Q&A’s
What is Rolfing?
Rolfing structural integration (SI) is a form of bodywork that combines manual therapy and movement education. Rolfing SI helps clients that suffer from chronic pain or need to improve their postural alignment, joint functionality, and develop body awareness.
Rolfing is a systematic and progressive approach to the body. It is applied across a series of Ten sessions – which the founder Dr Ida Rolf called “the recipe”- and each session is a continuation of the previous session.
The manipulation of the body’s entire network of connective tissue offers more possibility to reshape the fascia. It also enhances the relationship between myofascial and musculoskeletal structures, and its connection with the body’s nervous system. This holistic approach will help clients obtain more sustainable results. My goal is to help relieve discomfort by utilizing gravity to organize the body back into alignment.
What to expect from a Rolfing session by Marcela?
The first session will start with an assessment that will help Marcela to detect any habitual movement pattern, lack of joint functionality, and range of motion restrictions. Based on your goals and the results of the assessment Marcela will develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs.
You will experience a combination of hands-on work and instructed movements (on and off the table). For that reason, clients are required to wear appropriate clothing which can be athletic gear or a bathing suit (based on your comfort level). You will also be encouraged to give feedback during the session, so that Marcela can adjust when necessary.
After the session we will do a reassessment to track the improvements accomplished. Marcela will typically assign simple homework to help anchor the changes made during the session.
HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS LAST?
Traditionally the application of Rolfing is done in 10 sessions. If you are looking for a full body realignment, and have more than one issue that you would like to address, the TEN SERIES is a transformative experience that will bring more harmony into the whole body.
Not everyone needs 10 sessions. If you have received Rolfing before or would like to address a specific issue in a shorter time frame, I can strategize a MINISERIES usually a combination of 3-4 sessions targeting a specific body area and reintegrating back into the body.
WHAT IS THE TEN SERIES?
The TEN SERIES is a combination of 10 sessions, designed to realign the entire body and integrate it into gravity. The creator of Rolfing Structural Integration, Dr Ida Rolf called it the “Recipe”, the Ten Series is divided in 3 phases.
The FIRST PHASE (sessions #1, 2 and 3) is the Sleeve Series, in this phase the superficial fascia is primarily addressed. The idea of a 3-dimensional body and its relationship with gravity is incorporated. The theme for this phase is “where am I?” How are my shoulders, pelvis and feet relating to one another and moving as a unit in space?
The SECOND PHASE (sessions #4, 5, 6 and 7) is called the Core Series, moving into the deeper structures of the body like the pelvic floor, addressing the musculoskeletal system closer to the spine, addressing rotations in the spine and at the end connecting the head on top of the spine. The theme for this phase is “who I am?”, clients will have an opportunity to reconnect with the deeper musculature in the body that provides support to the spine and therefore a more aligned posture.
The THIRD phase (sessions #8, 9 and 10) is the Integration Series, it’s when we make it functional! We connect the arms and legs into the spine – where movement initiates in the body- and establish effortless movement. Guiding the client to use body mechanics in their favor to move in a more economical way. In the last session the client finds closure and is prepared to continue the journey on their own and to learn about the progress accomplished during the series. Dr. Rolf said, “perfection is not a realistic goal in the 3-dimensional world but the pursuit of it is”.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TEN SERIES?
An additional 3 Sessions can be designed for clients who are still experiencing pain and can’t find a supported posture after completing the Ten Series. Keep in mind that you are still in a process of change weeks after a client completes the entire program. The maintenance phase after a client achieves their goals after the Ten Series will be tailored to their needs. Some clients choose to incorporate Rolfing sessions as part of their self-care routine and come to sessions monthly or as they find need.
CAN ROLF AFFECT MY MENTAL/ EMOTIONAL STATE?
The body’s state regarding its physiology, nervous system and other systems in the body is known to influence the formation of what we call feelings. Rolfing initiates structural changes in the client’s musculoskeletal system. As a result, clients will often experience changes in their emotional states.
WHO CAN RECEIVE ROLFING?
Anyone who is seeking more postural alignment can receive a Rolfing session, adult, or child. Practitioners will typically define the group of people they feel most comfortable working with.
IS THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATION?
As with any other form of manual therapy acute inflammation, fever, open wound, infections, or recent trauma are contraindicated as it can cause a negative impact and increase the symptoms of the conditions.
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