Also known as bindegewebsmassage, these
techniques are designed to specifically affect the connective
tissue of the body. CTM was developed in Germany by Elizabeth
Dicke. After diagnosis of a serious medical problem, she
experimented with different types of massage on herself. She
found when she applied light pressure through the skin and
connective tissue in one area of the body, there was a related
effect at a distant site. From Alternative Healing, by Hugh
Burroughs and Mark Kastner: "The technique consists of the
massage therapist subtly hooking her fingers into the skin and
superficial connective tissue while performing a dragging or
pulling stroke that somewhat stretches the skin. CTM leaves a
visible mark that looks somewhat like an abrasion or burn, but
which goes away without leaving a scar." In Germany, it is
considered a physical therapy technique; in many parts of
Europe, it is considered a medical technique. In the United
States, connective tissue massage is taught in many massage
schools.