Counterstrain Technique

The Counterstrain Technique is a manual therapy procedure that focuses on the alleviation of musculoskeletal and soft tissue discomfort. Originating from the field of osteopathy, it relies on passive body positioning for targeted relief. The practitioner identifies “tender points” in the patient’s body, positions the patient to alleviate distress at these points and maintains this position for approximately 90 seconds. This method facilitates rapid decrease in pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm.

Founded by Dr. Lawrence Jones in 1955, the technique primarily operates on the principle of reciprocal inhibition within motor neuron pools to reduce heightened neurological activity. It is beneficial for various conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic neck pain, post-surgical conditions and sports injuries. This non-invasive approach shows benefits particularly where traditional methods have failed or are contraindicated.

A unique aspect of Counterstrain Technique is its use of body positioning rather than manipulation or forceful intervention. A practitioner skilled in this technique can introduce significant improvements in a patient’s mobility and function while reducing pain perception, thus improving overall quality of life.

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Counterstrain Technique

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Counterstrain, Technique

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Counterstrain, Technique

Category:
Manual Therapy

Search Intent:
Medical treatment technique

Semantic Relevance:
Musculoskeletal therapy

Parent Category:
Physical Therapy

Subcategories:
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Synonyms:
Strain Counterstrain, Positional Release Technique (PRT)

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Counterstrain therapy, Counterstrain treatment

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Muscle strain therapy, Manual manipulation technique

Geographic Relevance:
Global relevance in the field of physical therapy and osteopathy

Topically Relevant Entities:
Osteopath, Physical therapist