Structural Integration: The Rolf Method
During your Structural Integration (also called “Rolfing”) sessions, your practitioner will systematically work with your body – head to toe. It is preferable that the sessions are received at least one per week for ten weeks in a row. The ten sessions are administered progressively; each session builds upon the last and takes into consideration the next.
At the beginning of the first session the client completes a health questionnaire and spend some time speaking with their practitioner about the goals and intentions as applied to their unique situation and structure. Male clients receive work in underwear or swimsuit, women in two piece swimsuits or bra and underwear. The practitioner will observe the client, how they stand, walk and other general movements. In some cases a photograph or digital image may be taken if the client is interested in seeing before and after results. The specific goals of the session will be discussed. The client will lie on a massage table so the practitioner can work with their body. The client will participate in the session often being asked to breathe into the area being worked on or to make small, specific movements.
During the session the client may experience a warm, pleasant sensation from the area that the practitioner is working with. Some individuals do not experience any sensation while others may experience momentary discomfort. The practitioner will apply the appropriate pressure, based on the clients needs and feedback. During most of the sessions the practitioner will help the client to become aware of habitual patterns of movement and imbalances in their body and will help them work toward making changes in these patterns in their daily life.
Structural Integration is so powerful because the benefits are long-lasting, and eventually permanent. While other forms of deep tissue and bodywork can be wonderful for relieving your pain and discomfort symptoms, most do very little to address the fundamental CAUSE of the imbalance in the first place.
