Perspectives On Counterstrain From The  PT Staff : Brooke Leonard, PTA

As a Physical Therapist Assistant, I’ve always been dedicated to helping patients find relief from pain and dysfunction. But for years, much of my work focused on symptom management—reducing pain, improving mobility, and strengthening weak areas. While these methods had value, I often found that patients required weeks or even months of therapy, often returning with recurring issues. That changed when I discovered Counterstrain.

Counterstrain has completely transformed how I treat patients. Unlike traditional methods that often chase symptoms, Counterstrain looks at the body as a whole, identifying and addressing the root cause of dysfunction. It’s based on the idea that pain is often a result of protective reflexes—automatic responses in the body that, if left untreated, can lead to chronic dysfunction.

One of the most powerful aspects of Counterstrain is its precision. Through a technique called the fascial “head scan,” we can pinpoint exactly which areas of the body are in distress—even when the symptoms show up somewhere else. For example, a patient may present with chronic knee pain, but the scan reveals a dysfunction in the visceral fascia surrounding the intestines. Once that area is released, the knee pain disappears—no direct knee treatment needed.

I’ve seen clients who had tried traditional PT and were doing 2-3 visits a week over several months make dramatic improvements in just a few sessions. This is because we’re not just treating the pain—we’re resolving the underlying cause. One patient came to me with persistent low back pain after months of traditional therapy. Using Counterstrain, we found restrictions in the venous system and autonomic nerves that were contributing to the pain. After three visits, they were pain-free and back to their normal activities.

What makes Counterstrain truly unique is its holistic view. Every system—musculoskeletal, lymphatic, visceral, neural—is connected, and dysfunction in one area can ripple throughout the body. This approach has taught me to listen more carefully, assess more thoroughly, and treat more effectively.

Counterstrain has not only elevated the outcomes I see in my patients—it has reignited my passion for physical therapy. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch someone walk out of the clinic pain-free after years of suffering, knowing we addressed the actual cause of their problem.

If you’re tired of chasing symptoms, I encourage you to explore what Counterstrain can offer. It’s not just a technique—it’s a game-changer.

PATIENT TESTIMONY:
“Several times when I didn’t know what else to try, I called Restore & Renew. I’ve found that Lindsey Topping and her team should NOT be a last resort. Whatever problems I presented , knees, vertigo, stiff neck, etc., they tackled it all with knowledge, skill, gentle touch and pressure. I don’t understand how Counterstrain works, but the treatments are effective, and it’s wonderful to be pain free!”
Cindy S.

SMALL FAMILY FARM CSA Pick-UP

Pick -up for produce that you previously signed up for is Wednesday from 1-5 on a rotating customer basis. You will receive notification of your pick-up week from Small Family Farms. (Please be sure to bring a bag or box to transfer the produce from the CSA box to yours. The CSA box(es) must remain at the pick-up site and  reused  every week. If you do not pick up your produce within two days of drop-off, the produce will be distributed to others. Please contact Small Family Farms if you have an issue with pick-up or Restore & Renew if you need to wait a day or so to get product after drop-off. 

Share this post

Loading...