Rolfing
What is Rolfing?
Rolfing Structural Integration is an internationally recognised system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education. Developed over 50 years ago by Dr. Ida Rolf, it aims to balance and integrate the major segments of the body in order to ease pain, release area’s of tension and allow the body an easy upright posture and easier movement patterns
Rolfing works primarily with the connective tissue of the body, the fascia, which surrounds, separates and supports every muscle fiber, joint and organ in the body. If the body is misaligned in gravity, due to, for example, postural habits, stress, injuries and aging, the fascia will adapt by growing thicker and tightening. While this is helpful in allowing the body to maintain it’s shape, over time it will lock the body into this position, with resulting muscle soreness, nagging joint pain and postural shift.
The practitioner uses a direct pressure to melt or release these fascial holdings. Over a series of ten sessions the body is treated holistically in this way to rebalance the entire structure in such a way that produces lasting results.
Who is it good for?
Rolfing is useful for clients of all ages and backgrounds. It can help to resolve chronic pain problems such as repetitive strain injury; back, neck and shoulder problems; and sports injuries. It helps to improve mobility and function, which can improve appearance, and give an increased sense of vitality. It can be used alone or in conjunction with an exercise program such as Yoga and Pilates.
The Rolfing sessions
The first three sessions work with the more superficial layers of the body, aiming to begin freeing stuck breathing patterns, establishing good support through the feet and releasing tension in the shoulders, ribcage, pelvis and legs. Sessions four to seven work with the core of the body, the deeper structures between the pelvis and head, in order to find support from within. Sessions eight to ten work to integrate the core and ’sleeve’ of the body, improving co-ordination of movement and posture. While session ten completes the process, the body will continue to integrate the work over the following months and years.
What happens during a session?
In the first session the client is observed while standing and in movement to make an assessment and set goals for the rest of the sessions. The client will usually be dressed in their underwear, swimwear or similar. Photographs can be taken to track the changes made over the course of treatments.
After the assessment the client will be asked to lie on the massage table, and the practitioner uses a trained touch to carefully apply pressure and movement to the fascial tissue. This is an active process in which the client is encouraged to particpate with movement cues from the Rolfer.
Rolfing uses a deep touch, and as such the work can be strong and occasionally intense. Sensations during a session can range from pleasurable to momentarily uncomfortable when working with tight restricted areas. The treatment as a whole is usually regarded as enjoyable.