Just to keep everyone on the same page, here is a recap from our last fitness tip explaining this type of massage. What is Rolfing? Is it something that could help ease muscle tension?
If you’re plagued by muscle pain, Dr. Oz recommends a technique called Rolfing, which he describes as “even deeper than a deep-tissue massage.”
This technique, which was developed by Dr. Ida Pauline Rolf, aims to separate bound-up connective tissues (or fascia), which link the muscles. “Rolfing literally releases the joints,” Dr. Oz says. “When you talk to folks about the impact it has on them, a lot of them just stand taller. A lot is just freeing you up to live the way you’re supposed to live.”
Rolfing is also known as Structural Integration. The goal of Structural Integration is to achieve balance around and through an energetic core in the body, allowing gravity to support the structure rather than to drag it down. Rolfing had been recommended to me in the hope that it could help with my posture, chronic pain, and never ending pursuit of a deep and intense massage. There are ten sessions which compose the Structural Integration work.
Rolf Session #2
It’s all about the feet! I swear I have NEVER been as aware of my feet as I was when this session ended. The entire session focused primarily on my feet. The pressure was intense yet survivable but I should add that I have a ridiculously high massage intensity tolerance.
What struck me about this session was the change in my walk. Since third grade I can remember being aware of my toes pointing outward when I walk. It had been something that my parents and I attempted to correct through conscious awareness but had no luck. After session 2 I noticed that my toes were more aligned and pointing forward as I walked. As if by magic, with no awareness, thought or struggle on my part. Truly miraculous!
Rolf Session #3
This session focused primarily along the sides of my body from just below my armpit to just below my knees. I had some previous scar tissue which needed extra attention. Again, the pressure was significant but as deep as it felt it wasn’t ever an undesirable “hurt”. After this session I saw a friend who is a personal trainer and she commented that she noticed my posture, chest and shoulders looked better. She’s trained to notice these things so I am taking her word for it.
Session 3 completed the last of the first three “superficial” sessions. I cannot remember which session it was but at some point I was asked to look in a mirror to see my shoulders when the work was halfway done. One side was actually lower than the other. I could physically see that the side of my body that had not been worked on looked significantly different from the side that had been treated. Since session 3 I’ve also noticed that my neck and shoulders are not as stiff and tense as they normally feel. I really doubted that the work on my sides, feet, and chest would effect my neck and shoulders but it seems as though it is making a difference. As I left session three I was excited about the changes my body was beginning to show and eager to discover what would happen as the work continues.
Carrie Brown
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