An exceptionally gentle positional release technique that quiets muscle spasm, eliminates tender points, and restores comfortable movement - one-on-one in your own home.
Strain-Counterstrain is an indirect manual therapy technique developed by osteopath Lawrence Jones in the 1950s and refined over decades of clinical use. It is based on the observation that muscles and joints sometimes become trapped in a self-perpetuating cycle of protective spasm following injury, overuse, or postural strain. The technique works by moving the body into a position of maximum comfort - away from the painful direction rather than into it - allowing the nervous system to release its protective hold on the affected tissue.
Your therapist finds a specific tender point in the muscle, fascia, or near the joint, then slowly positions your body until the tenderness drops by at least 70%. That comfortable position is held for 90 seconds while the proprioceptive reflex resets. When the body is slowly returned to neutral, the spasm is gone and the range of motion that was previously painful is often restored immediately. Because there is no force, no thrust, and no pushing into pain, Strain-Counterstrain is ideal for people in acute pain, those with osteoporosis, or anyone who has found other manual techniques too intense.
Your licensed therapist works through the tender points most relevant to your pain and movement limitations, methodically resetting each one with your body supported comfortably by your own furniture.
We locate specific tender points in the muscles and soft tissues that are maintaining your pain pattern, using gentle palpation to confirm each site.
Your body is guided into the exact position that reduces tenderness by at least 70%, fully supported so you can relax completely into the release.
The position is held while the nervous system releases its protective spasm signal - you feel the tissue soften and the tenderness fade.
We slowly return you to neutral, then reassess movement and tenderness to confirm the release and identify the next tender point to address.
Acute neck and back spasm making it painful to turn, bend, or straighten up.
Chronic muscle tension and tender points that have persisted for months or years.
Post-surgical pain and guarding limiting early movement after a procedure.
Hip and sacroiliac joint pain with protective spasm restricting walking and standing.
Shoulder and rotator cuff tightness reducing arm reach and overhead function.
Rib and thoracic pain making deep breathing or twisting uncomfortable.
Strain-Counterstrain works best when you are completely relaxed. In your own home - in your own chair or on your own bed - that relaxation comes naturally, deepening the release.
When pain is severe or bones are fragile, traveling to a clinic is its own ordeal. We come to you, meaning care reaches you at the moment you need it most.
Strain-Counterstrain requires patience and sensitivity. Your therapist works without interruption, giving every tender point the full time it needs to release completely.
Strain-Counterstrain is a uniquely well-suited technique for in-home physical therapy. Because the method depends on your body being fully relaxed and positioned in comfort, your own familiar environment - your favorite chair, your own bed, the surfaces you trust - provides an ideal therapeutic setting. Your therapist can also observe exactly which activities trigger your tender points and tailor the release sequence accordingly.
Our in-home Strain-Counterstrain therapy is covered by Medicare Part B with no homebound requirement, and we serve Monroe Township, Freehold, East Windsor, North Brunswick, Manalapan, and Princeton. We verify your benefits before your first visit so care begins without delay.
Strain-Counterstrain is a gentle indirect manual therapy technique where your therapist positions your body to shorten and relax a tender, spasming muscle until tenderness decreases by at least 70%. Held for 90 seconds, this allows the nervous system to release protective spasm and restore pain-free movement - with no force or discomfort.
No - it is one of the gentlest manual therapy techniques available. There is no thrusting, no forceful stretching, and no pushing into pain. It is an excellent choice for people in acute pain, those with osteoporosis, or anyone who has found other hands-on techniques too uncomfortable.
Yes. In-home physical therapy that includes Strain-Counterstrain is covered under Medicare Part B with no homebound requirement. Focus Rehabilitation verifies your benefits before your first visit so there are no billing surprises.
Many patients notice meaningful improvement in muscle tension and pain within two to four sessions. Your therapist reassesses after each visit and adjusts the plan based on your response, working toward the fewest sessions needed to achieve lasting relief.
Schedule your free consultation today. We'll verify your insurance and answer every question before care begins.