Getting Rolfed often arouses emotional responses in clients that can be mild and practically unnoticeable as well as strong and cathartic. Changes in the body, through various neurobiological mechanisms, affect the functioning of the brain, with particular effect on the regions associated with emotions and feelings. The result is that clients often report feeling happier, uplifted, and more stable. [Read more…]
An Interview with Robert Schleip on Science and Complementary Medicine
In this interview with Dr. Ginger Campbell, M.D. of the Books and Ideas blog, Germany’s first Certified Rolfer, Dr. Robert Schleip, PhD discusses the role of science in the world of complementary medicine. Topics include a German study on the efficacy of acupuncture, the dynamics of fascia in injury and healing, and the ways in which his scientific research has changed his understanding of Rolfing and other complementary therapies.
Update: The study Dr. Schleip references can be read in its entirety here. The German Acupuncture Trials pitted standard medical protocol, real acupuncture, and fake acupuncture against each other in the treatment of low-back pain. Standard medical protocol scored about a 27.4% success rate. Real acupuncture scored 47.6%. Fake acupuncture?
44.2%.
The Leon Fleisher Rolfing Story
Leon Fleisher is a world-renowned pianist and conductor whose career hit an abrupt and stunning roadblock when his right hand stopped working. He sought out help with the symptoms of repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome to little avail. But, with the help of Rolfing, he was able to revive his career and perform two-handed after a decades’ long struggle.
Read more about his story at the Internet Cello Society: Carnegie Hall Pianist Leon Fleisher Healed at Zoh’s Ruscombe Mansion
Rolfing Results: Elisha
These are photos of Elisha.* They have been altered to show only the outlines to protect her identity and more clearly show the contour differences that occurred as a result of the Rolfing 10-series and three Movement Integration sessions.
Important changes include: the resting position of the knees (locked before, relaxed after), horizontalized pelvis with improved activation of transversus abdominis, reduced thoracic curve, and easier position of head and neck.
Before 10-series (left) | After (right)
Elisha received her 10-series from Matt Hsu, Certified Rolfer – San Francisco.
*Client’s name has been changed.
Rolfing and Fascia in the News
Rolfing is making the science news. Science Magazine, “the world’s leading journal of original scientific research, global news, and commentary,” has an excellent write up about the recent First International Fascia Research Congress in its November 23, 2007 issue (vol. 318, pp. 1234-5). Go to the Rolf Institute website at https://www.rolf.org/about/research.htm to link to the full text of the article, “Biomedical Research; “Cell Biology Meets Rolfing” and “From Rolfer to Researcher”.
What is the Rolfing® Ten Series?
The hallmark of Rolfing Structural Integration is a standardized “recipe” known as the Ten Series, the goal of which is to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body over the course of ten Rolfing sessions. Each session focuses on freeing restrictions or holdings trapped in a particular region of the body. A practitioner also maintains a holistic view of the client’s entire system during each session, thus ensuring the transformational process evolves in a comfortable and harmonious way.
Rolfing 10-Series Visual Overview
Who’s been Rolfed? (famous figures)
The following famous people have undergone Rolfing:
Professional athletes
- Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers coach says, “I’m the kind of person that likes to physically challenge myself. I think (Rolfing) is a valuable resource…for keeping myself together.”
- Charles Barkley, former basketball star
- Chris Carter, ex-Minnesota Viking football star
- Qadry Ismail, Baltimore Ravens football star
- The Phoenix Suns basketball team has players work with a Rolfer
- Mario Lemieux, hockey legend
- Bob Tewksbury, ex-pitcher for the Minnesota Twins
- Ivan Lendl, former tennis champion
- Craig Swan, former N.Y. Mets pitcher, and Certified Rolfer, whose career ended from a sports injury. “Bodywork can extend athletic careers,” says Swan. “I truly believe if I had received Rolfing in the early part of my career, I would still be pitching today.”
- Bret Saberhagen, former Kansas City Royals Pitcher
- Tom Seaver, Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher
- Jeff Linder, competitive cyclist [Read more…]
What are the benefits of Rolfing?
People come to Rolfing looking to:
- Find relief from chronic pain (repetitive strain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, low-back pain)
- Speed injury recovery
- Improve poor posture (hunched shoulders, swayback, craned neck)
- Address structural issues (scoliosis)
- Break through performance plateaus (e.g. dancing, skating, running, biking)
- Get back in touch with their bodies
For more information on the benefits of Rolfing, visit the Rolf Institute’s website.