1.2.4. Connective tissue massage
hyperemia, strokes
HYPEREMIA, STROKES
The participant was seated on a stool with the entire back and sacral region open, hip and knee flexed at 90°, and feet on the ground during the treatment. While sitting, it was ensured that the back of the individual was straight and their hands supported the thighs for slight loosening of the connective tissue. CTM was applied by the physiotherapist in the form of short and long pulling strokes in a hooking style with the third finger flexed at 45° to 60° from the distal phalanx. CTM was applied to the basic region during the first 3 sessions and then progressed to the lower thoracic region, scapular region, and interscapular region, for the following sessions respectively. CTM pulls were performed 3 to 4 times for each area. Decreased tension, the appearance of lines of hyperemia, and appropriate vascular response were identified as the criteria for progression to other regions. CTM application initially lasted for 5 minutes and reached 20 to 25 minutes with the progression of the massage to the upper segments.