The Counterstrain Movement

The Bridge Back Project
The Counterstrain Movement

Welcome to The Counterstrain Movement, a podcast where we talk about a little known physical medicine and manual therapy technique that is quietly revolutionizing how people approach recovery - from illness, injury, disease and trauma. It's called fascial counterstrain. Together we will explore where counterstrain comes from, how it works, the many conditions it can treat, and how it can help you. 

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Counterstrain: Building a Career of Lasting Impact with Kyle Kusunose

    Kyle Kusunose, physical therapist and Director of the Jones Institute, talks about the transformative potential of Counterstrain therapy in both patient care and practitioner development. For providers who are driven by curiosity, who want to experience renewing passion in their work, becoming a Counterstrain practitioner could be the key to lifelong love of work. Effective manual therapists thrive on continual learning and progress. And if that's you, you're in the right place! Kyle explains that Fascial Counterstrain is a powerful and forgiving technique that consistently delivers results—especially for patients with complex, chronic, or idiopathic conditions. Fascial Counterstrain not only addresses physical dysfunction but also helps restore a sense of hope and clarity for patients struggling to make sense of their symptoms. Kyle stresses the Jones Institute’s commitment to sustainable growth and to teaching a curriculum that deepens practitioners’ understanding of the human body far beyond traditional programs. He believes education is one of the most valuable investments a therapist can make. As more therapists recognize how Fascial Counterstrain can elevate patient outcomes and redefine the future of manual therapy, he hopes that the Jones Institute can have an exponential impact on healthcare. Guest Bio: Kyle Kusenose, PT, DPT, JSCCI, CSC1 Kyle received his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from San Diego State University and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Miami.​ After witnessing the powerful effects of Counterstrain on his patients, he immediately opened a private practice, eager to bring the technique to as many people as possible. Kyle currently lends his expertise in Counterstrain, gross anatomy, and neuroscience to physical therapy programs at both alma maters; and to The Jones Institute as a certified instructor, institute director, and co-founder of the anatomy dissection curriculum. In his free time, Kyle enjoys traveling, surfing, and spending time with his family. Get in Touch: - Contact his clinic Counterstrain San Diego The Bridge Back Project Support the Bridge Back Project Today: Donate Here Our Website Our Youtube Channel Our Instagram Our Facebook Find a Fascial Counterstrain Practitioner Near You: 3rd Party Practitioner Directory Credits: Host: Theora Moench Editor: Haley Diaz Executive Producer: Bridge Back Project Music: bensound.com “New Frontier” - License code: PUUI20THRCM9CSDQ

    45 min

  2. 26 JUNE

    Coaching, Concussions, and the Power of Counterstrain with Amy Griffin

    In this episode, Amy Griffin—former U.S. National Team player, veteran coach, and current head of the U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team—shares how her personal experiences with injury and recovery led her to Counterstrain therapy, a modality that ultimately reshaped her approach to healing, coaching, and health advocacy. She delves into the complexity of the body’s ability to compensate for injury and the often-overlooked role of sleep, memory, and mental health in the recovery process. Amy reflects on her initial skepticism toward Fascial Counterstrain, and how her first-hand experience changed her perspective. She emphasizes the importance of listening—to patients, to athletes, and to the signals our bodies send us—and describes how quality of life, not just symptom management, should be the goal of any recovery approach. Together, Theora and Amy explore how modern stressors differ from those of the past, and why a holistic view of health is necessary in today’s high-pressure athletic environments. They discuss the lasting impact of concussions, the value of preventive care in sports, and the need to reimagine athlete support systems with long-term health in mind. Amy also offers insight into her advocacy for natural playing fields, and her deep concern for the health risks posed by artificial turf, especially for kids. Throughout the episode, Amy’s passion for player safety, healing, and whole-person care shines through. Her story is a testament to the body’s capacity to heal, the power of Counterstrain, and the vital role of community support in navigating life after injury. Guest Bio: Amy Griffin Amy Griffin is a longtime soccer coach and former U.S. National Team player. A key member of the squad that won the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991, she brings decades of experience both on the field and on the sidelines. Today, she serves as the head coach of the U.S. Women’s Deaf National Soccer Team, where she continues to lead with passion, skill, and a deep commitment to inclusive excellence in the sport. Get in Touch with Amy: Or to add a name to Amy’s List, email amygriff65 (at) gmail (dot) comResources: Seattle Reign AcademyAmy On WikipediaArtificial Turf Concerns:Does playing soccer on artificial turf increase cancer risk, especially in kids?Amy Griffin: Amy’s List and Toxic TurfThe Bridge Back Project Support the Bridge Back Project Today: Donate Here Our Website Our Youtube Channel Our Instagram Our Facebook Find a Fascial Counterstrain Practitioner Near You: 3rd Party Practitioner Directory Credits: Host: Theora Moench Editor: Haley Diaz Executive Producer: Bridge Back Project Music: bensound.com “New Frontier” - License code: PUUI20THRCM9CSDQ

