What is Strain-Counterstrain?

 Within the domain of Manual Therapy, Strain-Counterstrain has its origins as a type of “passive positional release” created by Lawrence Jones, D.O. in the early 1960s. As a comprehensive approach for the treatment of somatic dysfunction and pain, it works on decreasing the hyperactivity of the myotatic reflex arc. This decreases muscle spasm and reestablishes muscle length, joint mobility and articular balance of joint surfaces. Strain-Counterstrain was the basis of five other Osteopathic models that were developed afterwards also by D.O.s.

● Mechanical / Corrective Kinesiology Model. (S.Weiselfish-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT, C)

● Synergistic Pattern Release Model. ( S.Weiselfish-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT, C)

● Mechanical Link Model. ( P. Chauffour, DO )

● Behavioral Modification for Chronic Pain Model. (S.Weiselfish-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT, C)

● Ortho-Bionomy® (A.L. Pauls, DO)

A soft and gentle “Hands–On” Osteopathic Manual Therapy
It is generally combined with other Osteopathic Manual Therapies.

BENEFITS OF STRAIN-COUNTERSTRAIN 

● Decreases muscle spasm/hypertonicity

● Increases joint mobility and joint play

● Regulates articular balance of joint surfaces during physiologic motion

● Increases ranges of movement

● Reduces symptoms of neurologic, pediatric, geriatric and chronic pain patients

● Increases flexibility and mobility of the spinal column, rib cage, sternum, extremities and joints

● Increases the feedback loop of the visceral and cranial systems to the ANS.

● This in turn, affects the whole bodyTrauma, physical injuries, and Inflammation for the most part may often cause this tissue to contract, to bind together resulting in extensive pressures on arteries, veins, nerves, internal organs and bone structures. This pressure, over time, can create pain which cannot be identified in standard testing procedures such as x-rays, cat scans, myelograms, MRIs et al.

A soft and gentle “Hands-On” Osteopathic Manual Therapy
It is generally combined with other Osteopathic Manual Therapies.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.