The Counterstrain Technique

Do you have tender points throughout your body? Can it be cured?

What are Tender points?

These are points of hypersensitivity beneath the skin, smaller than Fingertip in size. These points when touched can give you a quick and nervous reaction to the touch, as a reaction to the pain. These tender points can be found in muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

So, the questions we get asked all the time: Can it be cured?

Physical therapists have a lot of techniques by which they can treat tender points. One of these techniques is the counter strain technique developed by Dr. Lawrence Jones. It can be applied to any tender point anywhere in the body.

The technique is indirect and patient passive. Beneficial for patients with acute, chronic pain, torticollis, postoperative pain and osteoperotic pain.

A physical therapist should be skilled in finding, feeling, and monitoring these points.

What is the counterstrain technique?

It is a very gentle atraumatic technique (very suitable for acute patients) and can be used alone or with other manual therapy techniques. By using the counterstrain technique, dramatic changes can be made in relief of subjective pain, diminished muscle guarding, spasms, and reduction of inflammation. Treating the neuromuscular component of the acute condition improves circulation and promotes the body ability to heal the injured or damaged tissue.

Is it safe to treat conditions related to fragile elderly patients such as arthritis and osteoporosis?

Yes, the gentleness of the counterstrain technique makes it safe for treating such cases even with infants and regnant patients.

This technique can help sacral and pubic pain associated with pregnancy to a very great extent. Counterstrain can make a significant contribution when integrated withother manual medicine procedures.