7227 East Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ 85209, USA
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Physical Therapy Services
What Is Strain Counterstrain Therapy?
Strain Counterstrain therapy is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy technique used in physical therapy to reduce pain, muscle tension, and movement restrictions. Also known as Counterstrain technique, this approach focuses on relieving neuromuscular dysfunction by calming the nervous system and restoring normal muscle tone.
During Strain Counterstrain treatment, a licensed physical therapist identifies specific tender points in muscles, fascia, and connective tissue. The body is then positioned into a posture of comfort that shortens the affected tissue, allowing the nervous system to reset protective muscle guarding patterns. This process helps decrease pain without forceful stretching or joint manipulation.
Strain Counterstrain is widely used in orthopedic physical therapy, sports rehabilitation, and chronic pain management due to its safety and effectiveness.
Conditions Treated With Strain Counterstrain Therapy:
Strain Counterstrain physical therapy is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, especially when pain or muscle guarding limits movement. It is commonly used to treat:
- Neck pain and cervical spine dysfunction
- Low back pain and sciatica
- Muscle strains, spasms, and trigger points
- Shoulder pain, rotator cuff dysfunction, and frozen shoulder
- Hip pain, knee pain, and joint stiffness
- Headaches and tension-type migraines
- TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain
- Postural imbalances and movement dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions
- Pain following injury, surgery, or overuse
Because Strain Counterstrain is a non-invasive physical therapy technique, it is ideal for patients who are sensitive to pain or unable to tolerate aggressive manual therapy.
What to Expect During a Strain Counterstrain Physical Therapy Session:
Strain Counterstrain treatment sessions are designed to be comfortable, relaxing, and pain-free. Your physical therapist will begin with a thorough movement assessment to identify areas of dysfunction and locate tender points contributing to pain.
Once a tender point is found, the therapist gently positions your body into a position that significantly reduces tenderness—typically by at least 70%. This position is held for approximately 90 seconds, allowing the nervous system to normalize muscle tone and reduce pain signaling.
Patients often experience:
- Immediate pain relief
- Improved range of motion
- Decreased muscle tension
- Reduced sensitivity in affected areas
Strain Counterstrain therapy is frequently combined with corrective exercises, posture training, neuromuscular re-education, and therapeutic movement to support long-term recovery and prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Strain Counterstrain?
- Gentle and safe manual therapy technique
- Effective for acute and chronic pain conditions
- Appropriate for all ages and activity levels
- No forceful manipulation or painful stretching
- Integrates seamlessly with comprehensive physical therapy care
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**Our therapist will use a combination of techniques to tailored to each patients individual needs as per what she feels is most appropriate and beneficial unless a specific technique is requested.