Counterstrain techniques

Coimterstrain Technique. Counterstrain techniques are used by osteopaths to treat joint dysfunction and relieve pain. These techniques place the affected joint... 

FIG. 39-2 Counterstrain technique for anterior tender points upper thoracic spine. 

FIG. 39-4 Counterstrain technique for anterior TIO tender point knees rotated to side of tender point. 

FIG. 39-7 Counterstrain technique for posterior tender point mid-thoracic spine. Tender point is to the right siight rotation is induced to the ieft. 

FIG. 39-8 Counterstrain technique for tender point of lower thoracic spine. 

She was treated with gentle myofascial, soft-tissue teehniques to the paravertebral muscles and all tender points were treated with counterstrain techniques. She was given gentle stretching and flexibility exercises. She was given instructions on care of the back, especially how and what she could lift, and how to prevent falls. She was given a prescription for alendronate. She was treated with osteopathic manipulation weekly for 3 weeks, then every 2 weeks for 2 months. The somatic dysfunctions resolved and she had less back pain. 

The counterstrain tender points of the lumbar spine are named for the dysfunctional lumbar vertebrae. Anterior tender points are treated with the patient supine and posterior tender points are treated with the patient prone. Many of the counterstrain techniques for lumbar somatic dysfunctions are facilitated by slight rotation of the patient s thighs and pelvis, and by resting some part of the patient s leg on the physician s thigh or knee. 

FIG. 72-7 Lateral view of counterstrain technique for elevated ribs. 

FIG. 72-6 Counterstrain technique for elevation of second through eighth ribs. 

The fingers of the operator s hands are interlaced and laid palm up on the table under the patient s head. The thenar eminence of each hand is placed against the patient s head laterally on the occiput. Gentle, rhythmic pressure is applied to the head by pressing the hands together and releasing them. A counterstrain technique is applied in the same manner. The pressure is main-... 

In the maxillary sinuses, the tender points are over the infraorbital nerves. An effective counterstrain technique for the maxillary sinuses... 

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