"Counterstrain utilizes diagnostic tender points to identify painful, reflexively protected and contracted tissues. Reflex tissue contractions occur in the body’s deep fascia layers, skeletal muscle tissues, and/or smooth muscle structures in response to a variety of mechanical or chemical insults. Examples include trauma, surgery, postural strain, repetitive motion, infectious or viral conditions, and even inflammatory diets. Once present, this form of reflex muscular dysfunction can contribute to a multitude of symptoms." The Jones Institute