Who created Rolfing?
Rolfing is named after Dr. Ida P. Rolf. Fifty years ago, Dr. Rolf
devoted her energy to creating a holistic system of soft tissue
manipulation and movement education that organized the whole body in
gravity. She discovered that she could achieve remarkable changes in
posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofacial system.
She called her work Structural Integration. Rolfing is the nickname
that many clients gave this work.
What is Rolfing?
Rolfers often prescribe a sequence of ten sessions to "balance and
optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the
entire body.” During a Rolfing Structural Integration session, a
client generally lies down and is guided through specific movements.
The Rolfer manipulates the fascia until it can operate in
conjunction with the muscles in a "normal" fashion. This takes place
over a course of ten 60-minute sessions, with a specific goal for
each session, and an overall goal of cumulative results.
Does it hurt?
Some clients find Rolfing painful, but Rolfing has evolved over the
decades into a practice far more gentle than in its early origins.
What can I expect during a session?
Don't be shy: Your Rolfer will mostly likely begin your first
session by asking you to disrobe (leaving under garments on) and
take a walk around his or her studio. This protocol is simply so
that your Rolfer can accurately observe your body's alignment and
gait. (If you're especially modest, discuss clothing alternatives
with your Rolfer.) After and in between sessions, try walking. Try
running. Try cardiovascular exercise of any kind — you might be
surprised how differently your body moves once it's been Rolfed!
What are the benefits?
After completing ten sessions with a Certified Rolfer, a client can
expect to experience a greater sense of allover freedom. Better
posture, coordination, improved flexibility and improved movement
can be expected. An enhanced understanding of how the body operates
in harmony with gravity will be developed through the sessions. This
new comprehension of the self can then be taken forward by the
client and further experienced as a process of lifelong learning. In
addition to improvements in the physical functioning of the body,
Rolfing can promote an increase in one's emotional sense of well
being.
Does Rolfing last?
Yes, photographs taken of clients’ years after the Basic Ten Series
show that changes are still present and structure often improved.
Keep in mind, however, as life changes, bodies also change in
response. Any injuries, accidents, lengthy illnesses and emotional
stress may necessitate additional tune up or advanced work.
Is Rolfing covered by insurance?
It depends on the insurance policy and the circumstances. With a
physician’s prescription and referral, workman’s compensation and
personal injury cases are usually covered. With personal health
insurance, we advise clients to ask if physical manipulation or
structural integration is covered and give them the procedure code:
CPT code # 97140 (manual therapy). We have found that if you fill
out your own health insurance forms, there is a better chance that
Rolfing will be covered.
What is the difference between Rolfing and massage or
chiropractic?
Rolfing is a technique that works on the connective tissue — not
only the surface structures, but also deeper structures that massage
does not address. The goal and results of Rolfing is to balance the
over-all structure of the body. Massage and chiropractic do not
generally produce balance and alignment in the body. Rolfing is a
complement to these disciplines.
More information about Rolfing can be found online at
www.rolf.org
Anne Wasielewski is a
Nationally Certified LMT and Certified Rolfer™ in Anchorage, AK. She
can be reached at (907) 227-3976 or visit
www.rolfingbyanne.com.
