Why is the Rolf Method so successful?

The Rolf Method’s success comes from working with the body’s system of connective tissue or “fascia”.  The fascial system encompasses our entire body, covering every muscle, nerve, blood vessel and organ. This tough fibrous webbing supports our structure, gives our body its shape and determines the quality of our movement.  (When you cut into a raw piece of chicken, the tough opaque lining around the muscles is the fascia. You can see how strong it is when you try to cut or tear it apart.)

Click image to enlarge.

Fascia, responds to stress, illness, injury and muscle imbalance by thickening and tightening.  These restrictions pull and twist the body’s soft tissue framework, creating imbalances that show up as pain, tightness and limitations in movement. It is this malleable quality of fascia that allows for these compensations, yet because of this quality the body’s structure can be restored to its healthy state.

When the body is in optimal alignment, the major segments, feet, legs, pelvis, torso, spine and head support each other with the least amount of effort, giving us a sense of ease and freedom from pain.

What is a session like?

Each session is a combination of education and hands-on work. Initially we discuss your health history and what your goals are.
Then we will observe your body as you stand and move in order to assess your structure and movement patterns.

• How does your weight balance on your legs and feet? Is more weight on one leg or more on the front or back of your feet?
• Are your knees pointing inward/outward of locked back?
• Is your pelvis tilted forward or back, one hip higher or lower? Is one shoulder higher or lower or more forward?

You get the idea – bodies are not symmetrical but seeing these patterns reveals distortions in the connective tissue to determine where adjustment is needed.

Most of the session is hands-on by applying slow and deep pressure to the tissue so that it lengthens and releases.  The slow pace of the pressure allows for change deep in the tissue while also a pleasant sense of immediate relief.  This usually feels great as the body feels as if it is being put “back where it belongs.” 

During and after the hands on work you will stand and move so that I can help you feel and integrate the new awareness and change in your body so that it can become a part of everyday life.

Sometimes connections are made between patterns of tension in the body with attitudes, emotions or long forgotten injuries or experiences. The linking of postural imbalances and pain to underlying psychological issues allows for even deeper freedom and integration.

The Rolf Method was designed as a series of ten sessions, each session with specific goals and each progressing and building on the one before to bring the whole body into better alignment. Ideally sessions are scheduled one to two weeks apart. Because of this whole body approach and the inherent, intelligent nature of our bodies to seek balance, these changes are lasting and progressive.

Clients return from time to time for one or a few maintenance sessions.  A marked difference is that instead of always feeling dependent on some form of relief, there is a sense of empowerment in the ability to restore one’s own health and recover more quickly from injury.

While this whole body approach distinguishes the Rolf Method from other forms of bodywork, it can also be helpful to do one or any number of sessions, as the effects are so immediate and obvious.

For more info on The Rolf Method and the ten series: www.rolfguild.org