What Is Fascial Counterstrain?
- Ashley Bercovici
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
"Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) is a therapeutic, hands-on method, designed to release spasm in all tissues of the human body. Every organ, nerve, artery, muscle, ligament, tendon, vein and lymphatic vessel in the human body can actively spasm and produce pain in a natural, protective response to injury. Once this reflex spasm is triggered it can persist, spread & form hundreds of tender points. FCS works to release the tissue in spasm and the corresponding tender point by gently unloading the injured structure.
Gentle body positioning and compression or shortening of the strained structure works to effect a therapeutic release. By positioning the body against the strain or by applying a “counterstrain”, the structure quickly relaxes, thus reducing tension and immediately alleviating this primary source of pain. The elimination of this strain is quickly verified by simply checking the point, which is frequently no longer tender." - Counterstrain.com
Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) is a hands-on, indirect osteopathic technique designed to relieve pain and dysfunction by addressing reflexive muscle guarding and fascial dysfunction. It is based on the work of Lawrence Jones, DO, and has been further refined to target the body's deep fascial systems.
Mechanism of Action
Protective Reflex Reset: FCS identifies tender, reflexive points in fascia, which represent areas of excessive tension due to past injury, inflammation, or stress.
Positional Release: The practitioner places the body or specific structure in a position of ease to shorten the involved tissues, allowing a neurologic "reset" that decreases pain and restores function.
Autonomic Influence: FCS works through the body's deep fascial network, influencing the autonomic nervous system and reducing sympathetic overdrive, which contributes to chronic pain and dysfunction.
Key Applications
Musculoskeletal Dysfunction: Addresses conditions like back pain, joint restrictions, and postural imbalances.
Visceral & Lymphatic Influence: Can improve organ mobility and fluid dynamics, aiding conditions such as digestive disorders and swelling.
Neural & Vascular Systems: Helps restore mobility and circulation by releasing tension in nerve and blood vessel fascia.
Clinical Benefits
Non-invasive and gentle, making it suitable for acute and chronic conditions.
Provides immediate symptom relief and long-term functional improvements.
Enhances recovery by improving tissue mobility and neuromuscular coordination.
What to Expect During a Fascial Counterstrain Session
During your Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) session, you can expect a calm, gentle, and highly personalized experience. The work is non-invasive and pain-free, making it ideal for both acute and chronic conditions. You come to your session wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to move in, and not overly baggy.
We begin with an assessment using a technique called cranial scanning. This specialized method involves light palpation of the head to detect subtle tensions and reflexes within the cranial fascia, which reflect dysfunction throughout the body. It’s a highly sensitive diagnostic tool that helps identify exactly where your body is holding protective reflexes or strain patterns—whether in muscles, nerves, organs, or vascular tissues.
Once areas of dysfunction are identified, I locate specific tender points in the fascia—these are small, reflexive spots that help confirm the body’s areas of distress. From there, I’ll gently position the affected body part into a position of ease—a relaxed, supported posture that shortens the surrounding tissues. This allows your nervous system to "reset" the reflex causing tension.
The work is subtle and relaxing—you might feel a light pressure, soft unwinding, or even a sensation of warmth or movement. There’s no painful prodding or deep pressure. Each release typically lasts 30–60 seconds before we return the body to neutral and reassess.
By the end of the session, most clients feel a noticeable reduction in pain, improved mobility, and a sense of overall ease and alignment.
Want to experience these amazing results for yourself? Book an appointment now to consult with our FCS professional to design a customized plan for you!
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