Rolfing

Rolfing® is an original and scientifically validated system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf, a biochemist, in the 1940's. Dr. Rolf, who studied osteopathy, chiropractic and yoga while developing Rolfing, discovered that organization of the main segments of the body (head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis and legs) is a function of balanced tension in the connective tissues of the body. She also learned that connective tissue, especially fascia, is a plastic and moldable substance that is capable of significant change through sensitive manipulation.

Rolfing® is the form that Dr. Rolf developed to contact and adjust the system of fascia into an optimum position for each individual.

Why do our bodies become misaligned?

Physical and emotional events from our lives are recorded and stored in our bodies via the system of fascia. This creates a physical pattern of holding that affects our posture and how we move. One seemingly small imbalance (like one hip being held higher than the other) starts a cycle of our posture affecting our movement and our movement affecting our posture which reinforces a pattern in our entire body. Over time, we experience the result of these patterns in the form of chronic pain, stress, limited range of movement, and a general sense of discomfort in our bodies.

Rolfing often enables a person to become aware of their postural and movement patterns and change them. This usually results in a feeling of freedom in the body and an overall sense of well-being. People also experience a reduction in stress, relief from chronic pain, increased flexibility and increased body awareness as a result of being Rolfed.

Do I have to do 10 sessions?

No. You can do any number of sessions, depending on your needs. However, generally speaking, the more you do, the better your results will be. The reason for this is that our patterns live globally in our bodies and unraveling the patterns as they show up in the different segments of our bodies takes time. If it took 1, 5 or 10 years for your body to get to the place where you need help with it, it will also take some time to ease those patterns and set a new course for the health of your structure.

That said, I work with people in the following ways:

Single Session:

Even one session of Rolfing can make a huge difference. If you are new to Rolfing and not sure if it is right for you, just try one session and decide from there. If you have a short-term pain issue, we can usually make good progress in one session. People who frequently get "knots" in their upper back will often walk out pain free. If you have a "knot under your shoulder blade," please, come and see me. I have worked with this issue exhaustively and know how to fix it. This sensation is almost always caused by a rib being slightly out of place and it can be fixed.

Single sessions are also recommended for people who have already been through the 10 Series or for people who want to do ongoing maintenance.

Chronic Pain Series:

I do a lot of work with people who have scoliosis, low back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ, or some kind of repetitive strain injury. In these situations, I find that it is most effective to work in a series that focuses on the regions that are causing the pain. Depending on the severity of the pain/injury and how long it has been there, we can do a series ranging from 3-15 sessions. It is all based on your needs and we'll evaluate our effectiveness after every session.

10 Session Series:

This is the classic series that was developed by Ida Rolf. Each session has a specific goal and covers a particular region of the body. Despite what you may have read or heard, there is nothing magical or mystical about the 10 Series. I do not say this to discount that people have magical experiences in Rolfing, but rather to clarify that these experiences don't necessarily correlate directly to being taken through the 10 sessions in a specific order. There is certainly an intelligence to the series and I incorporate its principles into every session, but the 10 Series can also limiting to clients who have very specific needs or injuries. I find that the 10 series is most applicable to clients who have generalized issues (not chronic pain or injuries). These clients find that the 10 Series is a satisfying way to change overall posture and learn about their patterns so that they can do their own preventative maintenance. The 10 Series will improve your flexibility, ease tension and make noticeable changes to your posture and movement.

The sequence of the 10 Series:

1 - Breath - This session focuses on areas of the body that affect breathing. We work on chest, ribs, shoulders, back and neck. We also do some arm or leg work in this session. People often report that they can take a fuller breath after this session. Getting a fuller breath with less effort is a wonderful benefit to overall well-being.

2 - Foundation - This session focuses on the feet, legs and pelvis. We will look at how you walk and give you a clearer connection to the ground.

3 - Sides - This session is one of my favorites. Many forms of massage neglect the importance of working on the sides of the body. In this session we work from your neck to your knees on the right and left sides of your body. Clients often report feeling longer and more lifted after this session.

4 - Core/Lower body - This session addresses the leg to pelvis relationship. We work with tilts of the pelvis and rotations of the legs. We work on the inner thigh (adductors), inner calf and feet. Clients often report feeling more grounded or supported after this session.

5- Core/Upper body - This session focuses on the pelvis, abdomen and diaphragm. These deeper structures are rarely given much attention in many forms of bodywork. The psoas muscle is a primary focus of this session.

6 - Back of the body - This session covers a lot of territory - from the feet and calves to the hamstrings, hips and entire back. People with back issues often feel more length and range of motion after this session.

7 - Head, Neck, Face - This is an entire session focusing on many people's favorite - the neck and head. We also work on the jaw in this session. People with neck pain, headaches or TMJ benefit greatly from this session.

8 - Lower Body Integration - This session comes back to trouble areas in the lower body.

9 - Upper Body Integration - This session comes back to trouble areas in the upper body.

10 - Whole Body Integration - This session can either cover the entire body or be a last try at working on something that has yet to change as much as we would like.

How does Rolfing differ from Massage?

While massage generally brings temporary relief from symptoms, Rolfing aims to address the underlying causes for pain and tension in the body, which often results in more significant and longer lasting changes. Rolfing is done in a way that empowers people to become more present in their bodies so that they can sustain the changes and integrate them into their lives.

There is a lot of mystique about why Rolfing works as well as it does, but I believe that the reasons are pretty simple:

• Rolfers generally have more technical training in anatomy, physiology and movement than the average massage therapist. Having a throrough understanding of how bodies function makes a huge difference in resolving structural issues.

• Rolfers work strategically along logical, functional, anatomical chains to affect change in the areas that need it the most, rather than doing a full body routine.

• Rolfers don't use oil. This allows us to affect the tissues at deeper layers instead of sliding along the surface. Patterns usually live in the deeper layers of tissue.

• Rolfers work slowly and generally use firm, sustained pressure. This allows time for tissues to soften and lengthen.

• Rolfers ask you to participate in the session verbally and through movement. This engages you in the process and ensures that we are giving you exactly what you need.

• Rolfers aren't focused on giving you immediate pleasure. We are trying to help you find a place of ease and spaciousness that has been lost because of limiting patterns of movement or non-movement.

Is Rolfing painful?

Many people have heard that Rolfing hurts and they are nervous about how much pain might be involved. Please do not be afraid. If I had to use the word "pain" to describe Rolfing, I would say that it is "good pain" not "torture pain."

On the whole, I would say that Rolfing feels great because when I walk out of a session, I feel significantly less tension and more space in my body. Yes, there are usually some intense moments during a session, but most clients are perfectly willing to experience some intensity to make real changes happen in their body.

I believe in working closely with the client to ensure that the depth and pacing is both enjoyable and effective. Rolfing should never feel sharply painful or overwhelming. Most clients report that the Rolfing experience feels liberating and extremely satisfying. I like to describe the feeling of being Rolfed as "deliciously intense."

How many sessions do I need? How often can I come?

It depends on where you are now, how long you have been where you are now and where you are going. Some people need 5 sessions and some need 25. Most of my clients come weekly, but I also see people every two or three weeks. Occasionally, I will see people twice per week. Do what works for your life, your schedule, your budget. Ultimately, everyone's situation is unique, so we will work together as long as you feel that you are getting what you need.

For more information on Rolfing® or to find a Rolfer in your area, please visit the Rolf Institute.