Rolfing - SI
What is Rolfing® Structural Integration, and how does it differ from massage?
Structural Integration, perhaps more commonly known as integrative manual therapy or integrative massage, specifically targets the body’s fascial network, integrating functionality, balance, and integrity back into the body. While massage primarily focuses on relaxing the muscles, Structural Integration delves into a holistic, transformative process through the corrective restructuring of the body’s various tissue networks.
Rolfing® is a specific methodology of SI. It is named after the pioneer of fascial studies and the founder of Structural Integration, Dr. Ida Rolf. Rolfing® utilizes structural analyses and movement assessments to help view and understand the chains and patterns of tension held in the body. It breaks the body down into different sequential territories and layers for optimal contact, connection, and release of the body’s tissue.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and supports every bodily structure, including the muscles, organs, bones, and nerves. Fascia permeates throughout the body and encases everything from large muscle bellies to the smallest of muscle fibers. Fascia is highly sensitive and adaptable, and holds more than 50% of the body’s sensory nerve receptors.
Is Rolfing® SI Myofascial Release?
Rolfing® SI is more than releasing the fascia. It’s understanding and working with the intricacies of the body that intersect and take shape in the form of displacement, adaptation, and pain. Instead of working toward relaxation or structural correction, we aim to heighten inner awareness toward somatic understanding and connective transformation.
Working with Fascia
Fascia is densely innervated with many sensory receptors and nerve endings. Estimates suggest more than half of the body’s sensory receptors, 250 million, exist throughout the body’s fascial network. By working with the fascia, we can address the root source of pain and discomfort in the body, allowing for greater awareness, ease, and natural fluidity while in motion.
Benefits of Rolfing® can include, but are not limited to:
Relief from chronic pain
Release stored patterns of tension in the body
Increase in muscular activation & functionality
Increase interoceptive & proprioceptive awareness
Improved alignment & posture
What is a Rolfing® Ten-Series?
A Ten-Series is a 10-session approach a Rolfer™ takes to evaluate and address the overall functioning and flow of the client’s entire body. By systematically separating the whole body into specific territories, each session focuses on a new area and goal for the body. Each session’s goals aim to free up the current session’s territory and help reinforce and support the work performed in previous and upcoming areas.
Sleeve Series 1 - 3
Session 1 - Increasing expansion of breath.
Session 2 - Establishing foundational support.
Session 3 - Opening up the side of the body.
Core Series 4 - 7
Session 4 - Approach the core from below.
Session 5 - Approach the core from the front.
Session 6 - Approach the core from the back.
Session 7 - Approach the core from the top.
Integration Series 8 - 10
Session 8 - Integrate adaptability into the Upper or Lower body.
Session 9 - Integrate support into the remaining territory.
Session 10 - Integrate all parts of the body as a whole.
Do I Have to Commit to a Ten-Series?
While Nolan does provide singular sessions that will stay focused on a specific region of the body, offering your body the full connective experience of a 10-series is highly encouraged. If you are looking for change in your body, the most important thing is consistency in the process.
Who Can Benefit From Rolfing?
Anyone who is:
In pain
Recovering from injury or surgery
Struggling with a hyperactive or hypoactive Nervous System
Wants to gain a greater range of motion
Wants to gain more functional awareness
Struggling with a sedentary lifestyle
Athletes
Seniors
Guidelines for a Rolfing® Session
Please arrive clean and on time. Cleanliness is a key part of showing up for yourself in this work.
To receive the most benefit, Rolfing® requires access to the skin; however, these sessions are not fully nude. Therefore, the client’s clothing should be modest and appropriately minimal. It is recommended that women wear comfortable yoga or athletic shorts with an easy top or sports bra, a bathing suit, or underwear. Men should dress in comfortable shorts or underwear. Draping is offered to all clients during sessions.
Additional Modalities Offered
Orthopedic/Sports Massage
Assisted Stretching
Yoga and Movement Exploration
Grounding
Breathwork
Somatic Awareness
Nervous System Regulation
Muscular Training
Functional Aging for Men
— Dani, Former Client
“His expertise, knowledge, and skill sets, have made my body feel so much better. I feel that I’m getting back to a place where I am active again.”
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