Why utilize treating the fascia in the form of a counterstain technique? 

The counterstain treatment is performed to release the fascia tension, increase range of motion, and decrease pain from areas of stiffness.  It is not uncommon to have pain in overworked areas and areas that have experienced trauma to the body.  The counterstain form of therapy takes a holistic view. It considers the entire body, including the lymphatic system, nerves, fascia, organs, muscles, arteries, and veins.  Counterstain provides immediate relief by restoring normal function to various systems. It’s a painless technique suitable even for sensitive cases.

Fascia dysfunction is highly resistant to manipulation, massage, exercise, and medications.

It can be changed with a counterstain treatment.

 

How does fascia become tight?

Fascia can be restricted from surgeries, inflammation in your body like bronchitis or digestive issues, falls on ice or in sports and even car accidents. Fascia covers our organs and along with ligaments anchors our organs to the skeleton. Fascia can become restricted following a surgical procedure and is well documented in medical literature. Fascia can also become tight from stress in your life.  If it becomes tight you will have pain.

 

Fascia contains myofibroblasts. These smooth muscle cells are in the fascia and are attached to an extensive “lattice like” network of collagen fibers that allows fascia to contract. When fascia contracts it can cause pain and restriction just like muscles do. Even more interesting is that when fascia contracts it is capable of stimulating muscle stretch receptors (muscle spindles) and this will cause long term musculoskeletal pain. In other words, the pain from the contracted fascia can look like a common case of back, hip, shoulder, or neck pain that does not respond to traditional treatments like massage, traditional physical therapy, medication, and exercise.

 

What will I feel after having a counterstrain treatment?

By gently pushing the involved organ to “shorten” the anchoring fascia that hooks to the skeleton. A detailed knowledge of visceral anatomy and its anchoring system is an essential part of counterstrain treatment.  You will report an immediate pain reduction. You may be given small exercises to hold the treatment in place for longer periods of time.  In the past, you may have had a treatment where your pain went away but it eventually can go back. That’s why it is so important for us to look at the whole body and not just the sore area. By treating the whole body, you have a better chance of the pain going away and staying away!