What is Strain Counterstrain?

The Strain-CounterStrain (SCS) method was developed by Dr. Lawrence H. Jones, D.O., F.A.A.O, in the 1950’s. He discovered that placing the body into positions of comfort and returning from them slowly could permanently reduce musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Jones defined SCS in his book Jones Strain-CounterStrain (1995) as the following:  

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“1. Relief of rheumatic pain by placing the joint in its position of greatest comfort. 2. Relief of false messages of continuing strain arising in dysfunctioning proprioceptor reflexes, by applying a gentle stretch in the direction opposite that of the false messages of strain. This is accomplished by shortening the muscle containing the inappropriate tension or strain message so much that it stops reporting strain. The body in normal positions can suffer this pain for years yet have it stopped in ninety seconds of the opposite strain.”

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What is Fascial Counterstrain?

Fascia is the connective tissue network that holds our cells together. Because of its interconnection with our nerves, organs, muscles, vascular system etc., a disruption of the fascia can affect our health in many ways. Hence, an effective assessment and treatment of the fascia can help with a wide variety of conditions pertaining to different body systems.

 

Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) is an expansion of Dr. Jones’ work that has been developed by  Brian Tuckey, PT. Mr. Tuckey established a system-specific approach that allows the therapist to target the very cause of your dysfunction via a unique cranial scan. He defines FCS as the following:

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“Skilled, passive manipulation of the body’s deep fascial proprioceptors with goal of normalization of associated  nocifensive and nociautonomic reflexes that maintain spinal cord sensitization. The observable effects of which include: decreased nociception, decreased inflammation, improved flexibility, improved proprioception, normalization of muscle tone and improved performance.”

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Contact Us!

Don’t put off seeking treatment any longer.  If you wait to take care of the problem it will take longer to heal your condition.

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If you are wondering if we can help and have questions about the Strain and Fascial Counterstrain Techniques or would like to make an appointment please feel free to contact us.

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*Portions of the above content used by permission of the Jones Strain Counterstrain Institute.