    51 min

  3. 19 JUNE

    Death and Back Again: Tennis Champion's Recovery from Cardiac Arrest with Murphy Jensen

    Murphy Jensen - former professional tennis player, Grand Slam doubles champion, tech entrepreneur, and mental health advocate - shares his powerful story of surviving cardiac arrest during a fundraiser tennis match and the journey of recovery that followed. As a public personality practicing recovery daily, Murphy lives and breathes the importance of mental health, substance use recovery, and the bravery it takes to ask for help—especially in a culture where stigma often silences suffering. Murphy credits Fascial Counterstrain therapy as fundamental to his ability to heal from surviving cardiac arrest and the brain injury he suffered when he collapsed. With the help of Counterstrain, he has seen significant improvements in his cognitive test scores, reduction of anxiety/stress, and improved physical function. For nearly a year after his cardiac arrest, his cognitive disorientation was constant and he was unsure if he had, in fact, survived at all—but through family support, professional care, and modalities like Counterstrain, he's well on his way to reclaiming his former health. He highlights the profound gaps in the healthcare system and advocates for accessible, early intervention and compassionate approaches to addiction—framing it as a search for relief, not a moral failing. Murphy believes he is here to help others stop suffering and encourages people to explore healing paths beyond conventional care. As the founder of a tech platform supporting mental health and addiction recovery, he continues to champion resilience, community, and the power of alternative therapies. For Murphy, healing is not only possible—it’s a shared human responsibility. Guest Bio: Murphy Jensen Murphy Jensen is a former professional tennis player and Grand Slam doubles champion. He is also a relentless champion of mental health and substance disorder recovery, as well as the co-founder of WEconnect, a healthcare information technology company with a platform designed to aid addiction recovery. Get In Touch with Murphy: Email him! Resources & Mentions: Learn more about Counterstrain therapyWEconnect Health App – platform for recovery supportTennis Channel: HEROES - Murphy JensenThe story of Murphy’s cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury, and survival on TenniStory: Murphy Jensen Murphy Jensen shares cardiac arrest story at U.S. Capitol congressional briefing (6 min)The Bridge Back Project Support the Bridge Back Project Today: Donate Here Our Website Our Youtube Channel Our Instagram Our Facebook Find a Fascial Counterstrain Practitioner Near You: 3rd Party Practitioner Directory Credits: Host: Theora Moench Editor: Haley Diaz Executive Producer: Bridge Back Project Music: bensound.com “New Frontier” - License code: PUUI20THRCM9CSDQ

