Tuesday, May 19, 2015

what's not to like?

COLORADO SPRINGS NEWS, SPORTS & BUSINESS

Gazette Premium Content Blog: I got rolfed and liked it

By Jen Mulson •  Updated: May 19, 2015 at 11:17 am •  0
The first time I heard about rolfing was from my brother. He got rolfed for years due to multiple injuries in his body, including his shoulder and low back, which turned out to be massive scar tissue in his psoas from a weightlifting injury in college.
He always spoke highly about it. In fact, he said it healed his lower back and the psoas. So when the opportunity presented itself to talk to some local rolfers and write about it, I jumped at the chance.
My first 90-minute session was with Feryl Webster, a certified rolfer. Holy wow. It wasn't a massage, though when I've tried to describe it to people, they say, "Oh, a massage." Except not a massage, I'm telling you, people.
Webster worked on me from the ground up, starting with the large bunion on my right foot. She used her hands, fingers, thumbs and elbows to press down into my skin and into the fascia lurking underneath. Fascia is a continuous, fibrous tissue that holds everything together. Rolfing seeks to break up the fascia to allow a resetting of alignment patterns, improved movement, posture and ease in the body. 
I can't lie to you -- some of the spots where she applied pressure hurt. But Webster encouraged me to breathe down into it and if it was too much, she released back out a layer or two until it was doable. 
When I rolled off the table and looked at my feet, there was a noticeable difference. And when I left and came back to work, I felt like a million bucks. Yes, I would definitely get rolfed again, though I would't necessarily look forward to it like I might a gentle massage. 
Look for the full story on June 9 in the health and wellness section. If you're interested in meeting Webster and other local rolfers and getting more information straight from the rolfer's mouth, there are two events coming up:
What: Meet local rolfers, including Feryl Webster and Dixie M. Frank, at Q&A events
When and where: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, June 12, Precision Fitness, 5612 N. Union Blvd.; 6:30-8 p.m. July 16, Movement Arts Community Center, 525 E. Fountain Blvd., Suite 150
Cost: Free; 310-3688

Thursday, May 7, 2015

what is rolfing

Todd Hargrove, Certified Seattle Rolfer and Feldenkrais Practitioner

Rolfing Structural Integration

Todd-3Rolfing, also called structural integration, is a form of bodywork developed over 50 years of study and practice by Dr. Ida Rolf, a biochemist.
The main goal of Rolfing is to help you move better and feel better. After a successful session of Rolfing, you will feel lighter, move easier, stand taller, and often feel less pain.

Rolfing Relieves Excess Stress and Tension

Most of my clients are seeking relief from pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, between the shoulder blades, the low back, or the lower legs. Your body can start to feel this way when it is unnecessarily tense. Movement becomes limited and stiff. Even simple activities like sitting, sleeping and breathing can feel restricted, uncomfortable, and heavy.
Rolfing can relieve excess tension in the body and make movement, posture and breathing feel easier and lighter. This is done by making changes to the muscles, connective tissue (called fascia) and the central nervous system. The result is more efficient and comfortable movement and a greater sense of physical well being.

Rolfing Doesn’t Hurt!

To be honest, Rolfing gained a reputation for being painful in the 1970s because of the way it was practiced in that era. But things have changed. I do not want to cause my clients any  pain during a session except maybe the intense feeling that some people might describe as a “good pain” that comes from deep pressure in the right spot. Many of my clients will remark after the first session: “that felt great. I thought this was supposed to hurt?!”

Rolfing Addresses the Whole Body Because Everything is Connected

Rolfing is distinct from many other forms of massage in that it takes a global approach to understanding and treating movement and pain issues. For example, if you have pain in your knee, this is not necessarily the “fault” of the knee. Instead, the knee may be suffering because of movement restrictions in the foot, ankle, hip, or even opposite shoulder. In other words, Rolfers look at pain or dysfunction in a particular area as a sign of imbalance in the whole system, rather than a problem in that particular area.

Who Gets Rolfing?

Rolfing is for anyone who wants to improve the way they feel and move. Although it can be used to treat a specific condition, it is also generally beneficial thing to do, like getting a good night’s sleep, exercising, or eating a nutritious meal. It is estimated that more than 1 million people have received Rolfing work, including professional athletes from the NFL and NBA, dancers, martial artists, and many people who sit behind computers all day.

More Questions?

I would be happy to answer any other questions you have about Rolfing and whether it can help you achieve your goals. Click here to schedule a FREE twenty minute consultation in person at my Seattle office or by telephone. There is no obligation to make an appointment. I truly enjoy talking with people about their movement goals and sharing my knowledge and advice.