P h o t o s b y M i c h a e l R o s s
CTM
connective
tissue
massage
A revolution of fascial freedom
B y J o h n L a t z
Skillful manipulation of fascia is an effortless art –
at least, it can be. Throughout my 20-year career in
bodywork, I’ve seen that true fascial artistry lies in
appropriate body mechanics. This is the basis for
Connective Tissue Massage (CTM), a system I devel-
oped and now teach to massage practitioners and
other health care providers. Elegant in its simplicity,
CTM allows every stroke to be delivered with power,
efficiency and ease.
I
first became intrigued with fascial work early in my
training when I heard accounts of dramatic changes
reported by recipients of Ida P. Rolf’s method of
Structural Integration. Curiosity compelled me to receive
the 10-session series myself, an amazing and landmark
experience. Structural Integration was far more dynamic than
any other bodywork I’d received, and I’d never felt myself
respond and change so profoundly. My chronic tension was
relieved, my energy increased and I achieved a greater sense
of self-awareness and empowerment.
As a result, I came to believe that fascial manipulation is
the most powerful and effective means of bodywork. This
led me to the Rolf Institute, where I began training in 1985.
However, I didn’t “come into my own” until a year after
graduating when I studied with Emmett Hutchins, one of
the first practitioners chosen by Dr. Rolf to teach her system.
I was deeply influenced by our Structural Integration ses-
sions, and recognized that each time I received fascial work,
my own work changed. I became increasingly grounded,
powerful and connected with my clients.
See CTM, p14
12 M A S S A G E & B O DY WO R K • A P R I L / M AY 2 0 0 1
Author John Latz
(shown here)
developed
Connective
Tissue Massage
to offer fascial
manipulation
through simple
body mechanics.
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 0 1 • M A S S A G E & B O DY WO R K 13
connective tissue massage
CTM, from p12
In fact, my greatest understanding of fascial work
came from my personal experience of receiving it. I
became acutely aware of how fascia changes and what
level of energy a body needs to facilitate its change. I
realized I had a gift – the innate ability to learn and
translate fascial contact. In other words, whatever I felt
in my body I could immediately utilize with my clients.
At the same time, I recognized that not everybody
learns this way. I also knew I had another gift – a natu-
ral ability to teach and share this work with others. In
1989 I decided to formalize CTM into a system to share
with other practitioners, knowing how much it would
benefit them and their clients.
When I began teaching, however, I found students
didn’t fully grasp what I was doing when only watching
my hands. I realized it wasn’t just the way I used my
hands that made my work effective, but rather the way I
used my whole body which allowed me to contact and
manipulate fascia. From this realization, I drew upon
Ida Rolf’s genius, extrapolating her principles of body
alignment and movement into a specific system of body
mechanics. Having already embodied her concepts in
my own work, it was easy for me to present them in an
organized and understandable way. In its present form,
CTM is the culmination of 10 years of continuous evo-
lution, and is a system which offers mastery of fascial
manipulation through simple body mechanics.
Some Facts about Fascia
W
hen I introduce CTM to clients, I explain
that all of the structures in the body are
surrounded, protected and supported by
connective tissue. It is the ubiquitous matrix which
CTM requires the practitioner to remain relaxed, even
connects, or binds together, the body’s organs and sys- while working deep fascial layers.
tems, and at the same time provides compartmentaliza-
tion between them. As you know, fascia is a continu- of tissue feels supple under my hands. My goal in
ous elastic sheath which provides structural support working is to facilitate the gel-sol change to most effec-
for the skeleton and soft tissues (muscles, tendons, tively manipulate the client’s fascia.
organs, etc.). This tissue changes readily, softening and Another significant characteristic of fascia is the way
lengthening when energy is added through deliberate it organizes the body through an extensive webbing of
contact. layers. Weaving around and through all of the structures
Dr. Rolf’s original research on the characteristics of in the body, fascia creates a complicated, contiguous
fascia identified its different biochemical states. She three-dimensional network. Within this network, I
referred to these states as “gel” and “sol.” She endeavor to touch a single layer at a time, sequentially
described the gel state as having a low hydration level, addressing the fascial layers from superficial to deep. I
in which fascia often shortens and becomes adhered to work only on the most superficial layer of resistance,
surrounding layers of tissue. When I’m working, tissue adding energy through my contact until I sense a melt-
in this state feels thick and dense to my hands. With ing sensation under my hands. This melting signals the
my conscious touch, the chemistry of the fascia accomplishment of the sol state, during which the soft-
changes, and within seconds it begins to “sol.” In its ened tissue is stretched and lengthened. Once this hap-
sol state, fascia is better hydrated, more elastic, and pens, it is appropriate to work on the next, deeper layer.
more easily stretched and lengthened. This new quality See CTM, p16
14 M A S S A G E & B O DY WO R K • A P R I L / M AY 2 0 0 1
CTM POSITIONS
FRONT POSITION SIDE POSITION
Key to the practice of Connective Tissue Massage is its application of the principles
of Ida P. Rolf to the body mechanics of the practitioner.
