1. Counterstrain for Trapezius/Shoulder pain
Can do lying or sitting
Find most tender point with pt’s arms at sides
Position of comfort is usually with arm up near head, some external rotation, may need to tilt head.

2. Practice! Try with partner
Find most tender point in the area, then move head and arm as if folding around it
Allow the weight of his or her arm and head to rest on you
Notice if you feel twitching
Recheck until pain has gone from 10 to 2
Hold for 90 sec. or until twitching stops
Put back to neutral PASSIVELY

3. Counterstrain for piriformis
Spasm here common in bikers, runners
Position of comfort is with leg abducted, flexed at hip
Can do this easily sitting on
stool next to table
Can teach patients to get into
this position at home, then
push out with hands instead of leg

4. Practice! But at home, with a loved one.
Try different spots – can do almost anywhere on the body.
See charts in preceptor room
If you move slowly and gently you won’t cause harm and may grant pain relief.

5. More information On Counterstrain: The Jones Institute - www.jiscs.com
Has 3 day courses all over the US
For more general osteopathic training:
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine
Has series of 5 weekend course for OMT that cover the whole body

6. Why do this?
Your patients will thank you
and It’s very rewarding