Sacrum counterstrain
Page created: March 04, 2021
Notes
Sacrum
Sacrum counterstrain
SACRAL (S) | ||||
| TENDER POINT | ANATOMICAL POSITION | TREATMENT POSITION | ||
| S1 | Medial to PSIS at level of S1 | Apply posterior to anterior pressure on opposite inferior lateral angle (ILA) | ||
| S2–S4 | Midline between first and second (S2) / second and third (S3) / third and fourth (S4) spinous tubercles along median sacral crest | Apply posterior to anterior pressure along median sacral crest between first and second (S2) or third and fourth (S4) spinous tubercle; S3 may be treated with either treatment position | ||
| S5 | About 1 cm medial and superior to ILA | Apply posterior to anterior pressure on opposite sacral base | ||
Figure 1. Locations of the sacral counterstrain tender points.
Author: Arman Israelyan, OMS-III
Editor: Matt Lipinski, DO
Illustrator: Jillian Dunbar
Editor: Robyn Hughes, MScBMC
Key Takeaways
Sacrum counterstrain is a technique used in osteopathic manipulative medicine to alleviate pain and discomfort in the sacrum and the surrounding tissues. It involves the application of gentle pressure to specific points on the sacrum to release tension and improve the range of motion in the area. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including sacroiliac joint pain, low back pain, and sciatica, and to improve overall spinal function and mobility.