FRONT POSITION SIDE POSITION
– practitioner uses fingertips or heel of hand – only the forearm or elbow is used
1. Reaching through top of head into space (at 1.Top of head reaching into space, looking for-
approximately 45-degree angle) ward (not at client)
2. Shoulders relaxed 2. Chest open
3. Arms spanning forward from torso, elbows 3. Elbows extending out of ribs
slightly flexed 4. Forearm parallel to direction of stroke
4. Straight plane from hand to wrist through 5. Palm up
forearm
6. Direction of pelvis forward (i.e., perpendicular
5. Lumbar spine reaching posterior to client)
6. Pelvis squarely in direction of work, moving for- 7. Grounding through inside arch of back foot,
ward with the stroke extending through foot and leg with stroke
7. Grounded foot parallel to direction of work,
pushing up on to toes with stroke
THE FIVE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE BODY MECHANICS:
1. Leaning controlled body weight into the client
2. Maintaining alignment
3. Movement through the alignment
4. Using oblique angles of contact
5. Contacting with soft and relaxed hands and body
These principles comprise a specific practice which is the optimal way to affect the fascial body of the client.
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 0 1 • M A S S A G E & B O DY WO R K 15
connective tissue massage
CTM, from p14
It is a violation to touch the deeper layers of fascia
without first having worked the surface layers. Otherwise,
the body shuts down to the energy input, armors its
defenses and the client will likely experience the work as
harsh or painful. Without honoring the fascial layers,
practitioners may try to “muscle” their way through
resistant tissue, without achieving any positive results. In
contrast, the fascial matrix changes readily when energy
is added with a clear and conscious intention.
Principles of CTM Body
Mechanics
T
he first principle of Connective Tissue Massage
Body Mechanics is leaning controlled body weight
into the client. Using controlled body weight
ensures contact with the appropriate layer of fascial resis-
tance, and is therefore painless for the client. It is also
effortless for me, because I am utilizing the force of gravi-
ty. As I lean, gravity literally pulls my weight into the
client; this involves no muscular effort on my part.
This controlled leaning is done in a particular align-
ment. Alignment is the second principle of CTM Body
Mechanics, and refers to the vertical line around which
a body is organized in the Structural Integration model.
This line runs from the sole of the foot through the
ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, ear and top of head. I main-
tain my line regardless of whether I’m working in a
front or side position (see “Positioning,” page 15).
The third principle of CTM is movement, which is
elongation along the alignment. It’s like doing yoga;
The first principle of CTM Body Mechanics is leaning nothing shortens in my body while I’m working. When I
controlled body weight into the client.
move in CTM Body Mechanics, I lengthen in a vertical
dimension through the bottom of my feet and out the
top of my head, extending through my arms. I make my
body bigger and longer, and my fascia expands in all
directions simultaneously. This expansion continues
Using controlled body weight into the fascial body of my client, whose fascia lengthens
and expands as though it is a continuation of mine.
ensures contact with The next principle of CTM Body Mechanics is the use
of oblique angles of contact. Fascia lies in broad, contin-
the appropriate layer uous planes in the body. In order to lengthen a broad
sheet, we need to contact it from an oblique angle,
of fascial resistance, which takes the downward thrust out of the contact and
puts in a more forward, stretching movement. While a
and is therefore painless downward thrust would immobilize the tissue, the
oblique angle mobilizes the tissue so it can be length-
for the client. ened. This process maximizes the transmission of my
body weight into the client, while minimizing any inva-
sive or compressive contact.
See CTM, p18
16 M A S S A G E & B O DY WO R K • A P R I L / M AY 2 0 0 1
connective tissue massage
Spanning and
Energetic Resonance
W
hen I lean and move in the CTM alignment,
I lengthen and open my body in several
directions simultaneously, an experience
referred to as “span.” Spanning actually expands my
energy field. In this way, CTM Body Mechanics are sim-
ilar to t’ai chi or other martial arts, in which specific
body postures enhance one’s energetic presence.
By spanning, I provide a more ordered and energized
energy field than that of my client. A resonance is
established between us, through which my client’s fas-
cia is nourished and energized. As with other resonance
phenomena in nature, the more ordered system prevails,
and the client’s connective tissue begins to resonate
with mine. Through this vibrational exchange, the
client’s fascial body is transformed to a new level of
openness and integration.
Within this dynamic, a new boundary is defined. This
Shown in side position, Latz maintains the vertical align- boundary requires I stay present in my own expanded
ment crucial to proper CTM Body Mechanics. energy center, while at the same time affecting my
client’s energy system. CTM Body Mechanics keep me
CTM, from p16 centered so I am able to accomplish this balancing act.
