Resources
Educational Videos
Understanding Counterstrain Treatment
Dr. Holly Christy explains how the counterstrain treatment works and how it is practiced
Bridge Back Project Featured in the RESIDUAL Documentary
RESIDUAL is a 93 minute documentary by Doug Hanes that calls attention to the mental health impact of high exposure to trauma, through testimonials from law enforcement officers, fire fighters, EMT personnel, and others. Willy Cherry, a Bridge Back Project Provider, is featured in the film to speak about Counterstrain as a tool for supporting those that have been impacted by trauma. Learn more about the film here.
(Content warning: Interviewees share graphic stories of traumatic incidents they've experienced in the full length film, so please proceed with caution.)
Stories of lives changed by Fascial Counterstrain
Recovery Story of Vet and Retired Highway Patrol Officer
Retired California Highway Patrol Officer Johnny Fisher talks about his experience with receiving Fascial Coutnerstrain as part of the Bridge Back Project's Financial Aid Program. The offscreen voice is Theora Moench, Bridge Back Project’s Executive Director.
Counterstrain helped healing from injury of Former Athlete and Veteran Pilot
Retired Naval Aviator and professional athlete Dr. Kristin Barnes shares her experience with Fascial Counterstrain. The offscreen voice is Theora Moench, Bridge Back Project’s Executive Director.
Retired Law Enforcement Officer's recovery journey and relief from treatment-resistant symptoms
Veteran and retired police officer Ron Hansen talks about his experience receiving counterstrain as part of the Bridge Back Projcet's Financial Aid Program. The offscreen voice is Theora Moench, Bridge Back Project’s Executive Director.
Our Blog
In 2016, at a small clinic in a small town on the Kitsap Peninsula of Washington State, a naturopathic physician was treating a patient using an osteopathic physical medicine called ‘counterstrain’.
Living with chronic pain can be debilitating. It impacts every aspect of a person’s life. Fortunately, there are healing modalities that are...
Counterstrain is a unique, precise hands-on therapeutic technique that targets anatomical structures and tissues to address trauma and
The physical medicine modality that relieved my chronic pain, restored my function and mobility, and gave me a new lease on my health and life. By Theora Moench, Executive Director One summer,...
More Resources for First Responders, Veterans, Active Duty Military, and Healthcare Frontline Workers
If you are struggling and feeling hopeless, or you know someone for whom you are seriously concerned, call 988 - the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Veteran Affairs Reach Out Program
If you are a veteran who is struggling, or you know someone:
• call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
• Or TEXT 838255
• Or visit the VA Reach Out Program Online here
Safe Call Now - 206-459-3020
Safe Call Now is a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide.
Marine and Family Support, Prevention, and Counseling
For a Marine-to-Marine Approach, call the Distress Line for 24/7 anonymous phone, chat, and referral service at 1-877-476-7734 or visit the website here.
If visiting the Marine Corps Resources site, make sure you select your location by clicking the ‘change location’ button in the top right corner of the web page.
The Gary Sinise Foundation:
Cognitive health and mental wellness network for veteran and first responders.
The Gary Sinise Foundation offers incredible, effective programs that help veterans and first responders navigate challenging times.
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance
FBHA’s mission is to collaborate, develop and implement behavioral health awareness, prevention, intervention, and post crisis strategies to provide firefighters with an easily accessible and confidential source of information.
First Responder Support Network
FRSN’s goal is to provide first responders and their families tools to reduce the effects of traumatic stress so that they can develop resiliency. The key programs of FRSN are the 6-day residential treatment for First Responders, also known as the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat (WCPR), and the 6-day program for Significant Others and Spouses (SOS).
Code 4 Northwest - WASHINGTON STATE
Code 4 Northwest is an entirely volunteer-run, free and confidential crisis response and referral network for Washington State active and retired first responders, EMS, corrections, civilian support personnel, and their families.
First Responder Psychological Services
Dr. Maureen Pierce specializes in providing treatment to first responders and conducting pre-employment evaluations.
Veteran Affairs National Center for PTSD
Resources assembled by the VA to help people understand PTSD, its causes, impacts, and how to pursue comprehensive treatment.
Counterstrain Beyond the Bridge Back Project
Two Directories to Help You Find Local, Independent Counterstrain Practitioners
These directories are hosted by renowned Counterstrain education institutions. While the Bridge Back Project does not cover the cost of appointments with these practitioners, many of them accept insurance or cash pay. You will need to contact the clinics and/or your insurance company directly to determine what your payment options will be.
We highly encourage people looking for support with chronic stress, physical injuries, or who are experiencing pain to reachout to a clinic or practitioner in your area to discuss ways they might be able to help you.
Both directories list practitioners’ contact information as well as level of training to help you find the clinician best suited to support you in your area.
Educational Materials
Counterstrain Related Articles & Explanations:
The Brain, PTSD & TBI
Sexual Assault & PTSD
Explore the Research
Brian Tuckey’s Paper*: This paper offers insight into the complex world of fascia, inflammation and pain receptors and describes why FCS is the ideal treatment choice for multiple difficult to treat medical conditions. Read the paper here.
Strain Counterstrain Pain Treatment: A Solution for Military Members to Succeed (Biery et. al, 2023)
Influence of adding strain-counterstrain to standard therapy (El-Khateeb et al, 2022)
Strain counterstrain: Current concepts and clinical evidence (C. Wong, 2012)
Resources For Providers
How to refer your patients
We realize that there are currently very few modalities available to help your Veteran, Active Duty Military, and First Responder patients who are suffering from the effects of trauma.
If you have a patient that is a first responder, active-duty military or veteran who you feel may be suffering from the effects of trauma, please direct them to contact us. They can each receive 3 visits with one of our clinicians trained in the protocol to help with traumatic stress. If you have questions, please send us an email and we will let you know how we can help.
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