Counterstrain Flashcards
When and who made Counterstrain?
1955 and Lawrence Jones, DO (spontaneous release by positioning)
What did counterstrain used to be called?
Strain-counterstrain
Define Counterstrain
An Osteopathic system of diagnosis and indirect treatment in which the patient’s somatic dysfunction, diagnosed by an associated myofascial tender point, is treated by using a position of spontaneous tissue release while simultaneously monitoring the tenderpoint
Why was strain-counterstrain once a name for it?
Considered to be related to a continuing inappropriate strain reflex
Describe the counterstrain tenderpoints
Counterstrain tender points are discrete, NON RADIATING, hyperalgesic areas in the myofascial (muscle and fascia) tissues. The named points are found at consistent anatomical locations.
What initial position did Lawrence Jones put the patient in?
One of comfort
Initially only what was identified?
Posterior points, but later determined anterior points as well
What year did Dr. Jones publish his first paper?
1964
When was Dr. Jones thesis published?
1980
What 3 theories provide the clinical efficacy of counterstrain?
- Proprioceptive theory
- Sustained abnormal metabolism theory
- Impaired ligamento-muscular reflex theory
Proprioceptive Theory
Tender points develop when local muscle fibers are maintained in a hypertonic state due to an inappropriate proprioceptive reflex during the initiation of somatic dysfunction
What are the 2 phases to proprioceptive theory?
- Sudden lengthening of a shortened muscle, or overstretching or overloading of a muscle
- Defensively initiated contraction of that muscle in an effort to prevent injury.
Sustained Abnormal Metabolism Theory
Tissue injury alters local body position which affects local microcirculation and tissue metabolism.
What does localized ischemia do?
Reduces nutrient supply and removal of metabolic waste products to affected area
What is increased in SAMT?
Proinflammatory cytokine production