What is Rolfing®?

 

Rolfing is a form of bodywork developed in the 1930's by Dr. Ida Rolf, who received her Ph.D in biochemistry in 1920.  Dr Rolf believed that chronic pain is often an expression of an overall structural imbalance that is maintained by restrictions in the body's connective soft-tissue network, otherwise known as fascia. Fascia can be likened to an elastic web that is continuous throughout the body, providing structural support.

 

 

Fascia interpenetrates and surrounds all organs, muscles, bones and nerve fibers, and its superficial layer forms a 'body stocking' under the skin. A 'stocking' is an apt analogy, since just as a shortening or snag in one part of a stocking causes stretch in other areas, so too do shortenings of fascia have related stresses elsewhere in the fascial network. These snags can pull on muscles and other structures, leading to chronic pain and movement limitations. Fascia can become restricted from trauma such as accidents and surgery, poor posture, and overuse. Prolonged tension from stress can also cause restrictions. 

 

  

 

Rolf's investigation led to the development of Rolfing; an extremely effective soft tissue approach for releasing chronic stiffness and relieving pain. Originally called Structural Integration, Rolfing was the name used by students of Dr.Rolf, and eventually became the official term. Though little known in the general community, Rolfing is becoming more recognised thanks to the research of Rolfer and scientist Robert Schleip, who has provided significant insight into the important regulatory role fascia. A link to the First International Fascia Research Conference can be found in the 'Links' section of this website.

 

 

 

Benefits of Rolfing


When fascial restrictions are released, not only is tightness relieved, but long-held patterns of tension are "unwound". This helps muscles to stay lengthened and maintain balanced relationships, helping to break poor postural habits. Because of this, people often notice that the effects of pain relief and improved movement are long-lasting.

 

 

Rolfing Can: Improve posture   * Relieve chronic muscular tension and pain   * Accelerate recovery time from injuries by increasing the pliability of scar tissue  * Increase flexibility and range of motion   * Improve athletic performance as well as yoga and Pilates practice * Among other things, Rolfing can help chronic headaches, plantar fasciitis, stiff neck, low back pain, shoulder problems, and the effects of fibromyalgia, arthritis, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD)


 


 

 

Stephanie Panayi

 
Stephanie graduated from the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado, in 1998.  She is a Registered Health Fund Provider and member of the Australian Rolfing Association, and the AAMT. She also has an interest in mental health, having received a Diploma of Counselling and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Psychophysiology.


 

Qualifications:


  • Certified Rolfer™ 
  • Diploma of Remedial Massage
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Psychophysiology
  • Diploma of Counselling
  • Member of the Australian Rolfing Association
  • Member of the Australian Association of Massage Therapists