My personal experience led me to Rolfing® Structural Integration. I have been involved in several auto accidents(my rear bumper must say HIT ME!), and after 14 years of practicing deep tissue massage, my neck and shoulders were hurting constantly. I had recently learned Ashiatsu, a massage done with the feet, and it helped me continue to work, but it couldn't reverse the damage that already been done. Receiving weekly massages helped with the pain but the results DID NOT last.
I was completely frustrated that regular massages only gave me relief for a day or two, then the pain returned.
I heard about Rolfing SI, did my research, and completed the ten series with a local Rolfer™ Structural Integrator. The work and results were amazing! Painful at times but in a good, therapeutic way.
It wasn't like I felt instant relief in some of my more chronic areas, but my body kept evolving even after the ten sessions were over. About six months later, I had an “Aha” moment when I realized I didn’t have ANY neck pain! It had been a constant companion of mine for too long. I was so inspired that, with my husband's blessing, I enrolled in the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, in Boulder, CO.
For three summers I had to leave my family and my practice for two months. Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone... But I was so inspired by the transformation I had experienced I knew this was something I had to do.
I loved Boulder, the beautiful outdoors and the learning environment was great, but the hardest part was doing all the work with my hands. Rolfing can be more difficult on my body than massage, so to me, it's easier and smarter to use my feet! Being 4'10" and weighing 98 pounds I was repeatedly asked in school, "How's a little girl like you going to be a Rolfer?" and "Do you know Ida Rolf would never be allowed someone as petite and small as you into Rolfing school??"
I suggest Rolfing® SI to massage clients who have deep-seated patterns that require multiple sessions for the same issues over and over again or for clients who have been receiving massage for chronic pain that can not been resolved.
Its goal is to help the client with self-awareness and working with fascia. This encourages the body into balance and alignment so that it’s working with gravity, not AGAINST gravity, and can help bring lasting relief and freedom from chronic pain.
Our bodies are self-healing machines when we give it what it needs, and Rolfing can help restore the body's adaptive processes so that it can efficiently deal with chronic pain, stress, or injuries.
Rolfing is usually more expensive than massage and sessions can range from $120-150 depending on the area you live in. But most people find that after the ten-session series you don't need bodywork as frequently. Usually, after just a few sessions, clients can really feel a difference in their bodies, how it helps free them from deep holding patterns, decreases chronic pain, improves posture, and brings ease of movement. There's an increased sense of awareness and sense of their body.
Rolfing SI has an endless range of benefits, and although anyone and everyone could benefit, it's not everyone's 'cup of tea.' Sometimes Rolfing can be uncomfortable and just plain hurt at times. Some people are ok with that and can work beyond the temporary pain for greater benefits. Others, not so much!
Our bodies have different pain thresholds, and I try to work within the person's therapeutic comfort level. Ultimately you are in control of your session at all times! If you are looking for something a little bit more than massage for back pain, neck pain, or any other type of chronic pain, I suggest you try Rolfing. But don't take my word for it! Read what a few of our clients say about Rolfing SI.
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