This intensive one-day training is designed to equip healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding and practical proficiency in the Counterstrain Technique—a gentle, non-invasive manual therapy approach used to identify and treat somatic dysfunction via tender point release.
Unlike traditional soft tissue techniques, Counterstrain requires no oil, undressing, or deep pressure, making it a highly adaptable and patient-comfort-focused intervention. This course emphasizes both the theoretical underpinnings and clinical application of Counterstrain across multiple anatomical regions.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
Define and differentiate tender points from myofascial trigger points.
Understand the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the Counterstrain Technique.
Perform safe and effective identification and treatment of clinically relevant tender points in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, pelvic, and extremity regions.
Integrate Counterstrain into clinical decision-making for musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Provide patient education and apply treatment strategies with consideration of contraindications and safety guidelines.
Introduction to tender points: definition, pathophysiology, and historical context
Mechanisms of action: proprioceptive and neurological basis of Counterstrain
Distinctions between tender points and myofascial trigger points
Clinical indications, contraindications, and precautions
Step-by-step Counterstrain methodology: assessment, positioning, and release
Session 1 (Morning): Hands-on treatment of tender points in the cervical spine, thoracic region, and upper extremities
Session 2 (Afternoon): Hands-on treatment of tender points in the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremities
Clinical integration: identifying key lesions, sequencing treatment, and re-assessment
Senior Physiotherapist | Expert in Osteopathy & Manual Therapy
Time | Session |
---|---|
08:30 – 09:00 | Registration and Welcome Coffee |
09:00 – 09:30 | Introduction to Tender Points – Definition, Historical Background, and Mechanisms |
09:30 – 10:30 | Theory Session 1: Counterstrain Principles; Differentiating Tender Points vs. Trigger Points |
10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee Break |
10:45 – 12:30 | Hands-On Practical Session 1: Cervical, Thoracic, and Upper Extremity Tender Points |
12:30 – 13:15 | Lunch Break |
13:15 – 14:45 | Hands-On Practical Session 2: Lumbar, Pelvic, and Lower Limb Tender Points |
14:45 – 15:00 | Afternoon Refreshment Break |
15:00 – 16:15 | Patient Education, Clinical Application Tips, Identification of Key Lesions, and Integration |
16:15 – 16:45 | Q&A and Practical Review |
16:45 – 17:00 | Certificate Distribution |