Manual Therapy

Strain Counter Strain

What is strain counter strain? Strain counter strain incorporates three therapies into one. These include the shortening of the affected muscle, the use of the trigger point, and monitoring the release of tissue resistance. This technique was first used by Lawrence Jones, DO and has continued its concept development with George Roth, DC; Kerry D’Ambrogio, PT; and Leota Janzen, PT. The purpose of placing the affected muscle in a shortened position is to relax the muscle as it releases its tension. The trigger point is not necessarily found on the painful area. Janzen explains this as the painful area being the victim and the muscle tightness being the villain. Frequently, the villain is opposite or diagonal to the painful site. The villain—the trigger point on the muscle causing the problems—must be released. Acupressure, light touch, electrical stimulation, and recoil while the muscle is in a shortened position are all techniques effectively used to release the trigger point and reduce the muscle tension. The person will experience a reduction in his or her painful symptoms and an improvement in motion and function.