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Rolfing Therapy
Do you suffer from stress or have a physically demanding job? Are you recovering from an accident or injury?
Do you suffer from constant aches and pain or poor health? If you answer "yes" to any of the above questions then Rolfing may be the best solution to your problems.
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Invented in the 1930s and 40s by Dr. Ida Rolf, Rolfing developed as a technique that combined her interest in osteopathy, yoga, and massage therapy. Dr. Rolf believed that most health problems were a result of poor posture, faulty muscle tissue and compression of the internal organs. She then created a holistic system that manipulated the tissues of the body to change its movement and alignment. Originally known as Structural Integration, the nickname of Rolfing soon caught on.
The technique of Rolfing uses physical manipulation to loosen tight fascia of the body (scarred tissues that are bound together as a result of injury). Rolfing techniques are based on the theory that these fascial adhesions cause the muscles to stiffen and shorten and result in compression and damage to the internal organs, poor posture and emotional and physical tension. As the fascia loosen, the body aligns to its original state and muscle flexibility and movement is restored. The first step in Rolfing includes an examination of the body and fascial tissues to check for imbalances and to determine where the technique needs to be applied. The Rolfing practitioner will then manipulate and separate the fascia and muscles that have been bound together as a result of any trauma or injury. Finally, the therapist integrates the changes in the body to maximize its new potential.
Many people describe Rolfing as initially uncomfortable or painful. This is due to the strong manipulative movements of the therapist who uses his elbows, knuckles, and hands to massage deep into the muscle and tissues. People who suffer from cancer or inflammatory diseases should avoid Rolfing. It is also best to only choose a therapist who is certified and trained from one of the several hundred official Rolf Institutes of Structural Integration in the US.
Believers of Rolfing swear by the benefits of this holistic practice. Regular Rolfing therapy can help people by:
- Reducing breathing difficulties
- Improving flexibility
- Treating muscle pain and tension
- Re-aligning posture
- Increasing energy
- Offering pain relief and treating RSI or Repetitive Stress Injury
People who have undergone Rolfing claim an overall improvement in their health and lives. Mental stress and emotional tension disappear as the muscles in the body relax. As a result, Rolfing is used as a popular aid in the field of physiotherapy and psychotherapy. Studies show that Rolfing can improve the physical structure of a person and improve health over time. However, keep in mind that our bodies change over time and future injuries or accidents may require additional treatment. Rolfing is not a one-time solution to all your health problems but rather a therapeutic choice that can improve your life in the long-term.