What is rolfing?
Rolfing (structural integration), is a type of bodywork that provides body alignment at a very deep level.
Structural integration therapy is intense. It allows people to regain the most efficient use of their body by working with gravity, rather than against.
This process improves posture while instilling a stronger and more certain sense of self.
Benefits
Rolfing benefits anyone who receives it. However, this type of bodywork is most commonly sought by athletes seeking to improve their performance. It is especially beneficial for those playing golf and tennis.
The benefits of rolfing therapy also extend to individuals suffering from chronic orthopedic problems caused by accidents or a lifetime of poor posture. Those who do a lot of physical activity or physical labor will also find structural integration to be a rewarding therapy.
The rolfing technique requires deep work that, in simple terms, frees the congestion within the muscle and therefore releases its hold on the joints.
This release provides for pain relief, increased range of motion, use of areas that may have been frozen as well as better posture.
What to expect in a rolfing treatment
When booking your appointment, ask what clothing to wear. You might remain clothed for your service. In addition, confirm that your practitioner is a certified rolfer, as this technique requires specific training.
Expect a consultation with the rolfer before your treatment begins. This will pertain to you and your concerns, so be honest when answering questions.
If you are asked to walk across the room, walk normally. Don’t try to improve your stride or posture for them. They need to see where you are at in order to best serve you.
In general, anticipate being advised to allow ten sessions for optimum results. Each rolfing therapy session will address its own purpose and target a particular area of the body.
In certain cases, the practitioner might provide the rolfing technique to a specific area of great concern for immediate relief.
Starting internally, the relationship is established with the client while focusing on breathing and releasing the diaphragm.
Following sessions will each focus on a region of the body. These treatment sessions will begin with the legs, working up the body through each of subsequent session.
The therapist will, in essence, be lifting the muscle off of the bone while massaging and stripping the muscle. This stripping will release tension and stress on bones and joints, freeing them from restriction.
This amazing process allows for improved range of motion and greater flexibility with less pain.
The rolfing technique is therapeutic and can be quite intense. Relax, focus on your breathing and trust the therapist. Remember, the purpose of the series of sessions is to realign your body which you’ve probably spent decades undoing.
After a session and how often to have receive rolfing therapy
After your rolfing therapy, you should feel incredible. It might have been tough to get through, but the results will be far reaching and well worth it.
The center of your system will be solid and strong and you will have more freedom of movement.
You will be more aware of yourself physically and your posture, which will have improved from the very first treatment. Your sense of self will be stronger and you might have a broader outlook on life.
Drink plenty of water. As with all massage and bodywork treatments, toxins are released and need to be flushed from the system.
This technique is very deep and will possibly leave you light headed. That would be from the toxins released, so drinking the water cannot be stressed enough.
In addition, refrain from the intake of caffeine, processed foods and alcoholic beverages for a few days. Allow your muscles to recover from their therapy.
Take a hot Epsom salt bath for 15-20 minutes the evening of your session(s). Relax and allow the salt therapy to work its magic. This also serves as another detox method.
After you complete your first full ten rolfing sessions, ask your therapist what they suggest as a maintenance program for you.
Categories for Rolfing
Alternative Therapies
Bodywork Treatments
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