We are often asked by our clients, “What kind of changes can I expect with Rolfing and do they last”?
Many, if not most of our patients come to us with specific problems, be it low back pain or neck pain, tennis elbow, ankle sprains, or arthritis to name just a few. As Rolfers, we pay attention to these challenges, as each of these issues is a reflection of a pattern of disorganization.
For example, osteoarthritis is a problem of compromised biomechanics. Invariably with OA, there is a shortening of the myofascial span where the fascia is excessively tight and the normal range of movement of the joint has been compromised. In addition to losing mobility, the myofascial shortening causes excessive compression within the joint. Over time, the articular surfaces of the joint wear, resulting in chronic pain.
How does The Rolfing Technique of Structural Integration work?
Rolfers are chiefly concerned with releasing the chronic shortenings within the body to help the body come into a better alignment with gravity. Our goal is that the ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle are aligned on a vertical axis. That each joint moves with relative freedom, and the left and right sides work together in harmony.
Rolfing is concerned with the body functioning as optimally as possible in the field of gravity. Each session is focused on a particular area of the body, and within the basic ten series, we work on the whole structure, following a progression developed by Dr. Rolf over a period of over 20 years.
Do the changes from Rolfing last?
After the first Rolfing session, it’s not uncommon to experience that your shoulders have come back and that your chest is more open. Our clients often report feeling their hips more open and more grounded through their feet. In looking at the patient after their first session, we often see that the shoulders and hips are better organized and that the patient is moving into a better alignment within gravity.
These changes stay with the client but are quickly incorporated and become their new norm. Later, if they are paying attention to how they feel and how their body is functioning, clients will often notice that movement comes with greater ease and freedom.
The changes from Rolfing are ongoing and progressive
Dr. Rolf not only thought that the changes from the Rolfing ten-session series were permanent, but that they were ongoing and progressive. In our practice, we suggest our patients take a break from Rolfing after the basic ten-session series for six months to a year. Later, when our clients return, we can see the ongoing changes. The post-ten Rolfing clients look even better organized after the passage of time.
Why does Rolfing last?
We believe that given the opportunity, all organisms move towards balance. The role of the practitioner is not to make change, but to create opportunities or openings for the change to occur. Then, the body heals itself.
Not all problems are resolved after ten Rolfing sessions. Many of our patients do come to us for additional work in the future. Most people who come for Rolfing do experience ongoing and progressive benefits.