The Rolfing Method® was created by Doctor Ida Rolf in 1960. It consists of a series of structural readjustments and movements to facilitate the bodies’ ability to recover it’s inherent ease of movement and stability around a central point of zero gravity. In essence Rolfing is the process of restoring a body to neutrality.
By differentiating adhesion in the soft tissues (particularly fascia, ligaments, and tendons) with a specific touch technique and incorporating those changes with movement strategies, Rolfing provides more options for standing, sitting, and walking postures as well as other general movement in everyday life. Clients often discover relief from chronic pain and positive lifestyle change.
WHAT CAN ROLFING HELP?
Rolfing can be specifically helpful for joint pains including lower back pain, neck pain, wrist and ankle pain. Other issues such as migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, and relief around scar tissue are areas of focus.
Rolfing provides an overall improvement in a person’s well-being by loosening tension throughout the body creating space. The end goal is transformation through comfort and relaxation. Heightened sense of self is often achieved through new found range of movement/ reduction of pain which has been reported to result in ‘energy’ shifts.
HOW DOES ROLFING WORK?
The primary apparatus of Rolfing® Structural Integration is the 10 series. The 10 series is 10 sessions of approximately seventy minute each over the course of at least 6 weeks. Each session focuses on a specific area of the body in a sequential fashion which goes from superficial to deep and periphery to core. A shorter three series or single sessions are available for specific problems, but not preferred or recommended.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR A SESSION?
Depending on the client’s level of comfort Rolfing can be done through clothes, but the more skin contact the better.
- Women: underwear & bra or tank top/ t shirt & running shorts
- Men: briefs or loose shorts
Patrick has both a gentle and deep approach to rolfing, and he was sensitive and responsive to my body’s specific needs. My shoulder was locked from several years of protecting an old injury, and my range of motion and strength was limited. His work allowed me to relax and find much needed space in my chest, shoulder and upper back. My range of motion increased, and I gained a better awareness of how to support the injured area through correct alignment. As a dancer, martial artist and teacher, I need my body for my work. I am very grateful to Patrick and his skill in supporting my recovery!
Matthew Thornton
https://matthewpaulthornton.blog