Below is a list of frequently asked questions in regards to Rolfing.
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Does Rolfing Relieve Stress?
Many people have come to my practice looking for stress relief. They may have already explored a variety of methods to help them ranging from taking muscle relaxants to massage to exercise, meditation and yoga. Rolfing may be able to provide a more permanent solution to the problem. And most certainly, it can enhance the effects of other forms of bodywork, exercise, meditation and yoga.
However, Rolfing is not a method that focuses on stress reduction. What Rolfing offers is a higher level of integration in the body with an expanded self awareness physically, mentally and emotionally. When the body becomes more comfortable, physical and emotional stress diminish. An important and common experience for many clients is that they are less stressed and more at ease in their bodies and with their lives.
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What is the Difference Between Massage & Rolfing?
A common misconception is that Rolfing is a form of deep tissue massage. Usually after one session the client will quickly realize that Rolfing is nothing like a massage.
Ray McCall, an Advanced Rolfer in Boulder and former student of Dr. Rolf, once said that what Rolfers do can be summed up in three words: palpation, discrimination and integration.
We palpate, or touch the tissue, feeling for imbalances in tissue texture, quality and temperature to determine where we need to work. We discriminate, or separate fascial layers that adhere and muscles that have been pulled out of position by strain or injury. Finally, we integrate the body, relating its segments in an improved relationship, bringing physical balance in the gravitational field. As Dr. Rolf used to say: "Anyone can take a body apart, very few know how to put it back together". The true genius of her method is the art and science of reshaping and reorganizing human structure according to clearly defined principles in a systematic and consistent manner.
Rolfing's intention is unique. Dr. Rolf said that Rolfers are educators. Part of a Rolfer's job is to assist the client in increasing their awareness and self understanding. It is an exploratory process with the goal of empowering the client to own the work completed in the Rolfing process and to take charge of their physical and emotional health. Eventually, the Rolfer should become obsolete within the client's process.
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Who Should Consider Receiving Rolfing?
Rolfing is transformative work. It requires that the client take an active role in their healing and not rely solely on the Rolfer to "fix" them or "heal" them. We provide the tools and the work within the body. Ultimately it is up to the client what he or she does with the work that will determine a positive outcome of Rolfing.
Most people that come to Rolfing have a history of injury or trauma. They notice how the effects of even minor injuries have interfered with their daily lives. Usually by the time we reach "middle age" the culmination of events from life will be exacerbated. Many of the typical physical problems of old age or not due to age, but due to restricted tissue's poor relationship with gravity
In fact, all adults of any age who suffer from any limiting physical discomfort can absolutely benefit from Rolfing as long as the pains themselves are in the neuromuscular system and not signs of a nervous disorder or a deeper pathology. For most of us, Rolfing combined with appropriate movement therapy and exercise offers a long-lasting solution for connective tissue problems.
Some clients come for a different level of transformation. They are looking to transcend or enhance their conscious awareness through a physical change. Our lives make up 4 quadrants: physical, emotional, spiritual and mental. As the body transforms physically it also transforms in the other quadrants. When these pathways are opened up a client will report a feeling of greater security (emotional and physical) and a deeper connection to their path in life.
The genius of Rolfing is that it can effect many people in many different ways, and continues to reveal new possibilities.
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Does Rolfing Last?
Rolfing does last. The best way I can explain it is to use the analogy of water running down a hill. The water seeks the easiest path down the hill. If a rock is in its way, it just goes around the rock. Early in life when we were learning how to stand and to walk we did it the easiest way we could. We didn't care too much how we did it. We justed wanted to be upright long enough to catch up to older siblings or parents. Being upright we had only one concern: to not fall down and we did it the easiest way, with the least amount of work.
What Rolfing can do is show the body an easier way. In the water analogy the Rolfing equivalent would be to remove the rock. When water finds this easier pathway, it will choose it. The same can be said for standing upright and walking. When the body is introduced to an easier way, it will choose it.
