I Got “Rolfed” Last Night and Enjoyed Every Second of it

As the seasons begin to change, and it starts to cool off, I find myself taking more and more time to stretch out. Never in my life would I have thought that something as simple as getting out of bed in the morning could present a risk. But ever since I blew out my lower back about a year ago, I’ve found that stretching is the better part of valor. It also allows me to do simple things like bend over and tie my shoe.

Recently I discovered something is a lot more beneficial than simple stretching. It’s called ROLFING and it has proven to be a lifesaver for me and I’m quite sure thousands of other individuals around the world.

When my wife told me that “…this evening you’re going to get ROLFED…!” it was all I could do to stop from dropping my trousers right then and there. But it was just wishful thinking on my part. In the grand scheme of things, maybe I came up a little short in my hopes. But ultimately, ROLFING proved to be quite bneneficial – enabling me to do much, much more in my life – both physically and mentally.

ROLFING is not massage. Although I guess if you’re not familiar with massage techniques, you might consider ROLFING as much. My ROLFING sessions went for an hour at a time and were stretched out over 10 sessions – which by the way – is considered a complete treatment. But I’ve come to know individuals that get ROLFED weekly and continue their treatments indefinitly.

The techincal term for ROLFING is ‘structural integration” and was created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, a biochemist and Rockefeller University fellow in 1971. According to the website for the Rpf Institute of Structural Integration” (www.rolf.org) ROLFING “…manipulates the body’s connective tissue to rebalance the body, and bring pain relief from chronic pain, stress, and injury.” In layman’s terms though, ROLFING involves someone trained in ROLFING (called a ROLFER) using their fingers, hands, and elbows to slowly work through deep layers of tissue to release built up tension. And tension can seriously affect how your spine is aligned. I never considered myself a tense person, but I could sure feel all the knots in my mucles (probably a result of years in the gym) as they were being worked out.

Truth be told, this was not fun. It actually hurt. But my back – especially my lower back – felt a heck of a lot better. The actual manipulation may feel a bit like a deep sports massage, minus the slippery feeling of lotion or oil. Areas of your body that are under chronic stress or recovering from injury could feel uncomfortable. Several factors determine the level of comfort or discomfort during a Rolfing session. One is the degree of “trauma” in the system – whether it’s a bad back, pulled or strained muscles or whatever. The other is how long fascial distortions have been in the client’s body. “Fascia” make up the body’s internal system of flexibile support. Better known as your center of gravity. The fascia surround ever muscle fiber, encases all joints and even has a role in the nervous system. Think of the fascial system as an intricate internal guide wire network for the body. And if one set of support wires becomes tight or out of place, the excess tension may appear as nagging joint pain, muscle soreness, or a postural shift.

To correct internal misalignments, a Rolfing practitioner uses mild, direct pressure to melt or release facial holdings and allow the body to find health threw the reestablishment of balance. It is currently believed that the slow, deep strokes of Rolfing stimulate intra-fascial mechanoreceptors (sensory neurons of the muscle nerve), which in turn triggers the nervous system to reduce the tension of the related muscles and fascia.

The foundation of ROLFING is accomplished through what ROLFERS describe as “The Ten Series” – which is really nothing more than how your treatment is broken down over – you guessed it – 10 sessions. Pay attention now, we might have a test later. The ROLFING website (www.rolf.org) breaks down the treatments are follows:

Sessions 1-3: Called the “sleeve” sessions, numbers one through three strive to loosen and balance surface layers of connective tissue. Specifically, the first session is devoted to enhancing the quality of breath with work on the arms, ribcage and diaphragm. Opening is also started along the upper leg, hamstrings, neck and spine. The second session helps give the body a stable foundation by balancing the foot and muscles of the lower leg. Number three typically involves a “side view” for an understanding of how the head, shoulder girdle, and hips are positionaly related to one another when standing under the influence of gravity. Then, the body is addressed within the context of this new vision.

Sessions 4-7: Four through seven are referred to as “core” sessions and examine terrain found between the bottom of the pelvis and top of the head. The idea of core also includes the deep tissue of the legs for its role in support. Session four begins this journey, its territory extends from the inside arch of the foot and up the leg, to the bottom of the pelvis. The fifth session is concerned with balancing surface and deep abdominal muscles to the curve of the back. Number six seeks to enlist more support and moment from the legs, pelvis and lower back, while the seventh session turns its sole attention to the neck and head.

Session 8-10: “Integration” is emphasized throughout the remaining three sessions, as eight, nine and ten provide an opportunity for the practitioner to blend previously established advancements, and ones yet to be made, into the body in a way that encourages smooth movement and natural coordination. During sessions eight and nine, the practitioner is free to decide how best to achieve this integration, as the protocol is unique for each individual. The tenth and final session is also one of integration, but more importantly, serves to inspire a sense of order and balance. Once completed, the wisdom of the Rolfing Ten Series will drive and support the body with health for years to come.

So you’re probably wondering how much the ten Rolfing sessions cost. I can only speak locally. On this end of the Atlantic each session was about $75.00. I’ve come to understand that is the low end. Some sessions run as high as $125.00 or more. Prices probably reflect where you live and the market in general.

My recommendation: find a certified ROLFER online and set up an appointment and find out if ROLFINF is right for you.

Reference:

• www.rolf.org