why it works
Tight muscles? Densified fascia traps nerves, restricts movement, and doesn't respond to painful rolling, stretching, or bracing. That's why the same tension keeps coming back. This is the science behind what changes it and why cringe-free matters more than intensity.
why (un)Block™ works
nervous system friendly
flat surfaces are :
- stationary, helping the body feel more safe and stable letting your body know it is safe to let go of tension.
- a soft texture, mimics the touch of soothing skin-on-skin contact.
- wide, flat sides give more contact with your body for just-enough pressure. our nervous system likes sustained pressure (hugs, weighted blankets), as do our fibroblasts in the fascia.
- you’re in control of your experience and amount of pressure. nothing is being done to you.
- easier to use pain-free, with only enough sensation to provide pressure without cringing or your body fighting back.
why (un)Block™ works
gravity + biophysics
Your body creates pressure between the (un)Block™ and your bone. This pressure is a mechanical force. Small amounts of heat (called piezoelectricity) are also produced.
The fluid in your tissues contains hyaluronic acid, a non-Newtonian fluid that gets sticky and gluelike in a process called densification. Densification happens when our body gets dehydrated, doesn't move often, when we get stressed and other factors.
Non-Newtonian fluids respond to mechanical forces by converting from near solid states back into a liquid. This physical property is called thixotropy Quicksand is another example of this physical property.
The mechanical pressure of your bodyweight and heat promote "melting" of sticky, densified hyaluronic acid (hello, in the fascia. This allows the layers of the tissue to glide again, increasing mobility and while reducing entrapment to decrease pain.
Dr. Helene Langevin's mechanotransduction research confirms that broad, sustained loading produces systemic neurological downregulation (stress relief).
Coming out of position allows fresh blood and oxygen to rush in, helping our cells make energy and eliminate waste.
why (un)Block™ works
easier to use cringe-free
It can be used standing, seated, on a bed, couch, or on the floor. This makes it easier for people of all abilities to adjust the amount of pressure their body applies to the block to avoid pain.
As a stationary tool, it doesn't need you to hold your body weight up or put pressure on your joints.
Dr. Robert Schleip's research on fascial innervation shows pain triggers a stress response that actively contracts myofibroblasts, making tissue stiffer.