About What We Do
What is Counterstrain?
Strain Counterstrain (SCS) and Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) are therapeutic, hands-on methods designed to release spasm in all tissues of the human body. Every organ, nerve, artery, muscle, ligament, tendon, vein and lymphatic vessel in the human body can actively spasm and produce pain in a natural, protective response to injury. Once this reflex spasm is triggered it can persist, spread and form hundreds of tender points. SCS and FCS work to release the tissue in spasm and the corresponding tender point by gently unloading the injured structure.
What Conditions Does Counterstrain Treat?
Adhesive Capsulitis, Athletic Injury, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Degenerative Disc Disease, Digestive Problems, Disc Bulges & Herniations, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Headaches (Migrane, Tension, Cluster), Muscle Strains/Tears, Osteoarthritis Neck Pain, Post Concussion Syndrome, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), TMJ Dysfunction,Vertigo (Plus many others)
Why Haven't I heard of Counterstrain before?
We don't know, but word is spreading, and it's been a long time coming! The core ideas of counterstrain have been around since the 1950's, however, it was not until 1998 that these principles were reconciled and integrated with modern research and anatomical understanding. Furthermore, due to the immensely demanding certification requirements, there are less than 100 fully certified counterstrain practitioners in the world, including Mary Beth.
How Does Counterstrain Work?
Counterstrain practitioners remove painful, reflexive tissue contractions from the body via a gentle hands-on process of slackening or decompressing the involved structures. The treatments are completely painless making them a viable option for even the most painful and delicate cases. Counterstrain’s powerful, multi-system effects occur from a deactivation of deep fascial pain receptors (nociceptors) which maintain the body’s soft tissues in a persistent guarded or “over-protective” state. During Counterstrain treatments, there is a palpable, often visible reduction in localized tissue edema. The combination of metabolite drainage and proprioceptive realignment gives Counterstrain unparalleled carry-over. Many patients report lasting relief of chronic conditions after only one or two treatment sessions—a testament to how Counterstrain works.
