Unwinding the Body: Exploring the John Barnes Myofascial Release Approach

dynamicbodyworkmfr
May 4
3 min read

In the world of physical therapy and holistic healing, few methods are as gentle yet profoundly transformative as John Barnes’ Myofascial Release (MFR). At the heart of his approach is a powerful and often misunderstood technique called “unwinding.”

This spontaneous, body-led movement process allows deep physical and emotional patterns to surface and release—leading to healing on multiple levels. In this post, we’ll explore what unwinding is, how it works, and why it’s such a cornerstone of the Barnes method.

What Is Myofascial Release?

To understand unwinding the body with Myofascial Release, it helps to start with the basics of fascia.

Fascia is a connective tissue network that surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, and organs—holding everything together and allowing for fluid movement. When trauma, stress, or inflammation occurs, fascia can become tight or restricted, causing pain, misalignment, and limited mobility.

John Barnes’ Myofascial Release approach uses gentle, sustained pressure to soften and release these restrictions. It’s a slower, more intuitive method than traditional massage or manual therapy. The idea is to engage with the tissue patiently, allowing it to “melt” rather than forcefully manipulate it.

What Is “Unwinding” the body with Myofascial Release?

Unwinding is a natural, involuntary movement that often happens during a Myofascial Release session. As restrictions begin to release, the body may start to sway, twist, stretch, or tremble—all without conscious direction.

Rather than being something the therapist does to the client, unwinding is initiated by the client's own body, guided by internal sensations. The therapist’s role is to support, witness, and hold space for whatever unfolds.

These movements aren’t random; they’re thought to be part of the body’s way of releasing stored tension, trauma, and emotion—like a physical “reset” button.

How Does It Work?

The unwinding process is thought to engage both the physical and emotional systems.

When fascia softens under sustained pressure, it can trigger the release of “cellular memory”—past experiences and emotions stored in the body. The limbic system (responsible for memory and emotion) may become involved, allowing clients to access and release unconscious tension patterns.

During unwinding, clients often report:

Sensations of heat, tingling, or vibration
A sense of “being moved” rather than moving themselves
Emotional responses such as laughter, tears, or relief
Memories or images surfacing spontaneously

It’s a deeply somatic experience, with the potential for profound transformation.

The Therapist’s Role

Unlike traditional therapies that direct the client’s movement or posture, MFR practitioners practicing unwinding adopt a non-directive approach.

They may offer light contact or mirror movements but never force or control the body. The key is to create a safe, grounded space where the client feels free to explore their internal experience without judgment.

This kind of therapeutic presence fosters trust—not just in the therapist, but in the client’s own body and its capacity to heal.

Benefits of Unwinding

Unwinding may look gentle and subtle on the outside, but its effects can be powerful:

✅ Relief from chronic pain by releasing long-held fascial restrictions
✅ Improved posture and movement as the body realigns naturally
✅ Emotional release and catharsis, helping resolve stored trauma
✅ Enhanced self-awareness and mind-body connection
✅ Deep relaxation and reduced stress response

For many people, unwinding offers a way to address issues that other therapies can’t reach.

Is Unwinding for Everyone?

Unwinding can be surprising—sometimes even intense—as deep layers of holding are released. It’s not about “fixing” but listening and allowing. Those uncomfortable with body-led or emotional work may need time to warm up to the process.

However, for individuals dealing with:

Chronic pain or fibromyalgia
Trauma and PTSD
Post-surgical scar tissue
Emotional blockages
Or a feeling of being “stuck” physically or energetically

…unwinding can be a revolutionary experience in their healing journey.

Final Thoughts

John Barnes' concept of unwinding asks us to surrender the idea of healing as something we do, and instead to trust the body’s innate intelligence.

In a culture that values control and doing, unwinding is an invitation to slow down, feel deeply, and allow healing to emerge from within. Whether you’re a client or a practitioner, this approach offers a powerful reminder:

The body knows the way—if we’re willing to listen.

🌿 Ready to experience the power of unwinding for yourself? Book your session today or schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn more.

📍 Located in San Diego, CA 📞 Call us at (619) 823-9478 ✉️ Email: dynmfr@gmail.com 📅 Online booking available: www.Dynamic-MFR.com

Interested in learning more about Myofascial Release or finding a trained therapist? Visit https://www.myofascialrelease.com to explore resources and practitioner directories.