What are the Benefits of Rolfing Therapy?
Structural Alignment Relieves Underlying Issues
The origin of SI was Dr. Rolf’s insight that the body is more at ease and functions most effectively when its structure is balanced in gravity.
People seek Rolfing® SI as a way to ease pain and chronic stress and improve performance in their professional and daily activities.
Benefits of Rolfing Therapy
Research has demonstrated that Rolfing® SI creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement. Research also shows that Rolfing® SI significantly reduces chronic stress and changes in the body structure.
For example, benefits of Rolfing therapy can be seen in a study showed that Rolfing® SI significantly reduced the spinal curvature of subjects with lordosis (sway back); it also showed that Rolfing® SI enhances neurological functioning.
People seek Rolfing as a way to reduce pain and chronic stress, generally resulting from physical and emotional traumas or just the daily strain of living in a human body. Rolfing is used by many professional athletes, dancers, and entertainers to improve performance.
Some manufacturing companies have employed Rolfing to decrease workers’ compensation costs due to repetitive stress injuries. Based on the mind/body connection, many counselors and therapists are incorporating Rolfing in the therapeutic approach. Greater physical support and ease ultimately influences emotions and energy levels.
Summary of the Benefits of Rolfing Therapy
Improve Posture
Reduce Spinal Curvature
Improve Flexibility
Relieve Tension & Stress
Improve Movement Patterns
Alleviate Pain & Discomfort
Improve Sleep
Enhances Nerve Functioning
Revitalize Energy
Frequently Asked Questions about the Benefits of Rolfing Therapy
What is Rolfing Structural Integration?
Rolfing Structural integration is a form of wholistic medicine focused on organizing the entire body in gravity to maximize movement potential and create balance throughout our structure. By focusing on some essential concepts, the Rolfing goal can be achieved. First is the concept of gravity and its compressive forces.
We use this body logo to the left to imagine the constant of gravity as a straight line, and the organization of the body broken down into different blocks on this axis.
Next is the actual intervention with the bodies connective tissue (or fascia). This is done through the ten series. Here is a Breakdown of the Rolfing 10 Series.
A byproduct of Rolfing is often Myofascial release which can have a direct effect on pain release. When one is free of pain, one can move their bodies most efficiently!
Rolfing vs Massage Therapy
While Rolfing is often grouped with massage and other hands-on forms of bodywork, there are fundamental differences between Rolfing and the other modalities. Rolfing works to address the structural integration of your body and not the symptoms resulting from the body’s misalignment.
The aim of Rolfing is to provide a more functional body for the long term beyond the temporary ease of symptom relief.
Will Rolfing work for me?
Rolfing can be used to treat many different issues, but the majority come seeking pain release. Pain release is the most common side effect of Rolfing as we work to address the underlying issues in the structure that lead to the discomfort or eventual injury.
Rolfing is great for trauma of all sorts. Emotional trauma us often stored in the body, and cleints have found release through Rolfing therapy.
Pros and Cons of Rolfing?
Pros - Improved structural integrity, more body awareness, improved posture, emotional release, improved confidence, movement re-education.
Cons - Cost, Some people may not like being touched, or may find it painful.
Is Rolfing Painful?
We adjust our pressure to suit the sensitivity needs of the client. Rolfing does not have to be painful. If we work at too high an intensity we do not get the desired change. There are parts of the body that may seem more sensitive than others and we can work to a deeper layer of the fascia which can be briefly painful for some people.
What are Rolfing Exercises?
Rolfing Exercises are something you can take home to improve treatment. Rolfing Exercises are small focused movements designed to help improve body awareness and improve function.
What is recommended after rolfing treatments?
To take the movement practices learned during the sessions and make them into habits. This will eliminate bad movement patterns that caused the original pain. In the case of an injury just allow yourself time to heal and adjust after Rolfing.
You may feel better but its best to take it slow. Take up a new hobby and enjoy your new body! Be in touch with me if you have any questions that come up.
How to become a Certified Rolfer?
Successful applicants complete a 731 hour training program. The basic training includes the biological sciences, the theory and practice of Rolfing, and clinical work under supervision.
Advanced training is usually undertaken within four to seven years after basic training. Continuing education is required as long as a Rolfer is practicing.
Contact Cameron Nystrom below and book Rolfing therapy today!