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Fascial Counterstrain in La Crosse
A highly specialized manual therapy technique that resolves chronic pain at its source — gently, precisely, and effectively.
What Is Fascial Counterstrain?
Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) is an advanced, refined evolution of the original Strain-Counterstrain technique, developed to address dysfunction within the body's fascial system — the intricate web of connective tissue that surrounds and connects every muscle, nerve, organ, and joint in the body.
Rather than pushing through tension, FCS works by positioning the body to completely unload the strained tissue, allowing the nervous system to release the protective guarding response that is perpetuating pain and dysfunction. The result is a deep, lasting release that can resolve complex, long-standing pain conditions that other approaches haven't reached.
Conditions and Symptoms We Commonly Treat
What to Expect During Treatment
Fascial Counterstrain sessions are calm, quiet, and distinctly different from most physical therapy. Your Physical Therapist Erica Champlin will use careful palpation to identify tender fascial points throughout the body — often distant from where you feel your primary symptoms. She will gently position your body to completely unload those points, hold the position for a short period, and then slowly release it.
Sessions often feel subtle in the moment — yet patients frequently report significant reductions in pain and improved ease of movement afterward. Multiple sessions are typically recommended, as the body responds progressively over time.
Expert Care Provided By
Dynamic Performance and Therapy
The specific care you need and deserve — all brought together under one practice, across three locations in La Crosse and Onalaska.
Find the right specialist for exactly what you need.
Erica Champlin
MPT, CSCS | Advanced Fascial Counterstrain Specialist | State Road — La Crosse | One of few FCS providers in the Coulee Region
What is Fascial Counterstrain?
Fascial Counterstrain is a specialized manual therapy technique that positions the body to unload strained fascial tissue, allowing the nervous system to release chronic protective tension. It addresses the fascial web connecting muscles, organs, nerves, and joints — reaching dysfunction that compression-based techniques cannot.
Is Fascial Counterstrain painful?
No — it is one of the gentlest manual therapy techniques available. There is no pushing, stretching, or sustained pressure into tight tissue. The technique works by moving away from restriction, not into it. Well-tolerated even by patients with significant pain sensitivity.
What conditions respond best to Fascial Counterstrain?
FCS is particularly effective for chronic, complex pain that hasn't responded to standard treatment — including TMJ dysfunction, chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, chronic pelvic pain, post-surgical dysfunction, and widespread myofascial pain.
How many sessions are typically needed?
Patients with long-standing conditions typically see meaningful results over 4–8 sessions. Some notice significant change after just 1–2. Because FCS works progressively, each session builds on the last.
How is this different from regular physical therapy?
Fascial Counterstrain works through the body's fascial and neurological systems rather than directly mobilizing joints or contracting muscles. It reaches layers of dysfunction that standard PT and manual therapy techniques don't address.
For the pain that nothing else has reached.
Erica Champlin is one of the few providers in the region trained in this specialized technique. If you've tried everything else, Fascial Counterstrain is worth exploring.
Call us today Onalaska (608) 351-3049 for State Road (608) 668-6700
Front Desk Hours
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 800am - 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
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Our Locations
Onalaska Location
1430 Main St, Onalaska, WI 54650
State Road - La Crosse
3208 State Road, Suite A, La Crosse, WI 54601
Unity - La Crosse
2801 Losey Blvd, La Crosse, WI 54601
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