The ability to stay soft and relaxed in my body and The boundary created is safe and appropriate, not
hands comprises the final principle of CTM Body forced upon my client. Rather, it is welcomed, with
Mechanics. This ability to be relaxed and open while clients often remarking my touch feels “just right” or
working ensures I remain noninvasive, even when con- “just what I need.”
tacting deeper layers of tissue. My effectiveness is My use of energy is deliberate and conscious, and
improved because my client is able to remain open to applied through a physical act. CTM Body Mechanics
receive the work. In addition, I am able to listen constitute a specific system which is the optimal way to
through my hands to the proprioceptive information I transfer energy into the fascial body of the receiver.
receive. Intuitively, I understand the force and direction This is my practical approach to bringing concepts of
necessary to best respond to my client’s needs. resonance and energetic exchange into the practice of
When I apply all of these principles, I use my entire bodywork.
presence to promote change in a client. Working this
way is effective for the client, and virtually effortless for Structur ing a Session: Fascia
me. This is because the experience of true fascial con-
tact is one of “letting go” – for my client, as well as is the Guide
C
myself. I am able to let go because I am working with entral to Connective Tissue Massage is the
the gravity field, and my client’s fascia responds to my premise that fascia is the guide for the applica-
intention by softening and lengthening. This allows the tion of the work. In CTM, the sequence and
liberation of long-held patterns of shortening and progression of a session are determined by fascial rela-
restriction. tionships. The goal of the work is to lengthen clients’
fascia so their bodies become longer and more open. A
session doesn’t necessarily dwell on a localized area of
pain or discomfort, nor does it focus on symptomatic
release strokes as its primary goal.
Typically, I begin a session by palpating the area I
wish to address in order to determine where fascia is
shortened. Rather than having a preconceived notion
about clients’ tissue, I let their fascia show me what it
18 M A S S A G E & B O DY WO R K • A P R I L / M AY 2 0 0 1
needs. I am guided by proprioception, and open to intu- ly stands alone as a modality, but can be integrated with
ition. In areas where I encounter particular resistance other techniques, depending on the training and back-
from the tissue, I adjust my body alignment to modify ground of any given practitioner.
the depth, speed or direction of fascial contact. Within Using CTM, manipulating fascia is effortless.
the subtleties of these modifications lies the creative art Applying this approach has the potential to revolution-
of fascial manipulation. ize any single practice. Among the community of con-
This work is challenging and exciting in its applica- nective tissue practitioners, the revolution is already
tion. Maintaining all the CTM Body Mechanics princi- underway. M B &
ples, I am able to meet the individual needs of each
client. When I discover specific restrictions that require John Latz is the founder of the Institute for Structural Integration
and the developer of Connective Tissue Massage. Experiential classes in
attention, I expand my awareness to consider and CTM are available through the institute. Founded in 1992, ISI is the
address more distant areas which might relate to those exclusive organization offering CTM training. ISI offers four-day work-
restrictions. I already know and teach many of these shops in basic and advanced CTM, as well as a complete program of
relationships. Others become apparent through palpa- Structural Integration. For more information, contact Latz at 305/754-
0983 or visit www.johnlatz.com.
tion, and from clients’ (verbal and non-verbal)
response to the work.
For a moment, let us go on a fascial exploration in the
body. For example, a common complaint of neck pain
could be addressed first with the hand. The fascial path-
way might lead us from the palmar fascia into the flexor
compartment of the forearm, traversing the brachialis
and biceps fascia, continuing into the deltoid fascia, and
becoming part of the scalenes fascia. We affect the neck
before working directly on it.
Thus shortened fascia, like a wrinkled sheet, can be
stretched from distant points and directions. We can, for
instance, immediately apply this same approach to
address the path from the leg through the hip to the
sacrum, etc. It deserves emphasis that the individual
muscles are not our focus. Instead, our primary consid-
erations are the relationships of long, broad fascial
planes to one another. This allows us a creative and
effective means whereby fascial work in one area affects
the entire body.
S h a r i n g t h e Wo r k
V
irtually everyone can receive connective tissue
work and experience its many benefits. CTM
helps relieve chronic tension, increases ease of
movement, improves posture and enhances self-
awareness. A session can be organized to focus on a
particular client complaint, e.g., neck tension, carpal
tunnel syndrome, sciatic pain, etc. It can be helpful in
preventing, as well as rehabilitating from, many types of
The oblique entry of contact in CTM work ensures the
injuries. fascial manipulation is both comfortable and effective for
Fibromyalgia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other the client.
disorders affecting the neuromusculoskeletal system can
also be addressed with connective tissue work, as well.
CTM is useful as a full-body session, addressing the
entire superficial layer of fascia. This balancing
approach leaves clients feeling longer, lighter and more
open throughout their bodies, and still allows specific
concerns to be addressed within its context. CTM clear-
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 0 1 • M A S S A G E & B O DY WO R K 19