    1h 5m

  4. 27 FEB

    Providing Relief for Treatment-Resistant Chronic Pain with Dr. Isaiah Requintina

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Isaiah Requintina to discuss Fascial Counterstrain—a technique that challenges conventional treatment approaches and delivers remarkable results for chronic pain and dysfunction. Dr. Requintina first encountered Fascial Counterstrain through his mentor, Dr. Sarah Sheperd. But it wasn’t until he experienced his own debilitating neck, shoulder, and arm pain—along with unexpected anxiety—that he truly learned the multi-system power it held for healing. Just a few gentle, precise releases from Dr. Sheperd relieved his physical pain, and more unexpectedly, alleviated his symptoms associated with anxiety helping him access a profound sense of mental calm. Determined to learn more, he teamed up with Dr. David Harvitz to dive into Fascial Counterstrain training. Almost immediately, they began seeing transformative outcomes in their patients. In this conversation, Dr. Requintina shares compelling patient cases that highlight how this technique helps those struggling with chronic, treatment-resistant conditions. What’s even more fascinating? The deep connection between physical wellness and mental health—how restoring balance in the body can lead to greater emotional and cognitive well-being. Tune in to hear: How a personal health crisis led Dr. Requintina to Fascial CounterstrainThe unique mind-body connection central to healing chronic painReal patient cases demonstrating the effectiveness of this techniqueGuest Information and Bio: Dr. Isaiah Requintina, DPT | he/him Dr. Isaiah Requintina is a Doctor of Physical Therapy serving ReNew patients in Destin, Florida. He graduated with a B.S. in Natural Sciences from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, FL. He then went on to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. Throughout his training and now as a healthcare professional, he has been passionate about seeing people recover from injuries, overcome pain and difficulty, and achieve new levels of health and wellness. He loves Olympic weightlifting and participating in CrossFit in his spare time. He also enjoys cooking new recipes, eating seafood, serving in his church, and getting creative through music and photography. Get In Touch with Isaiah: Clinic in Pensacola, FloridaFind him on InstagramThe Bridge Back Project Support the Bridge Back Project Today: Donate Here Our Website Our Youtube Channel Our Instagram Our Facebook Find a Fascial Counterstrain Practitioner Near You: 3rd Party Practitioner Directory Credits: Host: Theora Moench Editor: Haley Diaz Executive Producer: Bridge Back Project Music: bensound.com “New Frontier” - License code: PUUI20THRCM9CSDQ

    39 min

  5. 19 FEB

    "Let's Change the World": Overcoming Chronic Health Conditions and Paying-Counterstrain-Forward with Jay Fluegel

    From healthy skepticism to philanthropic enthusiasm, tech executive Jay Fluegel shares his experience with Fascial Counterstrain and how it has transformed his health and quality of life. Not knowing that many of his life-long health challenges and physical pain stemmed from suffering a broken collarbone during childbirth as well as a probably head injury falling into a basement hole years later, Jay falsely blamed himself thinking that self-discipline was the culprit. Like so many of us with underlying systemic issues, Jay didn't realize that his body was constantly fighting an uphill battle and that there was more happening underneath the surface to hinder his efforts to improve his health. Once dubious of "alternative health" modalities, Jay has now embraced a multi-faceted approach to his care plan and is seeing much better results. This path of reclaiming his health brought him to Fascial Counterstrain, and he was intrigued by the gentle and transformative nature of facial counter strain. After his first session, he experienced immediate relief and improvements in pain, stiffness, and mobility. Counterstrain has also improved his energy, concentration, and ability to sustain higher levels of activity. Jay envisions a future where Counterstrain is much more familiar and accessible to everyone and wants to help others discover the benefits Counterstrain holds for others struggling to regain their health and quality of life. He embraces a multi-modal approach to healthcare and especially the synergy that comes from combining  Counterstrain with other modalities. Guest Information and Bio: Jay Fluegel Jay is a maker, strategist, and storyteller with 25 years of product leadership experience. He is the founder of Atomically, a transformation consulting company helping start-ups, scale-ups, nonprofits, and established enterprises transform their businesses, products, technology, and leadership. He studied Entrepreneurship at Cornell University and in the Technology MBA program at University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. He has been on the management teams of startups including Jump Networks which was acquired by Microsoft, and built or turned around teams at Microsoft, Expedia, and Axon/TASER. Business strategy, product vision and demonstration, and idea incubation are his superpowers. People are his love. Jay joined the Bridge Back Project Board of Directors in 2023 and was elected as Chairman of the Board in 2024. Get In Touch with Jay Jay's LinkedIn ProfileThe Bridge Back Project Support the Bridge Back Project Today: Donate Here Our Website Our Youtube Channel Our Instagram Our Facebook Find a Fascial Counterstrain Practitioner Near You: 3rd Party Practitioner Directory Credits: Host: Theora Moench Editor: Haley Diaz Executive Producer: Bridge Back Project Music: bensound.com “New Frontier” - License code: PUUI20THRCM9CSDQ

    39 min

  6. 14 JAN

    Counterstrain for Pain Relief and Restored Function: Ending Unnecessary Suffering with Dr. Holly Christy

