What is Rolfing?
Rolfing is a process of organizing and lengthening the connective tissue (fascia) of the body so that it relates with ease in gravity giving muscles the space to move and joints the freedom to function. Rolfing’s goal is not to decrease pain to a specific region of the body. It is a process of lengthening tissue throughout the body allowing structures to function more effectively with less stress. Many times by organizing the tissue in a more efficient manner many aches and pains that were in the body begin to subside resulting in pain relief.
How does gravity affect our body?
Gravity can either be a positive influence or a negative influence. If a body segments (neck, back, hips, knees, feet etc) are organized toward a vertical line the body is able to work with gravity. This results in a “lift” or support to the body and minimal stress to the joints and other structures of the body. If the body segments are not aligned gravity will pull down on the segments putting extra stress and strain to the joints, muscles, tendons etc. This constant pull of gravity can eventually cause the system to breakdown, possibly resulting in injury or pain.
What is connective tissue?
The connective tissue (fascia) can be thought of as matrix of communication and support for our body. Fascia interweaves throughout the circulatory, digestive, nervous, musculo-skeletal, and organ systems in the body. When the connective tissue is healthy it is flexible, elastic, lengthens and resilient to stress. The fascia can be affected negatively by poor body mechanics, repetitive strain/stress to tissue, trauma and injuries. If there is a significant amount of stress placed to the connective tissue it begins to shorten and thicken. This results in dehydration to the tissue. The result is impaired mobility of the joints and function of muscle tissue. The body may respond to this by exhibiting aches and pain, joint or muscle stiffness, restrictions in flexibility and movement and decreased daily function.
Different types of Rolfing treatments -
10 Series
The 10 series is a series of 10 sessions that are a progression and extension from the last session received. The ultimate goal is to improve structural alignment of the body. Most sessions are approximately 1 hour in length and can be scheduled anywhere from 1-2 times per week to once per month. Sessions are generally done in undergarments so the practitioner is able to analyze and access various segments of the body during the treatment session. For a better visual understanding of how a clients body changes photographs can be taken prior to the first session and again at the end of the series. This can be very helpful for clients that do better visualizing various changes in their body posture and mechanics. Prior to each session the practitioner will asses the client from the front, side and back of the body. This helps them to determine how they need to progress with the session. The session begins with the practitioner using their hands, arms, and elbows to lengthen the myofascial tissue. The client will be asked to participate in each session through breathing or small movement patterns. At the end of some sessions the practitioner may instruct the client on particular activities to help them in continuing to facilitate their process. The client is also educated throughout the series on postural mechanics and changes that are occurring in their body.
Post 10 work
After completing a ten series the body needs time to integrate the changes that have occurred to it. Changes can continue to occur for up to a year after a series has been complete. It is suggested to allow 6 months to a year to pass before receiving more work. There are exceptions to this that can be discussed with your practitioner.
Rolfing Techniques in combination with Physical Therapy
Rolfing techniques can be utilized in conjunction with a physical therapy program. The goal of the practitioner is to create space in the tissue surrounding the injured area allowing for increased ease of movement of joints and tissue. This is done in addition to other therapeutic modalities of physical therapy such as massage, joint mobilization, neuromuscular reeducation, core stabilization, and flexibility and strength training. The combination of all of these modalities can decrease pain, improve flexibility, strength and function. The physical therapy component also incorporates education of body mechanics to help decrease the chances of re-injury and to improve their own awareness of their body mechanics.
Benefits
Rolfing can affect everyone a little differently depending on the type of structural imbalances present in their body. Some benefits that have been observed are a mild increase in height, improved flexibility, decreased pain, increased ease with movement, increased energy levels, improvement with balance, more restful sleep, improved breathing capacity, and better self-confidence.
What makes Rolfing different than massage?
Most massage techniques do not have as detailed of a progression process with their treatments with a definite start and ending. Rolfing has a goal of lengthening the entire facial system. It is a process with a particular set of goals and outcomes. The process can be thought of like peeling an onion. You release one layer at a time expanding tissue length from the outside in. This allows the entire structure of the body to change and become more open and fluid allowing the changes to become more permanent. Unlike massage, rolfing requires a lot of interaction of the client during the session. This interaction incorporates the client as a part of the process in the changes occurring to the body.
What does it feel like?
People have the misconception that Rolfing is “painful”. During the treatment process there may be times of discomfort depending on the type of restriction that is encountered. It’s always important to remember that you and the practitioner are working as a team to promote your progress. The practitioner is able to work to your tolerance and can adjust their treatment to be specific to your needs.
“The goal of Structural Integration is the creation of order in the three dimensional body. Structural Integration is about how pieces or segments of the body are joined and how they are able to move in relation to each other"
Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D
Founder of Structural Integration
For more information on Rolfing at Neil King Physical Therapy, or to make a referral, please contact Neil King Physical Therapy at (248) 853-7555.