TRAUMA & PTSD

Trauma—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—creates lasting effects in the body and mind. Conditions like PTSD and C-PTSD often leave the nervous system stuck in a state of hypervigilance, causing chronic tension, impaired circulation, and a cascade of stress-related symptoms. Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) offers a gentle yet profound approach to addressing trauma by directly working with the body’s fascial system and its connection to the nervous system, all without having to remember or re-experience the original trauma(s).

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The fascia is a vast connective tissue network that encases muscles, organs, nerves, the brain, bones, cartilage, blood and lymph vessels. Beyond its physical role, it communicates with the autonomic nervous system, which controls the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. Trauma can create restrictions in the fascia —or cellular memories trapped in the tissues — leading to chronic tension, pain, and dysfunction. These restrictions can perpetuate the nervous system’s stress response, reinforcing the physical and emotional symptoms of trauma.

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Fascial Counterstrain uses gentle, pain-free techniques to identify and release fascial restrictions. Here’s how it specifically addresses trauma:

• Releasing Physical Tension

  Trauma often manifests as physical tension, such as tightness in the chest, neck, jaw, or diaphragm. FCS targets these areas, relieving fascial restrictions and allowing the tissues to relax.

• Resetting the Nervous System

  By releasing tension in key fascial structures including the sympathetic, parasympathetic and vagus nerves, FCS helps shift the autonomic nervous system from a heightened “fight or flight” state into a calmer “rest and digest” mode. This recalibration can ease hypervigilance, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety.

• Improving Circulation and Flow

  Restricted fascia can impair blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and nerve signaling. FCS restores these essential functions, promoting a sense of physical and emotional balance.

• Reconnecting the Mind and Body

  Trauma often creates a disconnect between the mind and body, leading to feelings of disassociation or numbness. FCS facilitates a gentle reconnection by helping clients feel more embodied and present.

• Releasing Emotional Patterns

  Fascial restrictions often hold emotional memories, which can subtly release as the tension dissipates. This process is non-invasive, non-verbal and client-directed, allowing emotions to surface and resolve naturally, without re-traumatization.​

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For those with PTSD or C-PTSD, Counterstrain can provide a safe, supportive environment to reduce the physical symptoms of trauma. Clients often experience:

• Reduced hypervigilance and physical stress responses.

• Fewer somatic symptoms, such as chest tightness, digestive issues, or chronic pain.

• Improved ability to regulate emotions and process stress.

• Improved sleep and ability to rest, which allows the body to further heal itself

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What sets Counterstrain apart is its deeply respectful and non-invasive approach. Unlike other trauma therapies that focus on revisiting the emotional experience, FCS works directly with the body to release the physical imprints of trauma. This can be especially helpful for individuals who find traditional talk therapy overwhelming or ineffective on its own.

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Fascial Counterstrain honors the body’s innate wisdom, creating space for healing to unfold naturally. For those recovering from PTSD, C-PTSD, physical or emotional trauma, it offers a gentle and holistic path to relief, resilience, and renewal.