Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 14, Issue 1 , Pages 27-34, January 2010

Changes in the structure of collagen distribution in the skin caused by a manual technique

  • Helga Pohl, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationTel.: +49 8151 78171; fax: +49 8151 3743.

Centre for Bodytherapy, Tassiloweg 2, D 82319 Starnberg, Germany

Received 15 March 2008; received in revised form 1 June 2008; accepted 3 June 2008.

Summary 

Objective

When treating patients with functional disorders using a special manual technique, tissue changes can be felt by the therapist and the patient. This study was conducted to objectively document these changes.

Method

In the author's practice for body therapy, 30 patients were measured with high-frequency ultrasound (22MHz) immediately before and after their first treatment in the area where they experienced pain or other discomfort and/or movement restriction.

Results

Highly significant differences can be seen in the structure of the collagen matrix in the dermis before and after treatment. These changes reflect the differences in tension, softness and regularity, which can be palpated before and after treatment and are thought to be caused by changes in the mechanical forces of fibroblasts and increased microcirculation.

Keywords: Functional disorders, Connective tissue, Collagen dermis, Manual treatment, Ultrasound study, Treatment effects

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PII: S1360-8592(08)00096-X

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.06.001

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 14, Issue 1 , Pages 27-34, January 2010

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