Unwinding
What is Unwinding?
To understand what unwinding is, you first need to be familiar with the term fascia, sometimes referred to as the second skin.
Fascia
Fascia is a type of connective tissue that envelops every structure in the body, down to the cellular level. Every organ, blood vessel, muscle, bone, and nerve is enclosed by a thin film of fascia. It varies in thickness and form depending on where it is found in the body and the function it performs – it may look like a thin cobweb or a tough sheathing.
Fascia tissues not only surround every structure in the body, they also penetrate deeply into these structures. For instance, every muscle has its own fascial envelope, and every bundle of muscle fibres and individual muscle cell has its own individual fascia sheath. All these fascia tissues connect to form a continuous network that unites the entire body.
Myofascia
Simply means muscle (myo-) and the surrounding web of connecting tissue (-fascia).
Fascial unwinding
Fascial unwinding is a relatively common osteopathic technique that addresses fascial dysfunctions. These dysfunctions, which result from infection, injury, disease, or emotional factors cause physical and emotional blocks. Every trauma or tension you experience is held in the body tissues in the form of restriction or constriction of some kind.
Fascial unwinding releases these tensions, restores function, and reduces symptoms. It is effective against a variety of conditions ranging from inflammatory processes to chronic disorders. It can be applied for long-term symptoms as well as acute conditions.
Fascial unwinding is used by myofascial workers, craniosacral therapists, and osteopaths. However, its origin and main application lies within the field of osteopathy.
How does Unwinding Work?
Fascial unwinding can be carried out on any part of the body. Fascial restrictions are released by encouraging the body to move into areas of ease. It triggers a spontaneous reaction where parts of the body twitch or twist, bend, and rotate, sometimes in a chaotic or rhythmic pattern. This frees your body from stress, pain, and other forms of discomfort.
The protocol for unwinding follows 5 steps:
1. Evaluation
Your therapist first performs a thorough assessment of your myofascial system to identify any signs of restriction. Any disruption of fascial function at any level can result to altered structural alignment, joint restrictions, poor energy levels, pain, and impaired movement patterns.
The therapist aims to find the dysfunctional body region to be worked on and identify preferential patterns of tissue motion, which is perceived as movements towards ease – This usually mirrors the direction of past injuries or trauma.
2. Induction
The patient has to assume a relaxed state. The therapist lays a gentle touch as he/she visualises the anatomy of the area being worked on. Motion is induced usually by lifting and holding the area in a relaxed position. A distraction or compression force may be applied to prompt the process.
3. Unwinding
The sensitivity, fine palpitation skills, and kinesthetic appreciation of the osteopath will enable him/her to support the patient while focusing on the area of fascial tension. Spontaneous body movements begin to arise from the unwinding of dysfunctional tissues. The patterns of motion are mostly unpredictable.
5. Release
The patient feels warmth as myofascial tensions collapse. There’s a melting sense in the tissues being worked on. Recent and mild restrictions may take seconds to release whereas longstanding or severe injuries may require several sessions.
4. Still point
After the unwinding stops, the patient’s cooperation may be needed to promote tissue changes and release.
6. Reassessment
After release has occurred, the therapist does a re-examination to verify balanced tension within and around the myofascial tissue.