Counterstrain: Gentle Osteopathic Release for Acute Pain
How our osteopaths use counterstrain — a gentle positional-release technique — to calm acute pain and sensitive tissue.
What is counterstrain?
Counterstrain is a gentle, indirect osteopathic technique developed by Dr Lawrence Jones. Your osteopath locates a tender point, positions the body in a direction of ease and holds it for around 90 seconds while the nervous system down-regulates the protective muscle spasm around it.
How we use it in the clinic
At Osteopath Mitcham we use counterstrain when tissue is too irritable for direct pressure — think acute low back spasm, whiplash, rib pain in pregnancy, or a client who simply doesn't tolerate deep work. It is one of the most patient-friendly osteopathic techniques available.
Common conditions we treat
Acute lower back pain, neck sprains, headaches, rib restrictions, sacroiliac pain, post-surgical sensitivity and flare-ups of chronic pain. Counterstrain pairs beautifully with myofascial release and joint mobilisation later in the treatment plan.
What to expect
You should feel almost nothing during the technique — that's the point. Most clients report an immediate reduction in local tenderness and a sense of the area 'switching off.' Book an osteopathic assessment to see whether counterstrain suits your presentation. Osteopath Mitcham — hands-on osteopathy at Lifestyle Essentials, 503 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham.
Book an osteopathic assessment
Our Mitcham osteopaths can talk you through your own presentation and build a plan tailored to you.