schliak and Wolff, A., A Manual of Reflexive Therapy of the Connective Tissue (CTM) "Bindegewebsmassage". Simon, Sidney S. Publisher, Scarsdale, NY 1978.
Ebner, Marie, Connective Tissue Massage, Theory and Therapeutic Application, Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co. Malabar, Florida
Connective Tissue Massage, Therapeutic Application, New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, May 1968.
Friedman, Lawrence W., MD and Galtom, Lawrence, Freedom From Backaches, Simon and Schuster pocketbooks, NY 1973.
Luedeck, Ursula, "History, Basic and Technique of Connective Tissue Massage, The Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, XV,4< December 1969.
Tappan, Frances M., Healing Massage Techniques, Holistic Classic and Emerging Methods, Appleton & Lang, Norwalk, Ct. / San Mateo, Ca. 1988 2nd Edition.

 

CONNECTIVE TISSUE MASSAGE (CTM)
BINDEGEWEBSMASSAGE
ABOUT PAT AND JOE
Patricia M. Donohue, LMT, RMT, NCMT has been active in the field of massage for over 50
years; she graduated from the Swedish Institute, New York City in 1966. Pat is a certified
Spcialist in Connective Tissue Massage (CTM). She has dedicated 80% of her practice to CTM
work and gives workshops throughout the country.
Pat has served the American Massage Therapy Association in many capacities in local Chapters
and as a National Officer. Department Chair of the Swedish Massage Program at the New York
College, Syosset, NY - Faculty member at SUNY College Farmingdale, NY - member of AMTA
National Education Committee - Examiner consultant for the NYS Board for Massage Therapy
- item writer for National Certification Program - Presenter at National, Regional, and State
Conferences and Conventions, AMTA, FSMTA and WMF. Pat was owner Director of Wholistic
Pathways Center For Massage Therapy in Lindenhurst, New York for over 20 years. Pat
received the Life Time Achievement Award from the World Massage Festival and Massage
Therapy Hall of Fame in Cullowhee, North Carolina in July, 2011 and inducted into the
Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2014 in Las Vegas, NV. FSMTA Board of Directors presently
Director of Parliamentary Procedure, Ethics and Awards Chairperson.

 

Joe Ferguson, LMT has been active in the field of massage since 1966 when he graduated from
the Swedish Institute, New York City. Joe is certified in CTM and has trained in Shiatsu. Joe
was appointed to the New York State Board for Massage Therapy, an item writer for the
National Certification Program, lecturer, and presenter of Swedish Massage and CTM. He was
a Sports Massage Therapist for the New York City Marathon elite runners for twenty years, the
New York State Empire Games, Special Olympics, the National Qualifying events for the
Olympics. Staff Massage Therapist at Merrill Lynch & Co. for thirty years and worked at the New York Athletic Club for 17 years. Joe served in
many capacities with AMTA National and AMTA New York Chapter as President for several
terms. Treasurer, VP. Joe was AMTA-NY Chapter President when the World Trade Center in
New York City was attacked on September 11“* 2001. Joe organized the Massage Emergency
Response Team (MERT) that responded at that site. Joe received the Life Time Achievement
Award at the World Massage Festival in Berea, Kentucky, June, 2010. Joe was Inducted into the
Massage Therapist Hall of Fame 2014 in Las Vegas, NV.

Contact Information:

Pat Donohue pdjf@aol.com Tel: 321-501-9652

Joe Ferguson jfpd@aol.com Tel: 321-501-9649

We are located in West Melbourne Florida