Introduction to Counterstrain

Counterstrain is a technique used in osteopathic medicine and osteopathy to treat somatic dysfunction. Counterstrain was developed by Larry Jones, D.O., whose dedicated research lead to the discovery and development of the Strain/Counterstrain method of diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems. Counterstrain is an important component of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). "Harmon L. Meyers, D.O. is a foremost practitioner and teacher of Counterstrain, which I have found to be extremely effective for relief of myofascial pain patterns and other musculoskeletal problems." Andrew Weil, M.D. Harmon has been elightened by successfully treating patients with longstanding headaches, GERD, IBS, anterior chest wall pain, positional vertigo, among other symptoms.

The Technique

In this technique, the physician identifies a point of maximum pain, called a tender point. Monitoring the tender point, the physician positions the patient to maximally relieve the discomfort. The physician holds the patient in the maximally relaxed position for about 90 seconds, and then slowly returns the patient to a neutral position. Success of treatment is evaluated by reassessing both the tender point and any accompanying loss of range of motion.

Physiological Basis

Tender points are foci of hypertonicity resulting from inappropriate reflexive muscular contracture. The physician breaks the reflex cycle by positioning the patient in such a way that the hypertonic tissue is maximally relaxed. This position eliminates or minimizes stimulation leading to reflex-mediated contraction. Relaxation results in restoration of range of motion and resolution of somatic dysfunction.

Sources

Ward, Robert C. et al.; Foundations for Osteopathic Medicine (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincot Williams and Wilkins. ISBN 0-7817-3497-5.

Meyers, Harmon L.; Clinical Applications of Counterstrain. Tucson, AZ: Osteopathic Press, a division of Tucson Osteopathic Medical Foundation, 2006. www.tomf.org.