Beat Frei
DemoPraxis Frei
- 4.7(3)
- Biel/Bienne
- Languages: de
Rolfing / Structural integrationManual lymphatic drainageConnective tissue massage
EMRASCA
- Price
- CHF 60–130
- Next appointment
- Available Wed, 14 Oct
Connective tissue massage
Connective tissue massage is a reflex treatment that works through the skin and the tissue beneath it. The fingertips make pulling strokes, mainly on the back and pelvis. This can feel sharp or cutting, and the skin often turns red.
- therapists
- 3
- session length
- 20–45 min
Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. Emergency: 144
Origin and approach
The method was developed in the 1920s and 1930s by the German physiotherapist Elisabeth Dicke. It assumes that internal organs and certain areas of skin are linked through nerves. Treating these areas is meant to influence the body by reflex; there is little evidence for this.
What a session is like
Length: 20–45 min- First you discuss your complaints; then the skin and tissue on your back are felt.
- You usually sit on the treatment table or lie on your side, with your back uncovered.
- Treatment starts at the lower back and works upwards with pulling strokes; no oil is used.
- A short rest afterwards is a good idea; the redness usually fades soon.
Connective tissue massage: what is it used for?
- Back pain: the method is used as a complement, but there is little research.
- Muscle tension: some people feel a loosening; this has been little studied.
- Digestive complaints: this use is based on the idea of reflex zones and on experience, not on studies.
How well is the effect supported?
Complaints for which this method is commonly used, sorted by the state of research. The rating shows how well the effect is supported, not whether it will help you.
What do the dots mean?How to read the rating
- Established
- recommended in guidelines, well studied
- Some evidence
- effect shown in studies, with limitations
- Limited evidence
- few or weak studies
- Traditional use
- used, but hardly studied
The rating covers the research, not the therapist.
- Limited evidence
Back pain
- Limited evidence
Muscle tension
- Traditional use
Digestive complaints
Therapists: Connective tissue massage
- Next appointment
- No new patients
Costs and health insurance
- Basic insurance
- usually not.
- Supplementary insurance
- often 50–80% with EMR- or ASCA-recognised therapists, often up to an annual maximum.
- Your insurer
- Each profile shows which insurers recognise the therapist.
- Price per session
- Practices set their own prices; you can see them in each profile.
Good to know
- A series of several treatments is usually planned, often once or twice a week.
- The treatment can briefly cause tiredness or a feeling of warmth.
- Treatment is not given with acute inflammation, fever, skin injuries or unexplained abdominal pain; have such complaints checked by a doctor first.
Training and recognition in Switzerland
Connective tissue massage is part of the training of medical massage therapists (federal professional diploma) and is also used by physiotherapists. With a doctor's prescription and when given by a physiotherapist, it can be covered by basic insurance; otherwise supplementary insurance may contribute depending on your policy.