Rolfing Bodywork

Introduction

Developed by Dr. Ida Rolf over 70 years ago, she called her work “Structural Integration,” but as it spread it became commonly known as “Rolfing.”

    What is Rolfing?

    Rolfing is not simply massage but more a method of soft tissue release and body education that can improve your alignment and ease the strain patterns in the fascial system, which are often the cause of chronic pain. The changes are immediate and long-lasting.

      Who does it help?

      Anyone who wants relief from pain or discomfort, better freedom of movement, improved athletic performance, or anyone who wants to be more in touch with their body will benefit.

        Rolfing helps

        • Poor posture
        • Back and neck pain
        • Sciatica
        • Jaw pain
        • Repetitive strain injuries
        • Sports injuries
        • And much more

        Rolfing: Why it Works

        Why is the Rolfing so successful?

        Rolfing’s success comes from working with the body’s system of connective tissue or “fascia”. The fascial network encompasses our entire body, covering every muscle, nerve, blood vessel and organ. It gives our body its shape and determines the quality of our movement.

        As the body tries to compensate for injury or strain it distributes it globally throughout the fascial system, perpetuating aches and pains and limiting balance and alignment.

        In an organized series of sessions, Rolfing progressively eases the body’s strain to evoke order, support, spaciousness and efficient movement. When the body is in optimal alignment, the major segments, feet, legs, pelvis, torso, spine and head support each other with the least amount of effort, giving us more energy and mobility.

        As a result of Dr. Rolf’s research into the role of the body’s connective tissue system and the development of her approach, there are now many forms of beneficial bodywork. However, the success of Rolfing come from the strategy of balancing the whole body not only local patterns of strain as in “deep tissue” massage. Many clients I see finally get relief that they haven’t been able to obtain with other modalities because it was the fascial system as a whole that needed to be addressed, especially with long standing issues.

        What is a session like?

        Each session is a combination of education and hands-on work.

        We discuss your goals and observe you stand and move to assess your structure and movement patterns to determine where adjustments are needed.

        Most of the session is hands-on by applying slow and deep pressure to the tissue as it releases.  This slow pace of the pressure allows for a change deep in the tissue that actually feels really good as it brings immediate relief.  We work together to allow your body to relax into it. You are an active participant as I invite you to be aware of your sensations and feelings.

        During and after the session it is important to stand and move to feel the changes in your body so that new awareness can become a part of your everyday life.

        The Ten Series

        Rolfing was designed and is most effective as a series of ten sessions.  Each session has specific goals and progresses and builds on the one before to bring the whole body into better alignment.  Ideally, sessions are scheduled one to two weeks apart.

        After a period of 3 or 6 months, clients often return for a 3 session “tune-up” series. It can be helpful to do any number of sessions but especially whenever problems seem like they are becoming chronic, or when an injury does not seem to be resolving on its own.

        Read below for details on the Ten Sessions.

        The Ten Sessions

        Session 1
        The first session expands our ability to breath more fully with work on the ribcage and arms as well as beginning to open the upper leg, hamstrings neck and spine.

        Session 2
        The second session gives the body a stable foundation by balancing the feet and muscles of the lower legs.  More mobility in this foundation also creates shock absorption for all the other joints in the body.

        Session 3
        The third session lengthens the side of the body, opening the side of the ribcage, freeing up the shoulder girdle and hips, and making more space for the low back.

        Session 4
        Session four frees the pelvis from below, from the inside arch of the foot to the bottom of the pelvis, creating a base of support for everything above it.

        Session 5
        The fifth session opens the front of the body, balancing the surface abdominal muscles and the psoas muscle, which lies deep on the front of the lumbar spine.

        Session 6
        Session six opens the back line of the body, freeing the sacrum, lengthening and mobilizing the spine.

        Session 7
        The seventh session frees and balances the head, neck and jaw, relieving any TMJ problems, bringing the head into better alignment over the rest of the body.

        Sessions 8-10
        “Integration” is emphasized throughout the remaining three sessions, providing an opportunity to revisit and make further improvements in a way that encourages smooth movement and natural coordination. In the eighth and ninth session the best way to achieve this integration will be unique for each person.

        The tenth and final session is also one of integration, balancing sections of the body where movements get restricted, the ankles, knees, hips, waist, chest, shoulders and head. Most importantly it serves to inspire a sense of order and balance in the body as a whole.

        This holistic approach plus the ability of the body to “self-organize”, promotes lasting changes that will support the body with better health for years to come.

        What to wear

        Men can wear briefs or short running shorts, women, a bra and underwear or a two-piece bathing suit.  I want you to be comfortable and you may wear athletic clothes if you prefer.  Please avoid wearing any perfume or cologne.

        For more info about Rolfing, you can go to this link: https://rolf.org/