Counterstrain for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and other conditions

Introduction‍

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a hereditary disorder affecting connective tissues, often leading to chronic musculoskeletal pain, joint hypermobility, and a host of other systemic complications. These conditions make daily activities challenging for those with EDS. Counterstrain, an innovative and gentle osteopathic technique, has shown promising results in managing pain and restoring function for individuals with EDS and associated conditions. This article explores how Counterstrain can help address the pain and dysfunction caused by EDS, including comorbid conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), migraines, and idiopathic neuropathy.

What is Counterstrain?‍

Counterstrain is a non-invasive, passive technique developed by Dr. Lawrence Jones in the 1950s. It is based on identifying tender points in the body and using gentle positioning to alleviate tension in muscles and fascia, thus reducing pain. Counterstrain works by addressing abnormal muscle spindle activity that contributes to muscle guarding and nociceptor activation. This results in the relaxation of tissues, reduction of pain, and restoration of normal function.

For individuals with EDS, whose connective tissues are prone to fragility and injury, the gentle and controlled nature of Counterstrain makes it an ideal therapeutic option.

Counterstrain for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)‍

Individuals with EDS experience chronic pain due to joint hypermobility, frequent dislocations, and tissue fragility. Traditional treatment approaches, such as bracing, medications, and physical therapy, often provide limited relief. Counterstrain offers an alternative that targets the underlying fascial and muscular dysfunction contributing to pain in EDS. By addressing fascial restrictions, improving lymphatic drainage, and calming the nervous system, Counterstrain helps reduce pain, enhance mobility, and improve the overall quality of life for EDS patients.

In a case study of a patient with EDS, the application of osteopathic manipulative techniques, including Counterstrain, led to significant improvements in musculoskeletal symptoms, as well as respiratory and gastrointestinal discomfort. The patient reported improvements in pain levels from 5/10 to 1/10 following treatment, along with increased ease of breathing and reduced gastrointestinal symptoms. These results highlight the potential of Counterstrain to address not only musculoskeletal pain but also systemic symptoms commonly associated with EDS.

Counterstrain for Comorbid Conditions in EDS

POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)‍

POTS is a condition affecting the autonomic nervous system, often seen in individuals with EDS. It causes symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, brain fog, and heart palpitations upon standing. Fascial Counterstrain can address the dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system by targeting the fascia surrounding autonomic nerves and blood vessels. This fascia can tighten or spasm in response to injury or stress, restricting blood flow and exacerbating POTS symptoms.

By releasing these fascial restrictions, Counterstrain restores normal function to the autonomic nerves and blood vessels, reducing symptoms such as dizziness and improving circulation. Patients with POTS often experience improved tolerance to standing, reduced dizziness, and overall better autonomic function after Counterstrain therapy.

Counterstrain for Migraines‍

Migraines are a common complaint in individuals with EDS, often triggered by stress, poor blood flow, and nerve tension. Counterstrain addresses these issues by reducing tension in the dura (the protective layer surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and improving blood flow in and out of the head. Migraines can be exacerbated by fascial restrictions around cranial nerves, which contribute to pain and visual disturbances. Counterstrain works to release these restrictions, allowing for better vascular and neurological function.

In addition to relieving head pain, Counterstrain has been found to improve other migraine-related symptoms, such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and cognitive difficulties. By addressing the root causes of cranial tension, this technique offers a holistic solution to managing migraines.

Counterstrain for Idiopathic Neuropathy‍

Idiopathic neuropathy involves nerve damage with no clear cause, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain. In patients with EDS, this condition can be particularly debilitating due to the compromised connective tissues surrounding the nerves. Counterstrain helps by releasing fascial tension around the nerves and improving lymphatic drainage, allowing for better circulation and reducing inflammation around the affected nerves.

As the fascia surrounding the nerves becomes less restricted, nerve function improves, leading to a reduction in symptoms such as tingling and numbness. Counterstrain also targets the spinal cord and other structures to enhance the overall nervous system function, further promoting nerve healing and symptom resolution.

Other Conditions that May Benefit from Counterstrain‍

Fascial Counterstrain has been shown to provide significant relief for a variety of conditions beyond EDS. Some of the common conditions that benefit from Counterstrain include:

• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
• Athletic Injury/Post-Event Recovery RX
• Anxiety Disorders
• Bell’s Palsy
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Chronic Pain (Neck, Back, Extremities)
• Digestive Disorders/IBS
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches (Migraine, Tension, Cluster)
• Idiopathic Neuropathy
• Lyme Disease/Tick-borne Illness
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Sciatica
• Spinal Instability
• Sprained/Torn Ligaments
• Tendinitis
• TMJ Dysfunction
• Whiplash

Mechanisms Behind Counterstrain's Effectiveness‍

Counterstrain works through several physiological mechanisms that make it effective in treating chronic pain and systemic dysfunction:

1. Reduction of Fascial Tension: Fascial tension can lead to restricted mobility and pain. By releasing tension, Counterstrain improves circulation and reduces pain.
2. Improved Lymphatic Drainage: The technique helps remove inflammatory substances from the interstitium, reducing swelling and chronic pain. This is particularly important for patients with conditions like EDS, where inflammation plays a central role.
3. Normalization of Muscle Spindle Activity: Counterstrain quiets overactive muscle spindles, reducing muscle guarding and restoring normal muscle function.
4. Reduction of Sympathetic Nervous System Activation: By relaxing tissues, Counterstrain decreases sympathetic nervous system activity, reducing vasoconstriction and muscle tension that contribute to chronic pain and conditions like POTS.

Conclusion‍

Counterstrain is a valuable non-invasive treatment option for individuals with EDS and its associated conditions, such as POTS, migraines, and idiopathic neuropathy. By addressing fascial tension, improving lymphatic drainage, and restoring nervous system function, Counterstrain offers a holistic approach to managing pain and systemic dysfunction. As demonstrated in case studies, Counterstrain has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions, providing lasting relief from both musculoskeletal and systemic symptoms.

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References:

1. Tuckey, Brian, et al. "Impaired Lymphatic Drainage and Interstitial Inflammatory Stasis in Chronic Musculoskeletal and Idiopathic Pain Syndromes: Exploring a Novel Mechanism." Frontiers in Pain Research, vol. 2, Aug. 2021, doi:10.3389/fpain.2021.691740.
2. Khokhar, Daniel, et al. "The Benefits of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on a Patient With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome." Cureus, vol. 15, no. 5, May 2023, doi:10.7759/cureus.38698.
3. Counterstrain. Conditions. https://counterstrain.com/. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.

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