The Counterstrain Movement

The Bridge Back Project
  • 4.9 (14)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. JUL 24

    Counterstrain Applications and Triumphs in Pediatric Care with Dr. Lory Yeh

    Physical therapist and acupuncturist, Lory Yeh, joins us to explore the powerful, gentle impact of Counterstrain therapy—especially when applied to pediatric care. Lory shares her personal journey into integrative healing and offers compelling case studies that illustrate how early intervention can resolve deep-rooted dysfunction before it becomes chronic. Together, they delve into the nervous system’s incredible plasticity in children, the emotional-physical health connection, and how Counterstrain can harmonize the body’s “orchestra” of systems. Subtle, holistic approaches can lead to profound outcomes for young patients—and that it’s never too early to support a child’s health. Key Takeaways: Counterstrain is a gentle, non-invasive, and highly effective therapy.Early treatment in children can mitigate long-term dysfunction.The body operates like an orchestra—health depends on systemic harmony.Children’s nervous systems respond quickly to therapeutic input, which is rewarding for patient, parents, and provider.Counterstrain can address both physical symptoms and support emotional regulation.Case studies highlight dramatic improvements in response to Counterstrain treatment with kids.Small shifts in the body can yield big changes in longterm development and well-being.Holistic care in pediatrics supports better long-term health outcomes.Guest Bio: Dr. Lory Yeh Dr. Lory Yeh obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at University of Southern California in 2009. After finishing at USC, she realized that physical therapy alone could not address many of her client's issues. Dr. Yeh received her Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2012. Combining acupuncture and physical therapy bridged the gap between eastern and western treatments paradigms, but there were still patient cases that reached a roadblock. It was incorporating Counterstrain that added power to the treatments. Lory now practices full time at her clinic, InBalance AcuPT, in the Los Angeles area, providing a combo of Counterstrain plus acupuncture to help patients quickly return to a balanced lifestyle. Get in Touch with Lory: Find her at her clinicRead more real case studies about real peopleThe 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. JUL 17

    Chronic Pain, Counterstrain, and Self-Advocacy: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with Amelia Patrick

    In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, we sit down with Amelia, a 23-year-old recent college graduate navigating life with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Diagnosed during college after years of mysterious pain and debilitating stiffness, Amelia shares how her health journey transformed after discovering Counterstrain therapy—a gentle, fascia-based treatment that gave her meaningful relief and restored some of her mobility. Amelia opens up about the realities of living with chronic pain, the emotional and mental toll of a misunderstood condition, and the importance of listening to her body. She offers reflections on hydration, movement, and consistent care as essential elements of her wellness routine, and emphasizes the life-changing value of having a knowledgeable, supportive healthcare provider—someone who acts not just as a clinician, but as a thought partner in navigating chronic illness. Amelia also touches on broader themes relevant to many people with invisible disabilities: the need for empathy, accommodations, and social understanding. From using a cane for balance to managing energy levels, Amelia's story sheds light on the daily decisions and self-advocacy required to live fully with EDS. She describes the broader mental and emotional impact of living with EDS and talks about the invisible workload that comes with chronic conditions, the importance of supportive relationships, and the need to communicate needs clearly—both in healthcare settings and personal life. Whether you're living with a chronic condition, supporting someone who is, or are a healthcare provider seeking to better understand your patients, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone managing chronic illness. Guest Bio: Amelia Patrick Amelia Patrick is a recent graduate from Sarah Lawrence College. She studied visual arts, writing, and phenomenological anthropology. She spends her free time listening to music and talking about dreams (the kind you have when you sleep). Get in Touch with Amelia: Email her at ameliakkpatrick(at)gmail(dot)comThe 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

    54 min

  3. JUL 11

    Counterstrain for Injury Prevention, Recovery, and Performance Enhancement for Professional Dancers with Dr. Miho Urisaka

    Dr. Miho Urisaka is a physical therapist living in New York who has been practicing Counterstrain since 2014, with a special focus on dancers. In this conversation, she shares how she employs Fascial Counterstrain not only to resolve injuries but also to enhance performance and prevent future issues for professional dancers. Drawing on her clinical experience, Dr. Urisaka highlights case studies of dancers recovering from knee injuries and concussions, emphasizing how the body self-protects—often through restriction and pain—and explains why addressing root causes, rather than just downstream symptoms, is essential, especially for highly trained movers. She discusses how treating the bones and periosteum is a unique aspect of Counterstrain that benefits professional athletes, particularly dancers. People whose careers require precise attunement to and mastery of their bodies—like dancers—often arrive with fewer compensatory patterns and heightened self-awareness, making them especially responsive to this form of treatment. Dr. Urisaka also underscores the limitations of conventional imaging in detecting interstitial inflammation and the importance of working directly with the body’s mechanics to uncover hidden, yet very real, dysfunctions. She explains how Counterstrain can improve not only range of motion but, more importantly, quality of motion, and how optimizing tissue mobility can lead to noticeable strength gains and flexibility within just a few weeks—once tissues are given the reset they need to drain inflammation, release guarding, and restore function. Whether you're a dancer, athlete, or someone living with chronic pain or reduced mobility, this episode offers a compelling look at how Fascial Counterstrain can be a game-changing tool for recovery, prevention, and performance enhancement. Guest Bio: Dr. Miho Urisaka, PT, DPT, OCS Dr. Miho Urisaka, PT, DPT, OCS is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and owner of Orthopedic Movement Physical Therapy in New York. With a background in treating Broadway performers and professional dancers—as well as personal experience in gymnastics, karate, and ballroom dance—she brings deep insight into the physical demands of movement-based professions. Miho discovered Counterstrain as a transformative tool not just for injury recovery, but for supporting full-body health, from sleep and digestion to brain function. She now lives in upstate New York, where she integrates her clinical practice with a passion for sustainable living, nutrition, and holistic health. Get in Touch with Dr. Miho Urisaka: Visit or contact her clinic in New YorkCheck out her clinic Orthopedic Movement Physical Therapy New York on InstagramFollow her on instagramCheck out more real case studies of real patients 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

    56 min

  4. JUL 3

    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

  5. JUN 26

    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

  6. JUN 19

    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

  7. FEB 27

    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

  8. FEB 19

    "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
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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
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Counterstrain Movement
  • Show Website
    The Counterstrain Movement

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