Imagine a bodywork technique that could address you as a whole human. Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy that works by releasing trapped inflammation from the small fluid-filled spaces within your body’s connective tissue, known as the interstitium. When inflammation becomes stuck in these spaces, it chemically irritates pain receptors (nociceptors), keeping your body in a persistent protective or “guarded” state — even long after an original injury or trigger.
Specific tender points are located across multiple body systems. These points can be subthreshold — meaning they are not painful until touched — but they indicate areas of fascial dysfunction that needs to be addressed. By gently compressing, shortening, or repositioning the involved tissue, the treatment creates a release at the cellular level that opens up space within the interstitium, allowing the lymphatic system to drain accumulated inflammatory substances and restore normal tissue function.
This process works across several systems simultaneously — including the musculoskeletal, visceral, lymphatic, arterial, and nervous systems — which is why treatment of one area can bring relief in seemingly unrelated regions of the body. The goal is to progressively move your system back toward homeostasis. This supports the principle of the body’s innate ability to heal.
History: An expanded osteopathic approach
Brian Tuckey, PT, OCS, JSCCI developed this technique after years of studying with Laurence Jones, DO of the strain counterstrain technique. This technique comes out of Dr. Jones’s work in osteopathic medicine expands to impact all areas of the body, not just the musculoskeletal system. He continues to refine this technique as he continues to learn.
What can it help?
It can help a wide range of systemic conditions including but not limited to chronic inflammation or edema, weakness, digestive dysfunction, neuropathies, endocrine dysfunction, migraine and non-migraine headaches, concussion or traumatic brain injuries, dysautonomias or POTS, visual disturbances, tachycardia, CRPS, joint pain including hEDS, peripheral arterial disease, balance disorders, depression, impaired immune system function, even systemic conditions like fibromyalgia. This is a personalized approach to your unique body’s needs.
Ready to experience the magic of Fascial Counterstrain (FCS)?
If you are ready to move past temporary fixes and support your body’s innate ability to heal from the inside out, Fascial Counterstrain may be a missing piece to your health journey.
Discover fascial counterstrain approach for your unique needs. Schedule today to get started!