OUR MISSION
​At Vital Energy Physical Therapy, we believe true recovery happens when science and our body’s natural healing ability work together. Our approach combines evidence-based physical therapy with gentle, precise manual techniques (Fascial Counterstrain) to uncover and release the root causes of pain and dysfunction.
Every session is personalized; focused on reducing pain, restoring movement, improving balance, and supporting your body’s natural ability to heal. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or simply seeking to restore your body, we’re here to help you move with ease and reclaim your energy.
WHAT IS FASCIAL COUNTERSTRAIN?
First off, what is “fascia?” Fascia is a continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports every structure in your body (muscles, bones, blood vessels, organs, etc.) like a body suit. It forms multiple layers that are all interconnected, allowing movement and communication throughout the body. When fascia becomes restricted due to trauma, poor posture, stress or inflammation, etc.; it can create pain, reduced range of motion, impaired lymphatic or blood flow and can limit your tolerance to specific activities as a result.
Fascial Counterstrain is a hands-on manual technique designed to identify and treat areas of the body where the fascia has become contracted and painful.
The contracted tissue holds our body’s natural waste products, which sensitize the nerves and creates a tender point. Your practitioner uses this point to properly identify the location of the affected system. Treatment uses light pressure or positioning to “slacken” the affected tissue, allowing the body’s own reflexes to relax the area and drain the waste products, leading to reduced pain and inflammation, and restored tissue function.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Dr Melanie sees a large variety of diagnoses and patients of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Common diagnoses include chronic pain, spine and radicular pain, headaches/migraines, orthopedic and joint injuries, TMJ, lymphedema, post-COVID syndrome, organ dysfunctions, and many others.
A session at Vital Energy (60/90/120min) includes a complete initial assessment of your past medical history (injuries, surgeries, etc) and your current complaints and limitations, and addresses your therapy goals.
She will evaluate your current functional abilities and identify areas of dysfunction. From there, you will discuss an appropriate plan of care and, with consent, she will begin treatment.
The majority of these treatments will be Fascial Counterstrain, as described above. Other treatments may include therapeutic exercise, education, kinesiotape, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and functional dry needling.
INSURANCE
Vital Energy is a cash-based practice
Vital Energy is a cash-based practice, meaning we do not accept or contract with any insurance company. We accept cash, check, Zelle, Venmo, FSA/HSA and credit cards as forms of payment at the time of service. However, a superbill can be offered upon request to submit to your insurance for an out-of-network claim. Vital Energy encourages you to check your insurance benefits, as many insurance companies offer some level of reimbursement for out-of-network Physical Therapy services.
Dr Melanie understands that paying out of pocket can seem like a major investment, but by eliminating the insurance aspect, she can enhance your quality of care to allow for a more individualized approach. She can offer more tailored treatments that best address your specific conditions, and more time focused on you, rather than insurance paperwork.
KEY TAKEAWAYS​
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PTSD relief after 3 sessions
– Veterans saw major symptom drops after just three Fascial Counterstrain treatments.
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Better mood and well-being
– Participants felt less anxious and depressed, with improved life satisfaction.
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Nervous system reset
– FCS may ease fascia tension, calming the body’s stress and “fight-or-flight” response.
CLINIC
14041 Burnhaven Dr. Suite 105
Burnsville, MN 55337
