Rolfing® Structural Integration
Rolfing® SI is a form of bodywork, client education, and awareness that addresses the fascia, a type of connective tissue.
Fascia, also known as connective tissue, permeates the entire body like a bodysuit and its role is to support and differentiate muscle tissue, bones, internal organs, and nerves. When we are injured, hurt, or develop bad postural habits, adhesions are formed and, it ultimately affects the body's overall efficiency. Movement is then restricted or limited, and pain or dysfunction develops.
Rolfing Structural Integration is a powerful form of bodywork that helps realign the body, relieves pain, and increases ease of movement. It works by systematically releasing tension from the body's connective tissue, allowing the body to re-align itself, reduce pain, and restore the body's natural balance. The result is a feeling of increased energy and better overall health.
Benefits of Rolfing® SI:
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Increase body awareness and movement
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Decrease chronic pain, including back pain
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Create long-lasting structural change
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Increase athletic performance, flexibility
and coordination
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Provide headache/migraine relief
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Treat sciatica
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Give an overall sense of well-being
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Improve energy levels and stamina
Rolfing® SI versus Massage
Rolfing® Structural Integration may seem similar to massage in several ways, but in the end, the goals, results, and integration of Rolfing set it apart from massage. Massage Therapy and Rolfing can be used to loosen tight muscles, reduce stress, treat injuries, and provide relaxation.
Rolfing's primary goals is to bring the body into balance and realign the body for long-term results. These sessions are also different than a massage in that the client participates in the sessions with movement and breath instead of just relaxing on the table. Inappropriate movement patterns that lead to dysfunction are addressed and corrected. This process creates ownership and empowerment for clients to take control of their physical and mental health.
During a Rolfing® session, the client usually wears their underwear or other appropriate clothing such as 2 piece bathing suit for women. We discourage racerback sports bras or T - back bras as they cover the mid-thoracic region, so a regular bra is preferred. For men: briefs, NOT boxers, or comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict movement and allows work on upper legs, hips, and midback.
Another difference between Rolfing® and massage is the use of massage creme or oil. Rolfing® uses little to no oil or creme because the absence of lubrication allows the therapist to manipulate layers of fascia instead of just gliding over the tissue.
The Rolfing® SI has a 10-Series. The goal of these sessions is to systematically balance the structure and function of the entire body by freeing restrictions/adhesions with sustained pressure, breathwork, and sometimes movement. Eachs session has a functional goal, focusing on a targeted area and/or regions of the body, and works toward establishing more effective relationships within the body between the body and its environment. By addressing the body in this systematic manner, the body is balanced within gravity from top to bottom, side to side, front to back, and inside to outside.
The frequency of sessions can range from once per week to every four weeks, depending on the individual and their needs. Once the Series work is complete, you may never feel the need to get another Rolfing session, or you may choose to come back for "tune-ups". There is also an additional 3 or 5 series that works to address more specific goals. Schedule a free consult to see if Rolfing would be a good fit for you.
Rolfing TESTIMONIAL
Dear Julie,
"I've been thinking of all the ways in which Rolfing has changed me! I stand taller, with shoulders more open and wide, my step more balanced as I walk. My head moves more easily and I have become a "bobble-head" with more range of motion as I turn my head.
I love to sing and my breath is now deeper and effortless. I feel like there is more space inside to breathe deeper. And-- I am able to reach four higher notes than I could a year ago!
I had not even noticed how much my sense of smell had diminished in recent years until I drove home from a session with you and I could smell the outdoor air. I was now able to catch the scent of wild roses in bloom which I had missed this year. Honeysuckle! I can smell it walking past instead of having to try really hard to catch the scent close up.
The most amazing result is that the changes from each Rolfing session are lasting. There is no feeling two weeks later that we have to do it all again.
I will continue to come for "well-baby" sessions. Thank you for all you do to straighten out our world."
Personal letter from Jane