Children & Babies
Why Rolf Children?
There is a prevalent notion that babies and children are “perfect” and that we somehow “go wrong” in adulthood and end up with all the chronic complaints and common mis-alignments we see all around us. On closer examination, we can watch as babies and children move and see the same random patterns of adults, although they are usually less fixed.
Often the structural issues of parents and older siblings become imprinted on the developing brains and bodies of babies and young children as the best or correct way to move. Examples of this include:
- feet everting or inverting (pointing out or in) – one or both
- bearing more weight on one leg than equally on both when standing
- knock-knees or bow legs
- lordosis (swayback) and protruding belly
- scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
- hunched shoulders
- head forward
Other examples are odd or uncoordinated patterns of movement in running and walking, often with excessive tripping and falling. These sub-optimal patterns do not go away on their own, but become the way the body organizes itself in space and persist through time.
Since this is the time that children are forming their patterns and habits, we can take advantage of their inherent plasticity (both soft-tissue and brain) and mold them into a more balanced and appropriate structure. This integrated and coherent pattern will replace the random one and persist through life, preventing many of the common adult problems.
More importantly, perhaps, is what occurs in the present as babies and children receive this work. By enhancing the developmental and maturation process that is already taking place, children immediately enjoy the effects of structural integration including better balance and proprioception, increased coordination, and harmonious functioning of body systems (such as digestion, elimination, etc.)
As height and weight normalize, small underweight children blossom as they are no longer targeted or ridiculed by their peers. Bigger children move with the grace and ease of royalty. Formerly uncoordinated kids are no longer the last to be chosen for a team. For parents who are interested in having a future athlete or dancer in their home, Structural Integration is invaluable.
Since all behavior is expressed through the musculo-skeletal system, as movement changes, behavior changes. The child is aware that s/he feels “better”. The behavioral changes are often more apparent to the adults in the child’s life, manifesting as a happier, healthier, more relaxed and cooperative person to live with.
Only for Children with Disabilities?
Not at all. Any baby or child can benefit from this work. It can help with a wide range of issues that most babies and children experience such as:
- birth trauma
- poor posture
- growing pains
- digestive issues including colic, constipation, and food allergies
- coordination and balance
- sleep issues
- social issues such as excessive shyness or timidity and fear of trying new things
- speech issues
- behavioral problems including concentration and attention
- height and weight issues, particularly at the low end of the scale
For children with scoliosis Rolfing can be utilized very effectively during the “wait and see” period when there are no medical interventions suggested. It is also useful in addition to suggested treatments and may help avoid surgery. Rolfing® can be very beneficial for mild to moderate scoliosis and may be able to stabilize more advanced curvatures depending on the age and structure of the child as well as the degree of curvature.
For children with disabilities structural Integration will give them the best possible use of their body. Spasticity (as in Cerebral Palsy) can be reduced, leading to smoother more efficient movement (see Stanford University School of Medicine Research Project on this website). Weak or low toned muscles are strengthened as the entire body is integrated and brought into better balance. Gross and fine motor coordination improve as does attention and concentration. With babies, developmental delays can often be lessened and the process of growth accelerates.
For gifted children this work is an essential component, providing much needed grounding and knowledge of their body. It can lessen the deleterious effects of aspects of giftedness such as hyper-sensitivity and emotional intensity. By enhancing psychomotor development, Rolfing® helps the children channel their heightened emotional and creative energies and advanced intellectual abilities more appropriately. They are empowered by taking responsibility for their own body, and realizing the benefits of self-care at a young age. This will last them a lifetime.
How is Rolf Method with Babies and Children Different than Adults?
The sessions are more playful. The timing and pacing is geared to the child’s age and maturity, as well as their mood at the time of the session. The work is often done on the floor while playing with the many toys in my studio. The sessions may also be done with the baby or child in the safety of the parent’s lap. The child may be lying on the table (with or without the parent lying next to them) as the parent reads to them or they play or just relax quietly.
Breaks are taken as often as needed. This is a time for them to self-integrate the changes that have been induced by the work. They do this through movement, play, interacting with others, exploring the environment, and other forms of expression.
The child is empowered to be an active participant in the session. Their wishes and desires are acknowledged and acceded to. They are asked directly (verbally and nonverbally) about their own body and are encouraged to express how they feel, bodily and emotionally.
