Bodies By Sher

Rolfing Structural Integration® promotes well-being by enhancing the body's pattern of organization. It balances the body in gravity and enables functionality with higher levels of efficiency and ease.

Rolfing in an alternative holistic modality named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf. Dr. Rolf began her study and discovery of deep tissue manipulation to improve change in posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofascial system.

The goal of Rolfing is to free the shortened fascia to all of the muscles to return to a more balanced relationship. When the myofascial system is organized, gravity causes it to uplift and align the body's segments.

Restricted fascia and shortened muscles can pull bones to a less desirable position in the body. This positional change, over time, may cause problems. These problems can cause pain, dysfunction in movement and various injuries. Dysfunctions and restrictions in movement can cause a compensatory pattern with another part of the body. Our bodies are intelligent enough to create compensatory patterns so we can continue to move or function.

An example of a compensatory pattern would be like a hamstring that is so tight that another muscle is recruited to assist with the movement. When this happens, one may not even be aware that the tightness is a problem.

A curvature or rotation of the spine can result as a compensatory pattern for several reasons, some being a leg length discrepancy or pelvic dysfunction.

Several compensations can add up, over time, and create a lot of imbalances for our physical bodies. Balance is a harmony of function. Better functionality with our body means greater ease of movement with the activities we love. If we can move our bodies with less restriction or pain we may be more functional.

Rolfing is not just for relief from pain and stress. Rolfing can improve athletic performance and enhance movement for daily activities. Rolfing can also benefit people in psychotherapy by facilitating a deeper connection to their emotional conflicts, and it can effectively deepen practices such as meditation, yoga and tai chi.

Some physical symptoms that are especially responsive to Rolfing techniques are:

The basic Rolfing series consists of ten or more structural sessions. A Rolfer starts by evaluating the client's structure and often takes photographs for later reference. The client is usually asked to lie on the table, as the Rolfer works with his or her hands to work on the related areas to alleviate restriction.

Each Rolfing session builds upon the results of the previous one, so that the results are cumulative. Each session has a specific purpose to remove strain from a particular area of the body and work towards holism with the entire body. The goal is to result in better balance, enhanced freedom of movement, and higher energy level.

Sessions last from an hour to an hour and a half. The amount of time between sessions varies and is determined on an individual basis. The average spacing is a week to two weeks.

While Rolfing is primarily concerned with structural changes, any change in the physical body affects the whole person. A human being is comprised of many aspects – attitudes, emotions, behavior and structure. Each is related to all the others.

Rolfing clients often report positive changes in their outlook on life and in their ability to handle emotional changes.

Sensations in the area being worked may range from pleasurable warmth to momentary discomfort. At times there may be little sensation at all. How you will feel during Rolfing depends on several factors such as injuries to the area or tension caused by chronic stress.

After Rolfing, people report feeling lighter and better-balanced. Movement feels easier, as if the joints have been lubricated. Feelings of well-being reflect the body's higher energy level.

Chronic discomforts often disappear immediately, or soon after the series is completed.

Yes. Photographs show that the changes of the basic Rolfing series are still present many years after the series is complete.

On the other hand, as bodies change, and people sometimes have injuries, accidents and stressful times, additional work may be useful.