Rolfing is a unique and ingenious method of bodywork that improves organization of the musculoskeletal system. Such improvement can have profound psychological effects. In ten sessions, breath, movement, and the interrelatedness of major body segments (i.e., arm, legs, trunk) are enhanced. This facilitates the release of longtime patterns of chronic tension. The release of physical manifestations of stress opens the door to connecting and working through traumatic experiences.
Rolfing helps survivors of emotional or physical trauma.
In the first hour of Structural Integration, client and therapist begin to develop rapport through talking and touch. As the therapist finds the appropriate level of pressure, the client responds with deepening respiration and relaxation.
The client is encouraged to breathe into and move bodily areas that feel disconnected. Some areas may be lacking in sensation. Other bodily areas may be hypersensitive. As treatments continue, ticklish and hypersensitive feelings diminish as emotional charges within the body tissues change.
With personal trauma the sympathetic nervous system mobilizes with a “fight or flight response” as a mechanism of self-protection.
During the stress response, the body responds to life-threatening situations by releasing adrenaline, which causes the heart rate to increase. When faced with danger and inability to fight back or escape, we respond by passively freezing. Opiate-like chemicals are then released to numb the pain. This makes it possible to “leave the body” or dissociate.
Long after the trauma episode, patterns of dissociation remain. Areas of physical rigidity or regions that lack sensation may persist. This rigidity becomes a self-limiting influence as we experience life with compromised respiration, self-awareness, and movement.
As the Structural Integration sessions progress, the client takes an active role.
As a client, you are invited to meet the pressure of the Rolfer’s hands with breath. The Rolfer makes small, easeful movements to facilitate the release of shortened tissue, which may prompt an accompanying emotional charge. As you breathe deeply and move with less restriction it is natural to become more self-aware and present.
Rolfing helps reorganize the soft tissue network and the body’s segments become better aligned.
In treatment, the client will experience a growing sense of strength and relatedness. As the therapist releases areas of soft tissue restriction, clients often report that their feet are more firmly planted on the ground. As breath deepens, clients report feeling more resilient and able to adapt to life’s challenges.
As areas of rigidity soften, distortions of body image can shift. As chronic tension and blocked energy are released, the client will likely experience a stronger more confident sense of self.
The intimate nature of this work is based on trust, openness, and communication.
If you’re a client who presents with physical pain, that pain will be addressed in your treatment. With Rolfing, you can connect with and let go of the physical manifestations of trauma. In doing so, you may find that emotional trauma content has also surfaced. You will be supported emotionally during the session, however it is not within the realm of Structural Integration to explore psychological issues with any depth. Rolfing can be a powerful adjunct to psychotherapy in that it can help to bring forth unconscious memories that were previously unavailable.
“ Psychological trauma such as physical abuse, abandonment, feelings of inadequacy, attitudes of fear and anger affect structure. Tightening against pain, holding breath to block emotions, slumping in order not to feel too big, become physically locked in the body and thus perpetuate the attitude.”
Betsy Sise, Certified Rolfer
“Physical stress mirrors emotional suffering: relief from physical restraint markedly affects emotional misery.”
Ida P, Rolf, Ph.D.