Finally understand what your body has been trying to tell you.
FASCIAL Counterstrain Physical Therapy for People Who Want Real, Lasting Relief
When traditional PT, massage, or chiropractic haven’t given you the results you deserve, Vital Energy's whole-body, fascia-first approach helps you finally move, feel, and live better.
“I help people finally understand the root of their discomfort so they can move forward with confidence.”
Dr Melanie Franke
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. Melanie 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.
01.
There’s an initial free call where we discuss what your diagnosis is, who referred you, past medical history.
We’ll review your intake form together. Answer your questions, address any concerns and then we schedule our first appointment in person.
02.
Your first session is where clarity begins. Because we already discussed your needs on our call.
We can jump straight into treatment, I take time to understand before we meet in person, so that I have a good understanding of the whole picture, how your fascia, muscles, posture, and movement patterns work together.​
03.
Clear explanations so you always understand what’s happening and why.
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Most feel improvement after the first visit and a deeper understanding of their underlying issues.
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A customized plan aimed at creating long-term relief, not temporary results​
What To EXPECT?
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT:
Fascia, the Nervous System, and PTSD
Emerging research is showing what many patients have intuitively felt for years: fascia and the nervous system are deeply connected.
In a recent PTSD-related study, fascia-focused approaches were shown to support nervous system regulation and help reduce stored tension in the body.
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While every person is unique and no single modality is a “cure,” this growing body of research supports what I see every day in my practice:
The body keeps the score — and fascia is part of the story
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Hands-on, fascial counterstrain can help the body feel safer
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Real change happens when we address both structure and stress
My work is informed by this research, combined with clinical experience, to create a whole-body path forward for each person I work with.
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In just a 1.5 hour session, this treatment can make a significant difference.
Meet MELANIE,
Your Fascial Counterstrain PT
Hi, I’m Melanie, a physical therapist who specializes in fascia-focused, whole-body treatment. Many of the people I work with have tried multiple approaches: traditional PT, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, stretching routines… yet nothing created lasting change.
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I look at the body differently.
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Using a fascial counterstrain lens, I uncover the patterns and compensations that often go unnoticed.
My goal is to help you understand your body, feel more connected to it, and create meaningful improvements in how you move and function.
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If you’re ready to finally get answers, and relief, I’d love to help.
Dr Melanie Franke
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.
Focused on me
as a whole being
"I was referred to Melanie following a car accident resulting in fatalities and extensive internal injuries to myself as well as broken bones throughout my body. While medical providers treated this body part or that, Melanie has focused on me as a whole being. I have found that the counterstrain techniques are non invasive, without pain and produce results. It's the first time I have had hope of returning to a level of normalcy following the accident! She is an amazing healer!”
K.L.
Significant Improvement
"Melanie started treating me when I was in pain pretty much 24/7 from a Sciatica injury.
After one visit, I had significant improvement, and the longer I continued seeing her, the more she fixed my entire body! I can’t remember the last time I was in any pain at all- everyone should see Melanie!”
K.R.
Gentle yet powerful care.
"I can’t say enough good things about Melanie Franke. From the very first session, I felt genuinely listened to and cared for. Each session is calm, precise, and incredibly effective – I notice real improvements not only in my fascial tension but in how my whole body feels afterward. I’m so grateful to have found such a skilled and thoughtful therapist, and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking gentle yet powerful care."
S.M.
Insurance & Payment OPTIONS
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.
CLINIC
14041 Burnhaven Dr. Suite 105
Burnsville, MN 55337
