When we experience trauma—meaning any significant physical injury such as sprains, tendinopathies, bursitis, overuse injuries, or recovery after surgery; emotional challenges like chronic stress, life strain, or ongoing fatigue; or immune-related issues including infections or autoimmune conditions—the body often responds with inflammation, a natural process that helps protect and begin the healing journey. If that inflammation is intense, long-lasting, layered over previous injuries, or if we're already in a compromised or disease state, the natural healing process can become delayed or disrupted. In response, the body may begin to guard itself, causing muscles, nerves, blood vessels—even organs—to tighten reflexively. These protective spasms can persist and spread, creating widespread tenderness and dysfunction through a combination of inflammation, reflex activity, and the nervous system’s ongoing response to real or perceived threat.

Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) is a gentle, hands-on technique that addresses these underlying sources of pain and dysfunction. Using precise body positioning and light compression, FCS identifies and releases deep fascial restrictions in muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and even organs. This reduces strain, calms protective reflexes, and restores healthy circulation and lymphatic flow.

Unlike forceful methods, Counterstrain works with the body—gently and precisely—to support natural healing, relieve pain, and create lasting change.