Getting
Rolfed: A Quick Overview
Structural Integration Bodywork or S/I, was developed by
Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1940’s & 50’s. It
aims to free bound-up connective tissues (or fascia), which
link the muscles to each other and to the bones. S/I also
releases bound up tissue in the joints. By releasing the
fascia, muscles come into proper alignment and a person’s
body moves fluidly and easily. Gravity is the ally for us
to be taller and feel grounded. S/I frees you up to move
the way you're supposed to. Clients get relief from aches
& pains and have more energy to live their lives.
When we first start working with a person we do what is
called a “10 Series”. Each session builds upon
the previous ones and covers a different part of the body
and at different depths. Eighty percent of this work results
in permanent change. The sessions can be done months apart,
if needed. Unlike other forms of bodywork, S/I is done with
the client not to them. At times the client is given movements
to make while the practitioner is assisting the fascia to
release. The two people are working together to create the
S/I experience.
So, the work happens best when a client is comfortable.
You don't have to strip down to receive S/I. Some people
are comfortable in t-shirt and underwear or running shorts
others are fully clothed. S/I had a reputation for being
painful and that was may have been true of some practitioners
in the early days. Now with improved, more focused techniques
many clients report that it is pain free. Some of my clients
tell me they feel better than ever before.
A number of different forms of S/I have evolved from Ida’s
original work. S/I is an inclusive term for all of these
methods. I studied with Ida’s original students at
the Guild for Structural Integration and practice the original
form of this bodywork.
This is the first of 4 articles about Dr. Rolf’s
work. The next one is about the benefits. You don’t
have to wait for the next article to learn about the wealth
of benefits. To begin experiencing the benefits of a Structurally
Integrated body, schedule your appointment today.
Alan Cina is an Advanced Rolf Practitioner with over 10 years
of practicing S/I in the St. Louis community. He can be contacted
at 314-771-8730 or
Alan.Cina@yahoo.com
