Cristina Shupe, PT -- Physical Therapist and Fascial Counterstrain Provider in San Francisco: Specializing in the treatment of chronic pain, injuries and conditions

Welcome to Calyx Physical Therapy

welcome to calyx physical therapy

 

Welcome to Calyx Physical Therapy
Specializing in Fascial Counterstrain for pain, injury, and recovery.

Located in the heart of San Francisco, Calyx Physical Therapy offers focused, one-on-one treatment using Fascial Counterstrain, an advanced manual therapy rooted in osteopathic principles. This gentle, precise approach is designed to identify and release strain patterns deep within the body’s fascial and neural systems.

Fascial Counterstrain is particularly effective for patients dealing with:

  • Chronic pain and unresolved injuries

  • Post-surgical recovery

  • Joint and muscle dysfunction

  • Pelvic pain (including pelvic floor muscle dysfunction), TMJD, and headaches

  • Conditions such as frozen shoulder, fibromyalgia, and muscle spasms

  • Conditions involving the autonomic or peripheral nervous systems

Many patients come to this clinic after trying other approaches without lasting relief. Its gentle approach makes it suitable for patients with sensitive conditions, and even certain neurological issues, providing relief without adding undue stress to the body. Sessions are quiet, hands-on, and tailored to address the underlying drivers of pain and dysfunction—not just the surface symptoms.

 

Conditions Treated

 
  • arthritis

    chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS)
    chronic neck mid or lower back pain
    chronic hip, knee pain
    coccydynia (tailbone pain)
    diastasis recti abdominis (DRE)
    recurring sprains
    pelvic girdle pain (sacroiliac joint dysfunction, pubic pain)
    repetitive-use injuries
    scapular and shoulder pain/rotator cuff injuries
    sciatica
    temporomandibular dysfunction (TMJ-D)

  • adrenal fatigue
    autonomic nervous system changes (chronic fatigue syndrome, dysautonomia)
    chronic cough
    post-concussive syndrome/whiplash injuries
    long COVID
    thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)
    vertigo (dizziness)

  • persistent pelvic floor tension myalgia (pain)/pelvic floor muscle dysfunction

    nerve pain (neuralgia) affecting the pelvic nerves

    vulvodynia (vulvar pain); vestibulodynia (vestibular pain)

    vaginismus (inability to tolerate vaginal penetration or tampon insertion)

    dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)

    URINARY CONDITIONS

    urinary incontinence: stress, urge, and mixed

    urgency and frequency; overactive bladder

    benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic non-bacterial prostatitis with pain and urinary symptoms due to PFM dysfunction

    painful bladder syndrome (PBS)/interstitial cystitis (IC)

  • lower GI issues:

    • chronic bloating

    • constipation/diarrhea

    • irritable bowel syndrome, pain

    upper GI issues:

    • gastritis

    • gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

    • abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia (APD)

  • postural wellness
    balance wellness
    pre and post-surgical wellness

  • Preoperative Application may reduce postoperative swelling and accelerate recovery by optimizing fascial health and therefore improving circulation to compromised tissues.

    Postoperative Benefits

    • Reduction of Swelling: By promoting lymph fluid movement, FCS may help decrease postoperative edema.

    • Detoxification: Enhanced lymphatic flow can assist in removing metabolic waste products from tissues.

  • shortness of breath
    chronic asthma
    restricted breathing, difficulty getting a deep breath

 

Cristina Shupe, Physical Therapist

Cristina is dedicated to helping patients recover from a broad range of chronic injuries and conditions. With extensive experience treating concerns such as neck, back, and pelvic pain conditions, as well as other persistent injuries, she brings both skill and empathy to her practice. Cristina founded Calyx Physical Therapy to provide high-quality, personalized, one-on-one care care that supports healing and enhances functional well-being for those facing chronic health challenges.

Whether you are dealing with chronic back or neck pain, vertigo, sciatica, post-surgical complications, post-concussive symptoms, or pelvic pain, Cristina is dedicated to helping your body find its best path to healing in a manner that resonates with you.