Myofascial Unwinding

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 Fascial unwinding is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy technique used to release deep tension, trauma, and restrictions in the fascia—the connective tissue of the body. Practitioners use minimal pressure, relying on presence and gentle traction to release restrictions in the fascial system and  signal safety to the nervous system. 

The treatment can often induce involuntary movements in the body including twitching, movement of limbs, neck movements or twisting in the torso as fascial tissue begins to release and the central nervous system starts to let go. With fascial unwinding, we helping the body tpo relax and let go of old stuck patterns of tension and trauma  in the body. The treatment can be particularly useful for those suffering from chronic long term pain conditions which have not responded well to other treatments. Typical examples may include:  unexplained tight areas of persistent pain; recovery support of old injuries, surgeries and scar tissue restrictions; help to reduce daily stress, tension, and nervous system hyperarousal. 

Fascial unwinding can take place during a regular Myofascial session but I also offer fascial unwinding as a stand alone therapy, as some clients respond much more favourably to the light nature of this work.

A typical fascial unwinding session will begin with a initial consultation where we will discuss your pain, past medical history and injuries or accidents you may have suffered. This is because there are times when you may associate your pain with an injury or incident from the past which may not actually be responsible for your pain. Fascial unwinding helps the body to release itself, meaning old injuries or traumas to the body can often surface during treatment. 

Treatment is then performed on the treatment table with the client usually lying face up. The client is fully clothed during the session as pressures used are very light - there are no massage oils, massage strokes or heavy pressures used. I will use my hands to gently apply tension to the areas of restriction which were identified during the postural and walking assessment. I will then wait until I feel the tissues under my hands begin to unwind and release. Once the unwinding process begins you may begin to experience different sensations such as a  slow drifting of limbs, gentle shaking, stretching, or pulsing sensations. Some people report feelings of deep calm, while others may experience a sudden wave of emotion, warmth, or a twitching sensation as tension resolves. Heavy pressure are typically avoided to prevent triggering protective muscle-guarding. 

Following the release I will then typically find other areas of tension which were identified during the initial assessment or which have come to my attention during the treatment. The gentle touch and stretching used are designed to induce relaxation in the  fascial tissues which then relay a message of calm to the  nervous system. The treatment is particularly useful for those who have sensitive bodies (including those with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia) or feel they constantly carry tension in their bodies which other therapy interventions have failed to release.

The treatment is also useful for those who have suffered an injury in the past, which now appears to have healed, but they are still experiencing pain. Myofascial unwinding can help to release these old stuck pain patterns.