Fascial Counterstrain
Gentle Positional Release for Deep Connective Tissue Spasms
An extraordinarily effective gentle passive technique that places the body into comfortable positions of ease, deactivating involuntary neuromuscular reflex spasms trapped in connective tissue, relieving tension and pain.
Therapeutic Rationale & Clinical Focus
Fascial Counterstrain is an advanced, gentle manual therapy developed to diagnose and release involuntary protective spasms throughout the body's fascial system. Fascia is the continuous three-dimensional web of connective tissue enveloping every muscle, nerve, blood vessel, and organ. Following trauma, repetitive strain, or surgery, the nervous system can trigger deep protective contractions that become locked in place for years, generating persistent tension and restricted movement.
How This Therapy Works in the Body
Unlike conventional therapies that attempt to aggressively stretch or force a tight muscle to lengthen, Fascial Counterstrain works in the exact opposite direction. The practitioner identifies specific diagnostic tender points (tender reflexes), and gently positions the patient's body into a position of maximal comfort and tissue shortening (the position of ease). By removing all strain from the guarded structure for 90 seconds, the nervous system deactivates the protective reflex arc, allowing the fascia to release naturally.
What a Session Involves
- 1 Sessions are performed with you fully clothed in comfortable, flexible attire.
- 2 Karise gently palpates specific reflex indicator points along the body to locate active fascial restrictions.
- 3 Once a tender point is located, she carefully guides your limb, torso, or neck into a position of total slack and relief.
- 4 You simply relax in this supported position for approximately 90 seconds while the neurological loop resets.
- 5 You are slowly returned to neutral, and the tender point is re-checked to confirm the spasm has dissolved.
Key Outcomes & Advantages
Completely painless and non-invasive, ideal for sensitive or acute discomfort
Deactivates deep protective holding patterns that conventional stretching cannot reach
Relieves tension in connective tissues surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and joints
Encourages profound nervous system relaxation and restorative structural alignment
Frequently Asked Questions
When tissue has been injured or stressed, the nervous system locks it into a protective spasm to prevent further tearing. Trying to aggressively stretch this contracted tissue often causes the nervous system to fight back harder. By gently shortening the tissue, we fool the protective sensors into letting down their guard, resetting the spasm.
Begin Your Journey to Natural Relief
Contact Mission Health & Wellness today to schedule a consultation with Fred and Karise Lewin.