Tender Points Release (counterstrain technique)

Identify the most painful anterior cervical tender point, rate tenderness to 10, position the head to comfort, hold 90 seconds, then reassess for at least 70% tenderness reduction.

Identify and treat posterior cervical tender points to relieve headaches and neck pain by finding most significant tender point, rating tenderness, monitoring tissue texture, holding a 90-second position, and re-evaluating.

Identify the most significant anterior thoracic tender point and assess tenderness. Position the patient to reduce tenderness by at least 70% for 90 seconds, and then return to neutral.

Identify the most tender posterior thoracic point, rate tenderness on 0–10 scale, move the patient to a position that reduces tenderness by at least 70%, hold 90 seconds, then reevaluate.

Release anterior costal tender points for ribs 1–6 by palpating, rating pain, passively moving to reduce tenderness by at least 70%, holding 90 seconds, and rechecking tenderness.

Learn to treat posterior costal tender points using counterstrain for ribs 1 and 2–6, identifying indications, positioning the patient to comfort, and maintaining the hold for 90 seconds.

Identify anterior pelvic tender points—psoas major, iliacus, psoas minor, and inguinal ligament pectineus. Use counterstrain to relieve thoracolumbar and groin pain by positioning, holding 90 seconds, then rechecking.

Identify posterior lumbar tender points (PL 1–5 and quadratus lumborum) and treat with counterstrain to relieve somatic dysfunction, then position, hold 90 seconds, and recheck pain.

Identify posterior pelvic tender points for counterstrain release—lower and upper L5 poles, high ilium sacroiliac, high ilium flare, pl3/pl4 lateral, and piriformis; hold 90 seconds to reduce pain by 70%.

Identify sacral tender points PS1 bilateral, PS2–PS4 midline, and PS5 bilateral linked to lumbar, pelvis, or sacral dysfunction. Apply counterstrain by positioning to hold for 90 seconds, then recheck.

Target the gastrocnemius tender point below the popliteal margin, apply counterstrain with knee flexion and plantar flexion to relieve somatic dysfunction in the calf, hold 90 seconds, then recheck.

Apply tender point release via counterstrain technique for hamstrings to treat lower-extremity somatic dysfunction, addressing medial and lateral hamstrings near semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris; hold 90 seconds, then recheck.

Identify the radial head lateral tender point at the supinator attachment, position to reduce pain, hold 90 seconds, and recheck the elbow dysfunction.

Practice safe self treatment for joint dysfunctions using the counterstrain method with gentle, passive positions that maximize comfort and reduce tenderness. Prioritize preventative maintenance and listen to your body.

Treat the mind, body, and spirit as an interconnected triad, addressing both specific parts and global function to improve interstitial fluid flow via the bowstring diaphragms and the eight diaphragms.

Identify the key lesion, the primary dysfunction that unlocks the body's healing when addressed early. Use four locating methods—systematic, observational, tablecloth pull, and movement transitions—and apply steady pressure for release.

Perform high ilium counterstrain to treat tender points one inch lateral to PSIS by extending the hip, positioning the leg, and holding 90 seconds to reset tissues and reduce pain.

Apply the high ilium flare-out counterstrain technique to treat tender points at the inferior lateral angle of the sacrum, holding about 90 seconds to relieve back, pelvic, and hip pain.

Learn the low ileum counterstrain technique to locate the tender point near the lateral pubic ramus, flex the hip and knee, hold 90 seconds, and recheck for pain reduction.

Learn iliopsoas counterstrain to locate tender points near the ASIS, hold a 90-second position to reduce pain, reassess, and guide follow-up iliopsoas stretches, noting contraindications for lumbar/hip fracture or dislocation.

Master sacrum counterstrain to relieve sacral tender points linked to back and pelvic pain. Use prone assessment, indirect pressure, a 90-second hold, and release, noting contraindications like acute sacral fracture.

Identify tender point at inferior lateral angle of the sacrum, apply mid pole sacroiliac counterstrain to address back, pelvic, and hip pain, adjust leg position, and hold for 90 seconds.

Perform piriformis counterstrain to relieve buttock and sciatic-like pain. Locate the buttock tender point, flex the hip to 90 degrees, abduct and externally rotate, hold 90 seconds, then retest.