Principles of Counterstrain

Question 1

The first paper published on counterstrain was in ________ and the first textbook was in ________.

Answer 1

1964, 1980

Question 2

The central region of intrafusal fibers are ________ and are innervated by ________.

Answer 2

Non-contractile, primary and secondary afferent sensory receptors

Question 3

The ________ theory proposes that a localized strain of a ligament reflexively inhibits muscular contractions that would increase the strain and stimulates muscular contractions that would reduce it.

Answer 3

Impaired ligamento-muscular reflex

Question 4

Identify tender points using your ________.

Answer 4

Finger pads

Question 5

What are the three proposed mechanisms for the development of tender points and the efficacy of counterstrain technique?

Answer 5

1) proprioceptive theory
2) sustained abnormal metabolism theory
3) impaired ligamentous-muscular reflex theory

Question 6

Counterstrain was originally called ________.

Answer 6

Spontaneous release by positioning (Jone’s Technique)

Question 7

The ________ theory proposes trauma causing tissue injury at the microscopic and biochemical levels which results in edema and a reduction of local nutrients. The tissue injury and neurochemical response causes localized neuronal sensitization or a tender point.

Answer 7

Sustained abnormal metabolism theory

Question 8

________ are able to register changes in muscle length.

Answer 8

Intrafusal fibers

Question 9

The ________ theory suggests altered motor neuron activity, which maintains opposing muscle contractions resulting in a tender point.

Answer 9

Proprioceptive

Question 10

When stimulated, ________ inhibit firing of their agonist muscle and stimulate firing of the antagonist group.

Answer 10

Golgi tendon organs

Question 11

Firing of the ________ causes the contractile portion of intrafusal fibers to increase tension. This results in the ________ to fire and causes the ________ to fire in response which results in extrafusal muscle fiber contraction.

Answer 11

Gamma motor neurons, sensory afferent neurons, α motor neurons

Question 12

The periphery of the central region of intrafusal fibers are ________ and are innervated by ________.

Answer 12

Contractile, gamma motor efferent neurons

Question 13

A ________ can be defined as a palpable area of swelling of fascia, muscle, connective tissue, and nerve fibers.

Answer 13

Tender point