Do You Have Stiff Muscles?
Do your muscles feel tight or stiff? You’re not alone. Muscular stiffness and tension are some of the most common concerns we see at ATUNE Health Centres.
As osteopaths, we have a variety of techniques to address this—but one method we use is particularly unique. It’s called Counterstrain, also known as Positional Release, and it offers a gentle, effective approach to relieving tight muscles—without pain.
Why Do Muscles Get Tight?
When a muscle experiences strain or tension, it sends a signal to the brain. In response, the brain may increase muscle tightness in the affected area—or even in surrounding areas—as a protective mechanism.
However, this protective response isn’t always helpful. In fact, it often contributes to chronic muscle tension and discomfort.
The Osteopathic Approach to Muscle Tightness
Osteopaths have several ways of treating tight muscles, including:
Massage
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Joint or muscular stretching
Postural correction
These methods typically involve some level of therapeutic discomfort, which can still be effective—but they're not the only solution.
That’s where Counterstrain comes in.
What Is Counterstrain (Positional Release)?
Counterstrain is a pain-free manual therapy technique that works by gently positioning the body to reduce tension in tight muscles or irritated tissues.
Here’s how it works:
The osteopath identifies the area of tightness.
The body is carefully moved into a position of ease—where all tension is taken off the affected tissues.
This position is held for around one minute, allowing your nervous system to signal the brain that the area is no longer in distress.
The brain responds by reducing the protective tension, resulting in a relaxed and lengthened muscle.
The Science Behind It
Muscles and joints contain Golgi Tendon Organs—specialized nerve endings that detect tension. When a tight muscle is placed in a stress-free position, these sensors communicate the change to the brain.
In turn, the brain sends a signal back to reset the muscle's resting length, releasing unnecessary tension. Because this approach works through the central nervous system, the results are often more lasting and profound than techniques that only address the surface.
Why Choose Counterstrain?
 Pain-free and non-invasive
 Calms the nervous system
 Reduces chronic muscle tension
 Gentle alternative for sensitive patients
If you’ve tried other methods with limited success—or simply prefer a more gentle approach—Counterstrain could be the solution for you.
Give Osteopathy a Go
Never heard of Counterstrain? That’s okay—many people haven’t. But if you’re struggling with muscle tightness or stiffness, this technique may be exactly what your body needs.
Book an appointment with one of our Osteopaths at ATUNE Health Centres and experience how a calm, pain-free technique can help you feel looser, lighter, and more at ease.
