Recover after Injury, Align your Body
Throughout our lives, we work against the downward force of gravity to maintain a balanced, upright position on land as we walk, run and sit.
Over time, we develop postural habits associated with familiar movement patterns and past injuries.
As these postural habits become more extreme, we are likely to experience stress and pain associated with strain patterns in our soft tissues.
Structural integration addresses these strain patterns, improves alignment, increases freedom in movement and enhances body awareness.
More Stamina, Relief from Pain, Less Stress
If you are new to Rolfing and choose to receive the recommended 10 session series, you may realize the following benefits:
- A sense of lightness in your step
- More stamina in physical activity with less pain afterwards
- Improvement or relief of daily pain and discomfort
- Greater stability in standing and walking
- Reduction in stress
- A sense of being taller again
Gain More Freedom of Movement
Rolfing structural integration is a system of bodywork and movement education that reorganizes the entire body in gravity. By manipulating the network of muscle and fascia in the body, a Rolfer assists an individual through a gradual process of making profound changes in posture and structural alignment which reduces strain patterns, increases freedom in movement and enhances body awareness.As our bodies experience better alignment, there is greater potential for improvements in overall health and reductions in the level of musculo-skeletal pain that many of us encounter as we age.
The woman pictured demonstrates a slight scoliotic pattern and shifted neck position prior to receiving 10 sessions of Rolfing structural integration at White Oak Rolfing (left). After completing her 10-series (right), she demonstrates improved support from her legs, better spinal alignment and greater ease in her neck.
Is Rolfing the Right Technique for Me?
Rolfing may not meet the goals and expectations of every individual. A single sample session or three session format is available so you may experience Rolfing techniques and decide if it feels like the right approach for you. If you choose to continue, a 10-series format is followed with some variance if both client and Rolfer feel there may be a need for additional sessions.
How is Rolfing Different from Deep Tissue Massage?
The Rolfing approach views you as a whole, functional person that is self-organizing and
self-regulating. The deep tissue massage approach considers a muscle or group of
muscles and soft tissue to be "tight" and dysfunctional.
The Rolfing model considers how you organize your body in gravity and out of gravity.
Deep tissue massage models don't generally consider your body's relationship to gravity.
The Rolfing series is goal-oriented and has a clearly defined beginning and end. Conversely,
long-term, routine visits for deep tissue massage are often necessary to maintain enhanced mobility.
Rolfing emphasizes both soft tissue work and re-education of the nervous system to help you choose
more efficient movements. Deep tissue massage addresses soft tissue concerns, but does not
consider nervous system re-education.
Note: Rolfing is not a substitute for appropriate medical care and/or physical therapy associated with injury. Clients are encouraged to seek the advice of their physician regarding acute injury or unusual changes in health.
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