    After patients began showing up at her clinic with improvements in their health conditions that Dr. Christy had not been able to help with the tools she had in her toolbox, she asked why. It turns out, they had started seeing a Fascial Counterstrain practitioner in her building - Timothy Hodges - and so she booked a session to see for herself what this was all about. After her first appointment, she immediately sought out training and mentorship to become a certified practitioner herself. Despite encountering new, complex health cases decades into her medical practice, Dr. Christy continues to be impressed by the healing made possible by Fascial Counterstrain. When she juxtaposes the immense healing potential of Counterstrain combined with the fact that it struggles with an obscurity problem, constantly drives Dr. Christy to seek out new ways to spread awareness and educate health care providers and everyday people alike.  This inspired her to co-found the Bridge Back Project in 2016, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization on a mission to bring Fascial Counterstrain to the world, restore hope, and promote healing. Tackling the accessibility issue is at the heart of every project and program the organization offers. At the time of recording, the organization directly funds Counterstrain care for underserved communities. It also develops education projects - like this podcast - to build public awareness about Fascial Counterstrain as a viable treatment option for a wide variety of health conditions. Other program initiatives include funding clinical research trials to measure and verify the effects of Fascial Counterstrain, and working with leading US Counterstrain education institutions to build a Practitioner Scholarship Program that expands training opportunities for healthcare providers who face additional barriers and/or who are working with underserved and at risk populations. Guest Information and Bio: Dr. Holly Christy, ND, LAEMP, CACI, JSCCI | she/her Dr. Christy co-founded The Bridge Back Project in October of 2017 and is the principal investigator and executive director. She is passionate about providing a research-based treatment to help ease suffering for those who have suffered from post-traumatic stress injuries. Dr. Christy has been trained in the highly specialized technique of Fascial Counterstrain by Tim Hodges, LMP, JSCCI, CACI, and Brian Tuckey, PT, OCS, JSCCI, both of whom have been pioneering an effort to expand the methodology of Counterstrain to effectively restore function to the fascial systems of the body: Visceral, Neural, Cranial/Dural, Musculoskeletal, Arterial, Venous, and Lymphatic. She is an instructor for the Counterstrain Academy and the Jones Institute, and a graduate and clinical adjunct faculty member of Bastyr University. A lifelong Washingtonian, Dr. Christy earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Washington, Master of Acupuncture from Northwest Institute of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She has been in practice since 2000. Get In Touch with Holl The Bridge Back Project Support the Bridge Back Project Today: Donate Here Our Website Our Youtube Channel Our Instagram Our Facebook Find a Fascial Counterstrain Practitioner Near You: 3rd Party Practitioner Directory Credits: Host: Theora Moench Editor: Haley Diaz Executive Producer: Bridge Back Project Music: bensound.com “New Frontier” - License code: PUUI20THRCM9CSDQ

    41 min

  7. 12/12/2024

    Patient to Provider: How US Navy Vet Mark Vennerholm Healed Lifelong Illnesses and Now Helps Vets Heal with Fascial Counterstrain

    Mark Vennerholm shares his journey from being in the Navy to becoming a dedicated Fascial Counterstrain practitioner. He initially joined the Navy with the goal of becoming a Navy SEAL. After serving on two different carriers and pursuing various avenues within the Navy, Mark eventually had to make the hard decision to change career paths due to severe, persistent, life-threatening health issues. In his search to find effective treatment for the symptoms he was experiencing, he discovered Counterstrain through a naturopathic doctor - Dr. Holly Christy - and experienced significant, rapid improvements in his health where other treatments had failed to yield results. Mark quickly realized that becoming a Fascial Counterstrain practitioner, could be a fulfilling way to help patients like him, particularly those in the military community. Mark now works as a full-time Fascial Counterstrain provider in San Diego and helps his patients understand the interconnectedness of their symptoms. He emphasizes the importance of treating the whole body and finding the root cause of pain and dysfunction. During his manual therapy training, Mark encountered concerning misconceptions about what Counterstrain really is, even within the manual therapy sector. Despite the challenges of explaining to others what exactly Counterstrain is and how it works to, he highlights the potential for both effective treatment and preventive care through Counterstrain, naturopathy, and other multi-system healthcare approaches. He encourages listeners to explore the healing possibilities of Fascial Counterstrain and consider "alternative" healing methods, especially where more traditional care strategies have failed. Guest Information and Bio: Mark Vennerholm, CMT, HHP | he/him Mark graduated from the International College of Holistic Studies (ICOHS) as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and also has a degree in Aviation: Professional Pilot from Oklahoma State University. Mark received Counterstrain treatments from Dr. Kyle Kusunose (San Diego, CA) and Dr. Holly Christy (Poulsbo, WA) while serving in the U.S. Navy and was blown away by the outstanding results he experienced receiving Counterstrain and other whole-body care strategies he employed. After spending six years in the Navy, he felt the calling to change career paths and become a Counterstrain Specialist so that he could help others find pain relief the same way that he had. Mark likes to run trails, work out, and spend time with his wife, Reanna, and two dogs. Get In Touch with Mark: You can contact Mark through the Counterstrain San Diego ClinicThe Bridge Back Project Support the Bridge Back Project Today: Donate Here Our Website Our Youtube Channel Our Instagram Our Facebook Find a Fascial Counterstrain Practitioner Near You: 3rd Party Practitioner Directory Credits: Host: Theora Moench Editor: Haley Diaz Executive Producer: Bridge Back Project Music: bensound.com “New Frontier” - License code: PUUI20THRCM9CSDQ

