FCS Clinic - Counterstrain

Counterstrain is a gentle, pain-free manual therapy that helps releases the fascia, allowing inflammation to drain away from that body part, which lets the reflex to reset.

Counterstrain is a gentle, whole-body wellness technique that can be beneficial at any stage of your health journey.


At PFM Physio, Counterstrain is offered to both men and women experiencing persistent pelvic floor dysfunction, IBS, endometriosis, menstrual pain, and prostatitis. This approach looks beyond the site of your symptoms. The body can express its problems both locally and globally. A broken bone is a local problem that needs local treatment. By identifying and releasing these hidden areas of tension, Counterstrain supports your body’s natural ability to recover and restore balance.



Inflammation becomes trapped by tight fascia. Fascia is "packing material" that wraps around our body parts to position them effectively. Fascia needs to be flexible, but it also has a safety reflex to "tighten up" if the body part is being forced to move more than is safe. Counterstrain releases the fascia, allowing the inflammation to drain away from that body part, which lets the reflex to reset- like resetting the safety switch on an electrical board.


Common symptoms that can benefit from Counterstrain:


  • Pelvic pain or heaviness
  • Pain with intimacy (Dyspareunia)
  • Coccyx pain
  • IBS
  • Endometriosis
  • Prostatitis
  • Menstrual pain
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction


How PFM Physio can help.


If you've been experiencing symptoms for more than 3 months, many patients experience relief from Counterstrain often when other treatments have plateaued.


Our team listen carefully to your symptoms, medical history and goals and complete a gentle examination of posture, movement, and pelvic floor function with your consent to identify restricted points. We'll then place your body into fascia specific positions which are held briefly to allow inflammation to drain away from that body part. Most people describe the process as calming, often noticing immediate relief of tension or pain in the area being treated. Relief of your symptoms will follow as the layers of restriction are released.


We'll explain what's contributing to your symptoms and outline a tailored plain which may include further Counterstrain, exercise and advice to support you at home. We'll work with you step-by-step and can also liaise with your GP or specialist to ensure comprehensive care.


If you think Counterstrain could benefit you, we're here to help!