The Counterstrain Movement
Welcome to The Counterstrain Movement, a podcast where we talk about a little known physical medicine and manual therapy technique that is quietly revolutionizing how people approach recovery - from illness, injury, disease and trauma. It's called fascial counterstrain. Together we will explore where counterstrain comes from, how it works, the many conditions it can treat, and how it can help you.
The Counterstrain Movement
Chronic Pain, Counterstrain, and Self-Advocacy: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with Amelia Patrick
In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, we sit down with Amelia, a 23-year-old recent college graduate navigating life with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Diagnosed during college after years of mysterious pain and debilitating stiffness, Amelia shares how her health journey transformed after discovering Counterstrain therapy—a gentle, fascia-based treatment that gave her meaningful relief and restored some of her mobility.
Amelia opens up about the realities of living with chronic pain, the emotional and mental toll of a misunderstood condition, and the importance of listening to her body. She offers reflections on hydration, movement, and consistent care as essential elements of her wellness routine, and emphasizes the life-changing value of having a knowledgeable, supportive healthcare provider—someone who acts not just as a clinician, but as a thought partner in navigating chronic illness.
Amelia also touches on broader themes relevant to many people with invisible disabilities: the need for empathy, accommodations, and social understanding. From using a cane for balance to managing energy levels, Amelia's story sheds light on the daily decisions and self-advocacy required to live fully with EDS. She describes the broader mental and emotional impact of living with EDS and talks about the invisible workload that comes with chronic conditions, the importance of supportive relationships, and the need to communicate needs clearly—both in healthcare settings and personal life.
Whether you're living with a chronic condition, supporting someone who is, or are a healthcare provider seeking to better understand your patients, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone managing chronic illness.
Guest Bio: Amelia Patrick
Amelia Patrick is a recent graduate from Sarah Lawrence College. She studied visual arts, writing, and phenomenological anthropology. She spends her free time listening to music and talking about dreams (the kind you have when you sleep).
Get in Touch with Amelia:
- Email her at ameliakkpatrick(at)gmail(dot)com
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Credits:
Host: Theora Moench
Editor: Haley Diaz
Executive Producer: Bridge Back Project
Music: bensound.com “New Frontier” - License code: PUUI20THRCM9CSDQ