    57 min

  8. 05/12/2024

    Doing it Disabled: How Fascial Counterstrain helped a Dysautonomia Patient Become a Healthcare Provider with Haley Cari

    In this episode, Haley Cari, a Physician Assistant, Counterstrain provider, and co-host of the Doing It Disabled podcast, shares her journey of living with chronic illness and the transformative impact of Fascial Counterstrain therapy. Diagnosed with POTS, Haley discusses how Counterstrain has helped her manage symptoms, and maintain a fulfilling career. She reflects on how her experiences as a patient living with a disability have shaped her approach to health care and health advocacy. Haley opens up about navigating a healthcare system that often dismisses chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and effective treatment. Haley is eager to amplify awareness about Counterstrain therapy's applications, especially within the Latin community and other underserved populations. She's observed significant healing and relief in her pain management patients and is eager to make Counterstrain more available to those currently without access to help her patients' heal. Haley also discusses her work with Doing It Disabled, a podcast she co-hosts that empowers individuals with health conditions and disabilities to live life and pursue dreams on their own terms. Through her business, Humerus Med, and her advocacy efforts, Haley is paving the way for a more inclusive, understanding, and accessible healthcare system. Guest Bio: Haley Cari, DMSc, PA-C (she/her/ella), is a Cuban-American physician associate from Miami, FL. Diagnosed with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) in 2020 after navigating her own complex health journey, Haley has dedicated her career to serving patients in family medicine, functional medicine, and pain management. She began Counterstrain training in 2023. She is also the co-host of the Doing it Disabled podcast and founder of The Humerus Med, a social advocacy company supporting chronically ill and disabled medical professionals. Get in Touch with Haley: Haley's InstagramDoing it Disabled Instagram: Email: doingitdisabledpod@gmail.comLinks: Jeffrey Bender MPT, JSCC - in Miami, FLBrian Tuckey, PT - in Frederick, MDChronically Fit Group - fitness community for the chronically ill founded by Charlotte BullCarolina Functional Neurology CenterPOTS Coach - Rosie BaileyThe Humerus MedListen to Doing It Disabled Podcast cohosted by Haley Cari and Catalina RitzingerEpisode mentioned: What is Autistic Burnout?The Bridge Back Project Support the Bridge Back Project Today: Donate Here Our Website Our Youtube Channel Our Instagram Our Facebook Find a Fascial Counterstrain Practitioner Near You: 3rd Party Practitioner Directory Credits: Host: Theora Moench Editor: Haley Diaz Executive Producer: Bridge Back Project Music: bensound.com “New Frontier” - License code: PUUI20THRCM9CSDQ

    39 min
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About

Welcome to The Counterstrain Movement, a podcast where we talk about a little known physical medicine and manual therapy technique that is quietly revolutionizing how people approach recovery - from illness, injury, disease and trauma. It's called fascial counterstrain. Together we will explore where counterstrain comes from, how it works, the many conditions it can treat, and how it can help you. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Bridge Back Project
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Counterstrain Movement
  • Show Website
    The Counterstrain Movement

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