Strain and Counterstrain (SCS) is a gentle soft tissue manipulation technique developed by Dr. Lawrence Jones D.O. over 40 years. This revolutionary technique, which is effective in treating pain, limitations in strength, and range of motion, allows a therapist to painlessly “release” muscle and connective tissue spasms from all areas and systems of the human body.
Because Strain and Counterstrain yields lasting results and has no side effects, it has numerous applications in the rehabilitative setting.
The Jones Institute was established in 1988 by Dr. Lawrence Jones, D.O., F.A.A.O. and Randall Kusunose, P.T., O.C.S. The Jones Institute offers post-graduate SCS seminars for healthcare professionals throughout the United States.
What is SCS?
SCS, originally called “positional release technique”, was developed in 1955 by an osteopathic physician named Lawrence Jones. Strain and Counterstrain is a manual therapy technique, meaning the clinician only uses his hands to treat muscle and joint pain and dysfunction. In observing a skilled Strain and Counterstrain practitioner you will immediately be impressed with how gentle and non-traumatic this technique is for treating the painful patient. A clinician is quickly able to assess the entire body for areas of pain and dysfunction. Strain and Counterstrain use passive body positioning of muscles in spasm and dysfunctional joints toward positions of comfort or tissue ease that compresses or shortens the offending structures. The purpose of movement toward shortening is to relax aberrant reflexes that produce the muscle spasm forcing immediate reduction of tone to normal levels. This allows the joints influenced by the now relaxed muscle to function optimally increasing its range of motion and easing muscle pain. Strain and Counterstrain is an effective but extremely gentle technique because its action for treatment moves the patient’s body away from the painful, restrictive directions of motion.
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Beyond being the premier mobile physical therapy provider in the area, it is the goal of Prime Physical Therapy to be a highly respected leader within the rehabilitation model and more importantly within the community of NEPA and surrounding towns. Our in-home physical therapy services assist patients as diverse as the elderly, the weekend warriors, and the future stars just getting started in their sport.
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There are no rushed appointments, so you can always expect a high-quality healthcare provider experience. Our sessions include detailed evaluations, skilled whole-body integrated treatments, and continuity of care. Our therapy and wellness providers are also credentialed as Doctors of Physical Therapy, so you can work comfortably knowing they are dedicated practitioners with the experience and expertise necessary to guide your recovery or training.
Who can benefit from Strain and Counterstrain?
It can be used for the very acute traumas (i.e., sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, ankle sprains, post-surgical, etc.) to the more chronic (i.e., osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, TMJ pain, headaches, etc.). Its value with the acute patient is unmatched because it is so gentle and non-traumatic. The clinician is guided by what feels good to the patient and often dramatic changes are made in decreased pain, muscle guarding, and swelling. These changes facilitate the patient’s healing processes for a faster and more complete recovery. The gentleness of strain and counterstrain makes it safe and effective for treating fragile patients (i.e., infants with torticollis, elderly patients with osteoporosis, stress fractures, pregnancy or pelvic pain patients, postoperative pain, etc.) and the pain associated with excessive joint motion or hypermobility. Strain and Counterstrain are valuable for the chronic pain patient because it will treat a longstanding neuromuscular problem by reducing the tone of a muscle in spasm. By diminishing the spasm, muscle pain is abated and joint function is normalized.
For more information on Strain/Counterstrain and to see if you are a good candidate, come see our physical therapists in Plains, PA or Mountain Top, PA at Prime Physical Therapy for an appointment.
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