 About Rolfers and Rolfing or Structural Integration Therapy...
Rolfing is a form of deep-tissue, structurally oriented bodywork. Rolfing is employed primarily to help:
- Reduce stress
- Ease mobility
- Posture
- Reduce musculoskeletal pain
- Reduce back pain
- Improve the operation of muscles used in the breathing process
Rolfing aims to realign the body by using intense pressure and stroking to stretch shortened and tightened fascia (fascia encases muscle and connects muscle to bone) back into shape. The goal is to make the fascia softer and more flexible, and to restore its natural balance in relation to muscles, tendons, and bones. This in turn restores health and vitality, freeing built-up tension and stress that has resulted in other knock-on problems. From carrying a handbag to sitting at a desk for a long time, your body stores stress and tension within itself and this needs to be released to enable your body to work properly and in harmony. This includes helping you to breath more evenly and efficiently.
Practitioners manipulate the fascia rather than the muscles themselves. Pressure from the practitioner's knuckles, knees, elbows, or fingers on this connective tissue is said to release deeply held tension and stress. Rolfing results in ease of movement, improved posture, and overall emotional and physical health.
Dr. Rolf who developed this therapy in the 1930s was influenced by her knowledge of multiple disciplines: Hatha Yoga, the Alexander Technique, Osteopathy, and Homeopathy. Dr. Rolf called her own approach ‘structural integration’ because it dealt with the way the body's structure affects its function. The public nicknamed this therapy ‘Rolfing’.
With successive treatments, the action of Rolfing becomes more deep and may actually feel painful as it works on your deep and tense tissues but it should never be unbearable. The intensity should leave you feeling energised and ‘lightened’ at the end of the session. Your practitioner can best advise you on the course of treatment.
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