What is connective tissue massage?
A deep, manual technique that works on the fascia beneath the skin. Learn how it works, which complaints it suits and what you can feel during a treatment.
Book a free consultationThe basics
What is connective tissue massage?
Connective tissue massage is a deep, manual massage technique that works on the connective tissue, or fascia — the web of collagen fibres beneath the skin that connects and supports skin, muscles, blood vessels and organs. Where a classic relaxation massage works mainly at the surface and on the muscles, connective tissue massage works more deeply and more precisely on this layer. This is a general explanation of the technique; it is not a medical treatment and does not replace advice from a doctor.
At BodyFix in Amsterdam, connective tissue massage is central to what we do. We have specialised in connective tissue and fascia techniques since 2008, and from that experience we developed our own approach: the BodyFix Method, created by founder Agnieszka Kadula. Every treatment begins with a diagnosis-first approach (Bodyreading), so the massage can be tailored as closely as possible to your situation and to what your tissue may need.
How it works
How does connective tissue massage work?
When the fascia is supple, the different tissue layers can glide more freely against one another. Factors such as hormonal changes, ageing, pregnancy, scars or long periods of inactivity may make the connective tissue feel stiffer. The description below is a general explanation of what the technique aims to do; it is not a medical treatment, does not replace advice from a doctor, and the experience can vary from person to person.
Working the fascia
Deep, targeted hand movements work on stiff and adhered-feeling areas, with the aim of giving the tissue layers more room to move against one another.
Addressing adhesions
Areas that feel adhered between tissue layers are worked on manually, with the aim of supporting the mobility of the tissue.
Stimulating circulation
The pressure and rhythm of the massage are intended to stimulate blood circulation in the treated area.
Supporting lymph flow
Working the tissue is also aimed at supporting the natural drainage of fluid through the lymphatic system.
Want to understand the tissue itself in more detail? Read our explanation of what fascia is, or see how we approach releasing adhesions.
Applications
For which complaints?
Connective tissue massage is used for a range of skin and tissue themes. The technique is not a medical treatment and is not a replacement for care or advice from a doctor; whether it is suitable, and how your body responds, can vary from person to person and from one situation to another. It is often applied for the following themes:
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Cellulite — with a focus on the connective tissue (the subcutaneous fascia)
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Lipoedema — supportive only, by agreement and with appropriate caution; not a replacement for medical care
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Skin firming — with a focus on the structure and feel of the skin
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Scars and adhesions, for example after a C-section
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A heavy or tense feeling in the legs or abdomen
For themes such as lipoedema, lymphoedema and oedema we always work cautiously and in tune with your situation, and only as a possible support alongside any medical care — never as a replacement for it. Not sure whether connective tissue massage is suitable for you? Please discuss it with your doctor first, and raise it during the free consultation, or read our frequently asked questions. To see what a full treatment looks like, take a look at our treatments.
The experience
What do you feel during the treatment?
Connective tissue massage is usually more intensive than a relaxation massage. Because the work is deep and targeted, the treatment can feel firm — many clients describe it as a pleasant pressure on the edge of tender. The intensity is always adjusted to your comfort, and you set the limit yourself. How your body responds is personal and can vary.
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A more intensive, deeper sensation than a classic massage
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Temporary redness of the skin afterwards can occur and usually settles
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Sometimes a slightly tender or warm feeling in the treated area
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Many clients describe a lighter, suppler feeling afterwards; this is personal and not guaranteed
It can help to drink plenty of water after the treatment. How your body responds is personal, and our therapists guide you through it. If you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor beforehand.
The BodyFix Method
Connective tissue massage and lymphatic drainage
What characterises BodyFix is the combination treatment: deep manual connective tissue massage combined with device-assisted lymphatic drainage. The connective tissue massage is aimed at working adhered-feeling areas and getting the tissue moving; the lymphatic drainage is then aimed at supporting the natural drainage of fluid. The two techniques are designed to complement each other; how you respond is personal and can vary.
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Diagnosis before treatment (Bodyreading) at the first consultation
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Medically trained therapists with a physiotherapy background and 2,500+ hours of training
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Specialised in connective tissue and fascia since 2008
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Featured on &C "Chantal in behandeling" (RTL, 2019) and included in Nouveau's Top 5 beauty salons (2018)
The BodyFix Method was developed by founder Agnieszka Kadula. Read more about the approach on the BodyFix Method page.
Get started
Book a free consultation
Curious whether connective tissue massage might suit you? During the free consultation (20 minutes) we map your tissue using Bodyreading and discuss which approach might suit your situation — entirely without obligation.
BodyFix Amsterdam
Legmeerplein 7, 1058 NJ Amsterdam & Haarlemmermeerstraat 115H, Amsterdam-Zuid.
Reachable Mon-Sat 09:00-19:00 on +31 6 5580 4938 or info@bodyfix.nl.
Prefer to read more first? Explore our treatments to see how a full session works.
Ready to get started?
Book your free, no-obligation consultation and discover whether connective tissue massage suits you.
Book a free consultation