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A Typical Rolfing Session
Your session will begin with a discussion of your history of injury, pain or limitation. The Rolfer will then observe your structural alignment in standing, and while walking, so that their work can be focused and accurate. The Rolfer then works to release restrictions in the fascial network.
Deep strokes are performed slowly, waiting for the tissue to soften, lengthen or release. You will play an active role in the sessions, performing different movements to aid in the release of specific areas. You may be asked to participate by breathing into different areas as a stroke is applied, or to change your position to help your tissues lengthen and relax.
Releasing fascia requires sensitivity and a slow approach. During sessions, you may be treated in areas that you may not think are related to your condition. The Rolfer however, has a thorough understanding of the fascial system and will release the fascia in areas he or she knows have a strong "drag" on your area of pain and/or injury. For example, restriction in the shoulder can pull on and cause pain in the wrist. The Rolfer may therefore work from the neck to the fingers, and assess whether there is adequate support for the shoulder girdle via the ribcage and pelvis. This "whole body" approach helps maximise the effectiveness of treatments and longevity of results.
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Before 1. After 10 |
The Ten Series
Rolfing Structural Integration (RSI) consists of some simple ideas about human structure: (1) most people are significantly out of alignment with gravity; (2) we function better when we are aligned with gravity; and (3) fascia is so plastic (changeable), that the body's alignment can be brought into greater harmony with gravity at almost any time of life.
The Rolfing ten series involves a well planned series of sessions designed to bring the body's major segments - head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis and legs - toward vertical alignment. It is designed to produce length, front/back balance and support. The ten series is recommended for people with multiple symptoms, general postural issues, and for health maintenance. When the body is better aligned there is less wear and tear on the joints, and muscles work more effeciently. An outline of the 10 sessions of RSI follows:
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Description of the 10 Sessions of RSI
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Session 1: The focus of this ession is breathing. Myofascial release is applied to the muscles of the trunk, ribs, shoulder, neck and head. The hips and legs are mobilised to align the pelvis horizontally. The assessment and treatment of specific problems is addressed throughout every session.
Session 2: The focus of this session is posture. Work centres on balancing the feet, lower legs, and knees to correct the spinal curvatures.
Session 3: The focus of this session is spinal elongation. Work centres on the lateral aspect of the body to create elongation of the spine.
Session 4: The focus of this session is stability of the legs. Work centres on the plantar arches, and medial aspect of the lower extremity. The spine is mobilised and continues to be elongated.
Session 5: The focus of the session is to balance the trunk with the legs. Work centres on the abdominal, pelvic, and the iliopsoas muscles. The outer abdominal wall is elongated and mobilised to create continuity with the inner tissues.
Session 6: The focus of this session is to improve trunk mobility with stabilisation of the pelvis and lower extremitites. Work centres on the posterior pelvis, back, neck, and head.
Session 7: The focus of this session is on the head and neck. Work is done in the upper back, shoulders, neck, cranium, and facial structures.
Session 8: The focus of this session is lower body integration. Work is done to the pelvic girdle and extremities. Specific problems become a priority in treatment.
Session 9: The focus of this session is upper body integration. Work is done to the pelvic girdle and extremitites. Specific problems become a priority in treatment.
Session 10: The focus of this session is to correct the level of the structures bilaterally during static and dynamic activities. Specific problems are assessed and treated throughout the 10 sessions.
This outline was adapted from a research article by James et al 2008. Click here to view the complete article. |