Unwinding the Fascia is a gentle and subtle massage therapy for releasing tension, pain and restrictions in the physical body. It works by gently guiding the body in a way that allows the connective tissue (fascia) to unwind itself through its own biological "intelligence". 

This inherent, self-correcting process  helps to bring holding patterns, memories, emotions or sensations into the conscious awareness and then to release them. 

 

Fascial unwinding is a wonderful way for the body to free and correct itself and to create space for a clearer mind and a healthier posture.

 

 

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures in our body. It is located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone and it runs from the top of our head, to the tips of our toes in one uninterrupted sheet.

 

Injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. Since fascia is an interconnected web, the restriction or tightness to fascia in one place can, with time, spread to other places in the body like a pull in a sweater. When the fascia becomes damaged or bound it can cause dysfunction, causing adhesions, inflammation or scar tissue. It can also cause referred pain in other areas. 

 

The goal of fascial unwinding is to release fascia restriction and restore its flexibility and flow.

 

 For more information on fascia and how it affects you, see this article from Running Times.

 

 

What happens during a treatment?

Unwinding sessions are often very relaxing. After an initial discussion to establish where you are feeling pain or discomfort, you will lie on the treatment couch covered with towels. The treatment will commence with general massage moves, while I  ascertain where the physical restrictions are located. Then, using a light pressure, I will feel very slowly into the fascial network using pulling, stretching and holding moves on the body, to encourage the fascia around these restrictions to "let go".  The massage is slow and gentle: the fascia must not be forced, but gently coaxed. 

 

During the treatment, you are encouraged to keep your presence/awareness in your body. There may be some dialogue, as feedback regarding sensations you are experiencing can help with the treatment.

 

Sometimes there may be a temporary increase in pain or symptoms after treatment.  Very often  improvement is noted during or immediately after treatment. However, sometimes, as with all holistic treatments, you may  experience pains in new areas, an temporary worsening of symptoms or emotional changes. All these symptoms are temporary reactions to the deep changes that are taking place through the unwinding process.