What is Rolfing^®

Rolfing is a system of bodywork based on structural integration, developed by Ida P. Rolf. It is a process of re-educating the body through movement and touch. The primary function of Rolfing is to facilitate a positive relationship between gravity and the human body. Injuries, trauma and daily habits can cause the body to lose this relationship, leading to pain, discomfort and lack of energy.

Rolfing uses an intelligent, systematic approach to bring the body back into balance. Through a combination of applied pressure and gentle movements, the connective tissue of the body (fascia) is released and repositioned. This allows the thickened fascia to become soft, rehydrated and more flexible. As a result, habitual patterns of holding one's self out of alignment can be relaxed and allowed to return to a natural position.

How Does Rolfing Feel?

Rolfing generally feels like slow, deep pressure followed by a feeling of release. Sensations may range from pleasurable relief to temporary discomfort, depending on factors such as injuries or chronic stress to the afflicted area. A certified Rolfer will start very gentle and then work with you to find the right level of pressure. In general, people report feeling a sense of lightness and well-being upon completion of a Rolfing session.

Benefits of Rolfing

Rolfing offers many physical and emotional benefits. The Rolfing series focuses on changing patterns at the structural level, and unlike other therapies, Rolfing can make lasting structural changes in people. Often people come to Rolfing for relief from an injury or chronic pain. People going through life changes also find Rolfing beneficial in ways like the following:

• Improves posture
• Helps relieve chronic pain and injury
• Reduces low back and neck pain
• Improves efficiency of movement
• Improves awareness of body and mind
• Benefits adults, children and infants
• Increases flexibility
• Strengthens and purifies the nervous system
• Relieves stress

Rolfing helps to improve posture and bring the body's natural structure into proper balance and alignment. This can bring relief from general aches and pains, improve breathing, increase energy, improve self-confidence, and relieve physical and mental stress. Rolfing has also been used to treat such specific physical problems as chronic back, neck, shoulder, and joint pain, and repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, bursitis, tendonitis, sciatica and disc problems.

Many amateur and professional athletes, including Olympic skaters and skiers, use Rolfing to keep in top condition, to prevent injuries, and to more quickly recover from injuries.

The Rolfing Series

Traditionally, Rolfing is carried out in a series of ten sessions, each building upon the last. Each session is about an hour and can be scheduled within one to two weeks apart. Before the series begins, your Rolfer will discuss prior conditions and current complaints to determine what you wish to accomplish. Then a course of action will be communicated between you and your Rolfer and sequenced to optimize changes to the whole body.

What to Expect

On your first session we discuss your health history, your goals and expectations for Rolfing. I also address any questions you may have. At the beginning of the session I will evaluate your structure, both standing and walking. In order to evaluate body structures I work with people in their underwear (and tops for women). You may also wear running shorts and a sports bra or a light T-shirt if you would be more comfortable. I am dedicated to your feeling as safe as possible.

After I make some structural assessments, you will lie on my table and we will work to bring awareness to areas of holding and work to release these holding patterns. A large part of my work is also helping you bring awareness to your holding patterns and finding alternatives that will offer you more ease.

Sessions are 75-90 minutes and cost $95, payable in the form of cash, personal checks, or Visa and MasterCard.

"Dwell as near as possible to the channel in which your life flows."
Henry David Thoreau