Archives: Practitioners

Daniel Gehret, LMT

Dan’s story begins where many of his clients’ stories do — in pain. He grew up with chronic discomfort that no treatment seemed to touch. After decades of searching, he finally found methods that worked — not just one, but several. Because his own healing required a multifaceted approach, he explored a wide range of techniques.

But it was Fascial Counterstrain that made the most profound and lasting difference — and it’s now the heart of his clinical work.

Dan has completed every available course in Fascial Counterstrain and uses it as the foundation of nearly all his sessions. At times, when the body calls for more specific visceral or emotional release, he draws from his advanced training in Barral’s techniques — including Visceral and Neural Manipulation, as well as visceroemotional approaches — and Craniosacral-based somatoemotional work. His background also includes certification in Neural Reset Therapy.

Dan doesn’t just treat symptoms — he listens deeply, thinks holistically, and works with your body to unravel the root causes of pain. Clients often come to him after trying everything else. Many say it’s the first time they’ve felt real relief.

If you’re ready to stop chasing short-term fixes and finally feel at home in your body, Dan is here to help.

Brandee Johnson, PTA, LMT

Brandee’s interest in physical therapy stems from her years as a gymnast and as an aerialist on the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. When injuries curtailed her dreams of being an Olympic athlete, she moved on to study massage therapy and in 1995 became a licensed massage therapist (LMT). She new from her years as an LMT that helping others navigate the world of injuries and pain was her calling; it was her path. As life unfolded, Brandee entered school and earned a degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA).
She was introduced to Fascial Counterstrain when treating a young enlisted man stationed at JBER Military Base in Anchorage, Alaska. He was suffering from a concussion and related issues. Brandee’s supervisor stepped in and worked on the Dura as part of the Counterstrain system of relief. When the gentleman stood up and declared his headache was gone and was no longer having light sensitivity, Brandee knew she had to learn Facial Counterstrain. She continues with advanced training today and in her words. “These techniques continue to amaze me every day. It changes lives by looking at the multiple systems of the body, and leads a practitioner to the root cause of dysfunction. When I see the relief in my patients as their pain decreases and mobility returns, I feel such a sense of accomplishment.”
Patients who experience Counterstrain benefit from this gentle, effective, and healing technique. “It has forever changed my life and I will continue to be a dedicated practitioner”.

Milton De Brun, DPT

With a passion for the outdoors and sports like soccer and volleyball, I’ve always been drawn to movement and wellness. I became a licensed physical therapist in 2008 after earning my master’s degree in Argentina, and went on to complete my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in California in 2010.

In 2013, I began training in Counterstrain, which has since become an essential part of my daily treatment approach. I find great fulfillment in helping patients feel better, move better, and return to the activities they love.

Most of my career was spent in Florida, where I gained valuable experience working with diverse patient populations. I’ve since settled in Greeneville, Tennessee, where my family and I have found a deep appreciation for the beautiful mountain views, outdoor lifestyle, and warm, welcoming community.

Alison Francart, Physiotherapeute

Diplômée en kinésithérapie en 2008.
Je pratique le Fascial Counterstrain depuis 2013.
Certifiée en technique Jones.

Maria Flynn, MPT

I’ve been a physical therapist since 2002 after graduating with my Master of Physical Therapy from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Since then, I have specialized in neurological and orthopedic conditions where I worked with adults as well as pediatrics in the acute rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient settings. My undergraduate degree is in Spanish Literature and Language, and included a year studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, and a physical therapy service trip to El Salvador. My Spanish language skills add to my ability to also treat Spanish speaking clients.

I learned about Fascial Counterstrain through a fellow soccer mom on my son’s team. As I researched more about the technique, I could tell this was the “missing link” I had been seeking to get down to the true cause of my clients’ dysfunctions. I have gone through a severe autoimmune disease, and multiple abdominal and hip surgeries which have resulted in chronic pain and mobility issues. Fascial Counterstrain has been the most effective treatment I have found! It changes the way physical therapists assess, treat and help their patients in their health journey. It addresses long-term issues that many others and I face that are not addressed by traditional physical therapy. I’m honored and committed to truly help my clients by getting to the root cause of their pain and dysfunction with Fascial Counterstrain treatment.

Outside of work, I am a mother of 4 children, along with a fur baby. I find joy in being active, adventurous travels with my family, and relaxing while reading, cooking and painting watercolors.

Matthew Sweeney, Licensed Acupuncturist LAc

Matthew Sweeney, Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomat in Acupuncture, NCCAOM. Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and graduated from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Denver in 2012. He also holds a Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Psychology. Matt is also certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is a nationwide licensed acupuncturist and practices in the state of Colorado and Michigan.

In 2008, Matt began contemplating studying acupuncture. During this time he was suffering from incredibly high stress from working in a crashing real estate industry and was searching for a way to relieve anxiety via alternative medicine.

This led him to Chinese medicine, finding great relief was through acupuncture. Realizing this helped him greatly, he knew he was intrinsically motivated to help others in a more altruistic fashion with purpose driven by helping others in need.

Matt’s primary practice with the help of myofascial therapy(since 2014) and Fascial Counterstrain (2024) and focus is helping with sports injuries, chronic pain, stomach issues, and women’s issues. However, the opportunity to treat whatever ailments arise with the body is openly welcomed.

Ryan Friend, DPT

Dr. Ryan Friend helps adults suffering from nagging aches and pains get back to an active, healthy lifestyle without the need for pain medication, injections, or multiple visits to the doctor.

Dr. Ryan specializes in manual physical therapy, corrective movement, stress reduction techniques and helping patients who suffer from chronic issues other medical professionals haven’t been able to identify or treat.

His own journey in healing both his body and mind have inspired him to bring a more holistic approach to his physical therapy practice.

For over 15 years, he’s worked in a variety of orthopedic and other settings refining his skills. Now, he brings those skills to his own clinic and even to your doorstep.

Dr. Friend’s unique treatment approach relies less on traditional tests and measures and more on your response to his therapeutic approach. His personalized approach helps him identify pain syndromes and dysfunctions other doctors can miss. Through one-on-one treatment plans, he addresses the root causes, instead of just symptoms, and helps patients discover freedom from pain in less time than traditional PT.