What is Counterstrain?
Counterstrain is a hands-on, gentle and painless technique designed to target the specific tissues responsible for pain and limited joint mobility. This technique alleviates muscle and connective tissue tightness by allowing local areas of inflammation and restriction to dissipate. This is accomplished by positioning the body into ease and comfort and by direct gliding to shorten areas of restriction. There is an immediate reduction of pain and tension in the involved tissue as a result of relaxing aberrant reflexes. The treatment not only helps the muscles, but also the supportive network of connective fascial tissue that surrounds everything in the body.
Who can benefit from Counterstrain?
Due to the very gentle nature of the technique, it is good for acute pain (car accidents, sprains, strains, sports injuries, post surgical, etc). It is also beneficial for chronic pain conditions (fibromyalgia, arthritis, headaches, migraines, etc.) as it can treat long standing neuromuscular dysfunctions and release the deep fascial restrictions impacting the tone of a muscle in spasm. By reducing the source of the spasm, muscle pain is decreased and joint motion is restored. As it is a non-traumatic manual technique, it is also a safe and effective treatment for fragile patients (osteoporosis, infants, torticollis, stress fractures, pregnancy, hyper- mobility issues).
What should I expect from my first visit?
Your initial evaluation will take an hour in a private setting. Be prepared to discuss any issues you may have with pain, lack of mobility, and functional difficulties. This evaluation will include tests of range, strength, flexibility, and posture as well as checking for symmetry and imbalances throughout the body to identify any contributing factors to dysfunction. Comfortable loose fitting clothing helps your therapist complete a comprehensive evaluation. Please arrive early to your first visit to fill out paperwork. Bring any X-ray, MRI or other diagnostic reports you have related to the condition you are seeking therapy for.
Do I need a referral from a physician?
No. All therapists at Horizons Therapy work under a massage license to offer Counterstrain services. Some may also hold Physical Therapy licenses, but all treatments received at Horizons are performed under massage licenses.
Can I submit the expense to my insurance company for reimbursement?
Not for reimbursement for Physical Therapy services. Even if your therapist holds a PT degree and license, at Horizons they are treating you as a massage therapist. If your insurance company reimburses for massage therapy services, you can submit your receipt for reimbursement. For most insurance policies, this is not a covered service but check with yours to find out for sure.
Can I use my health savings account?
If your health savings account covers massage therapy services, then yes. We have no way of knowing if your account covers massage therapy. You will need to determine this yourself.
Can I continue to see my chiropractor or acupuncturist during the treatment period?
If there is benefit from other body work, please continue. If there is pain following other treatments, consider holding off while being treated with Counterstrain. If you are receiving other body work that release toxins as a result (massage, rolfing, etc.), then we advise not combing Counterstrain on the same day. Your body needs time to absorb these toxins and metabolites and to integrate the work.