An interesting thing about Rolfing is that it is progressive. Photographs taken after the basic10 series show that the changes are still present and often improved. Part of this has to do with our relationship to gravity, which will change as the structure changes. Most often gravity is seen as pulling us down. But when the body is in a more efficient alignment, gravity actually supports the structure. Dr. Rolf used to say, "Gravity is the therapist."
This is why after the 10 series we suggest that you take some time off from Rolfing to allow the changes to fully develop and ripen in the body. After your 10 series you will have different ways of sitting and standing, that when practiced, will help keep your new structure stable.
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What if I am Seeing a Chiropractor?
Rolfing is very different than chiropractic work. However, the two can enhance each other. Chiropractic seeks to move bones back to their proper place and restore joint function. Rolfing seeks to align your body with gravity by manipulating not muscle or bones, but the connective tissue that binds everything together and gives the body its shape. Bone is imbedded in the soft tissue matrix. If the soft tissue around the bone is pulling or reacting in an old pattern, the bones will also be pulled back into the old pattern. Rolfing balances the soft tissue around the bones so they stay in place. Receiving chiropractic adjustments during your Rolfing series is fine. To avoid overwork, it's probably best not to receive adjustments and Rolfing on the same day.
What About Massage?
Massage and other forms of bodywork are a great way to relieve stress. If you receive regular massage, it is usually fine to continue going. However, I suggest that you do not receive any deep tissue work while you are going through the series. It is also a good idea to limit the number of bodywork modalities you receive in order to discern what the Rolfing work is doing. After your series receiving regular bodywork and an occasional Rolfing tune up are an ideal way to maintain the changes you've received from Rolfing and to keep your body feeling fluid.
During the series I recommend receiving energy balancing work, such as Reiki or acupuncture. I also recommend Breema bodywork specifically to maintain a sense of fluidity and wholism.
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Does Insurance Cover Rolfing?
Rolfing may be covered by your health insurance. But this is not likely. I have not come across anyone that has had this circumstance. Some chiropractors or doctors may be able to prescribe Rolfing as a treatment, but usually they will call the work "deep tissue massage" or "myofascial release". I am not set up to do insurance billing, but I will be glad to give you a receipt.
What Happens After I Have Finished the Basic 10 Series?
I like to recommend the client allow some time to pass before scheduling more work. This allows time for your body to integrate the work it has received. During this time people have reported getting better. The break away from the work actually allows the body to develop and ripen into your daily life. Clients return for "tune up" sessions, when they feel out of sorts and feel like a little Rolfing will get them back on track. Usually if you've been sick or have experienced some situation (new job, new car or commute, started a new sport), you might want to consider coming in for a tune up. Your body will tell you.
There are times when the basic 10 sessions isn't quite enough. This doesn't happen often. In these cases the client and I will decide what to do (such as what interval to continue receiving regular work) and then proceed. However, as mentioned before, the job of the Rolfer is to make her/himself obsolete and not have the client become dependent on the work. Unlike massage you can become over worked. Signs of over work are when the changes do not hold. Not wanting this to happen, I usually like to find a way to bring a sense of closure to the basic series, whether it's 10 sessions or more.
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Can Children Receive Rolfing?
Most children really like receiving Rolfing. People often ask me why a child would need to have the work done. When a child learns how to stand and to walk s/he isn't particular about the correctness of the movements. The child is concerned with just doing it. This simple earnest act can create all kinds of leg imbalances in the young child which can develop into other difficulties involving the back and neck. Rolfing is a great way to head off any potential problems later on. Many adults believe that their patterns are genetically inherited. From seeing their children, I would say that some of the patterns are inherited from learning from their parents and not just genetic!
Depending on the age of the child and their personality the work is slightly different than with adults. It is always within the comfort level of the child and the sessions can be shorter. Parents are welcome to watch the session. They can usually gain an interesting perspective and more insight into the work from watching their child's session.
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