Fascial Counterstrain for the Nervous System

The Nervous System is the body’s master system, controlling our perception of pain, movement, senses, digestion, vascular flow, cognition, coordination, balance and emotional responses. Fascial dysfunction of the nervous system can adversely impact all these functions, thus it is one of the most important systems to address with Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) therapy.

How can the Nervous System be Treated With FCS?

Like all soft tissues in the body, the nervous system is enveloped entirely in deep fascia. The specialized fascia of the nervous system is called the epineurium. Over 50% of every nerve is comprised of fascia. This is true of all nerves in the human body, including the autonomic nerves that supply organs and vessels, and even the cranial nerves that control our senses.  Since all fascia is contractile, nerves can actually tighten and become sensitized once inflamed. This over-reactivity of the nerves can cause a myriad of symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Dysfunctional Nerve Tissue?

Dysfunctional nerve fascia can be identified and treated with FCS. Some of the common symptoms associated with neural-fascial dysfunction include:  Sharp / shooting pain, numbness, extreme muscle tightness or rigidity, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, tennis elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, Bell’s palsy, vertigo, balance disorders, pelvic floor pain, chronic headaches, chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, visual and auditory disturbances.

How does FCS alleviate chronic nerve inflammation?

FCS utilizes diagnostic tender points related to specific neural structures to diagnose and treat the entire nervous system. During a treatment, the inflamed nerve is identified by a palpatory exam and then decompressed or slackened via a specific fascial glide.

This pain-free position is held for 30-45 seconds, during which time the local venous and lymphatic vessels of the nerve open, allowing the inflammation on the nerve to drain away. This relaxes the contracted nerve fascia and restores normal function.

For more information on the physiology behind FCS, click here

How can I Receive Treatment?

FCS for the Nervous System is currently utilized by physical therapists, manual therapists and other medical practitioners throughout the United States. The technique was developed by Brian Tuckey PT, OCS, JSCCI.

If you feel you may have symptoms related to Neural Fascia dysfunction, feel free to set up a detailed evaluation with one of the FCS trained practitioners at Tuckey and Associates Physical Therapy or use the Counterstrain.com or JIcounterstrain.com websites to find a trained practitioner in your area.