Manipulations, osteopathic counterstrain

Lawrence Jones, an osteopathic family practitioner in Oregon, developed the counterstrain techmcpie. In 1955, he chanced on its discoveiy during the treatment of a patient with severe psoas spasm who had not responded to previous chiropractic or conventional osteopathic manipulation. After positioning the patient into a position of comfort, he left him on the table for a time and, when the man arose, he was pain-free. Dr. Jones spent many years perfecting the technique before introducing it to the profession. 

Once the acute inflammation has subsided, some tissue tension will still remain. Range of motion will improve but may still be limited. The patient may now be treated with appropriate osteopathic manipulative techniques to the injured area or wherever somatic dysfunction is found. Muscle energy, counterstrain, lymphatic drainage techniques, cranial, and facilitated positional release techniques may be used judiciously. Thrusting techniques should not be used until the soft tissues are no longer boggy and warm. If necessary, they may be used to correct stubborn somatic dysfunctions with firm barriers to motion. 

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. 

Left piriformis syndrome was diagnosed and was treated with osteopathic manipulation. The sacral shear was treated with a muscle energy technique and the tender points were treated with counterstrain. She was given a piriformis stretch to perform at home three time daily. She experienced immediate improvement after the treatment. 

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