Independent Practitioners

How can I get the most out of my Rolfing?

Clients will benefit the most from Rolfing Structural Integration when they do several other things in conjunction with their Rolfing.  We recommendengaging in  an exercise program in their lives, and haveing a healthy diet.  “Exercise program” may mean daily walking, running, swimming, or yoga, tai chi, or other more sophisticated forms of exercise.   “Healthy diet” means being responsible for what goes into your body, including good food, good fluids and so on.

Rolfing for Athletes

Athletes ask their bodies for maximum performance.  Their daily chosen activity repeatedly stresses and exercises the body in the same way.  Rolfing creates new movement options for every one, and athletes notice these changes more than the average person.  The professional athlete gains speed, fluidity and flexibility in his body along with a decrease in injuries he or she may suffer.

Are there benefits in Rolfing® for performers?

Yes, there are benefits for people in the performing arts from the Rolfing process.  The freedom that the Rolfed body feels allows the performer to more fully embody their art.  For the musician, this might mean he/she can play smoothly, without personal fears getting in the way.  For the performer, this freedom is portrayed in fully embodying the desired emotion.

Does Rolfing hurt?

Ida Rolf was a pioneer in the field of bodywork.  She was the first non-osteopath to work deeply in the tissues of the body, and then turn around and teach what she was doing to other non-medical people.   She worked for many years before she began to teach what she was doing.  She had an approach that was unique without the language to describe accurately what she was doing.  She did a wonderful job of SHOWING people what to do, but when she TOLD them to “go deeper” some heard “push harder”.  Thus, the Rolfing clients of the 60’s had a lot of physical pressure put on their bodies, resulting in pain.  Modern day Rolfers are taught to listen with their hands, wait for the tissue to begin to change and allow clients to change at their own rate.  You might look at the discomfort associated with Rolfing in this way.  If you sit on your foot and it goes to sleep, it hurts.  As you move it around and circulation begins to return, it first feels numb, then good.  This is, in a way, similar to Rolfing.  Tissue that has had decreased circulation, fluid exchange, and nerve innervation hurts to the touch.  When it is “worked” through the Rolfing process, it feels lighter, longer, and good.  Rolfers work with their clients so that the client participates in the Rolfing process.  For example clients may be asked to “breath” into the tissue to help it release, or the client may be asked to make a little movement under the Rolfers hands.

[What is Rolfing?] [How does Rolfing work?] [Why should I consider Rolfing?]
[Why a ten session series?] [How can I get the most out of my Rolfing]
[Rolfing for Athletes] [Rolfing for Performers] [Does Rolfing hurt?]
[What are people saying about Rolfing] [Meet the Rolfers]