256: Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill: Fascial Counterstrain: A Breakthrough for Chronic Pain

In this informative discussion, Dr. Jill Carnahan and Brian Tuckey explore how Fascial Counterstrain can provide relief and healing by addressing the fascial systems within the body. Discover how this technique uniquely targets the arterial, venous, visceral, neural, lymphatic, and musculoskeletal components to alleviate chronic pain, inflammation, and improve function. 

Key Concepts/Questions: 🧠 Foundational Understanding ① Can you walk us through the origin story of Fascial Counterstrain—what led you to develop this technique beyond classical strain-counterstrain? ② How does Fascial Counterstrain differ biomechanically and neurologically from traditional counterstrain or other manual therapies like myofascial release or craniosacral therapy? ③ How would you define fascia from a functional and clinical standpoint? Why do you think it's been historically overlooked in conventional medicine?

🔬 Neuroscience and Mechanism of Action ④ What is the proposed neurophysiological mechanism behind Fascial Counterstrain? Can you speak to the role of mechanoreceptors, nociceptors, and the autonomic nervous system in the process? ⑤ How does FCS modulate the central sensitization commonly seen in chronic pain syndromes, and what is its effect on the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary axis? ⑥How do you see Fascial Counterstrain influencing systemic inflammation or immune modulation via lymphatic or glymphatic pathways?

🧍‍♀️ Fascial System Subdivisions ⑦ You've developed treatment protocols targeting multiple fascial systems—arterial, venous, visceral, neural, lymphatic, and musculoskeletal. Can you explain how each system is addressed differently within the FCS framework? ⑧ Is there a priority system or diagnostic method that helps determine which fascial system is most involved in a patient's clinical presentation?

Brian Tuckey Mr. Tuckey is a board-certified orthopedic specialist and founder of Counterstrain of Frederick in Maryland, specializing in complex cases. A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Physical Therapy, he trained under Dr. Lawrence Jones, creator of the Strain and Counterstrain (SCS) technique, and became one of only four physical therapists certified to teach it. After Dr. Jones’ passing, Tuckey expanded the method into Fascial Counterstrain (FCS)—a comprehensive, multi-system approach to treating chronic pain and inflammation. His work has been widely recognized, including a top-ranked article in Frontiers of Musculoskeletal Pain (2021) and a feature in Tony Robbins’ bestselling book Life Force.

Brian Tuckey - Noted Websites Mr. Tuckey’s clinic “Tuckey and Associates Physical Therapy” Frederick Maryland https://tuckeypt.com/   International FCS “educational” website https://counterstrain.com/ To begin training in FCS (USA) you start with “Foundations of Fascial Counterstrain” F1 at https://www.jicounterstrain.com/