What is Rolfing® Structural Integration?
Rolfing® Structural Integration (SI) is a manual body therapy aimed at improving the structure, alignment and mobility of the human body. The treatment is holistic, individual, not symptom-oriented; it unfolds its effect through careful and sensitive work on the body-wide fascia network, through an improvement in body awareness and by changing unfavourable movement patterns.
The treatment harmonises unbalanced tensions in the body, loosens hardened and stuck fascia, which leads to a more gentle and economical functioning. The alignment of the body in the earth's gravitational field improves, breathing and moving becomes easier. The body gains resources and feels more alive and freer.
The improved alignment of the body reduces stress on joints and local tissue overload, often removing the basis of chronic complaints.
Please find under the following link further information on Rolfing, fascia and their research.
Rolfing sessions
The first Rolfing session begins with the recording of the medical history; and at each subsequent session with a discussion of the current status. The body structure is then observed and analysed while standing and walking. Based on this analysis, the therapy is individually adapted. The sessions systematically build on each other.
The treatments take place mainly while lying down, sometimes also while sitting or standing. During the treatment, pressure is applied carefully and sensitively to the fascia (connective tissue) in order to loosen them and make them supple. In the course of the treatment, unfavourable movement patterns are recognised and made conscious.
Usually several sessions are necessary. A basic series of ten sessions with an interval of one to three weeks has proven to be effective for lasting improvement. One session lasts about 75 minutes.
In which cases is a Rolfing treatment useful and in which cases not?
Rolfing® SI can have a positive effect:
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for chronic pain and tension
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for movement restrictions, stiffness
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for joint problems
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for bad postures
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after accidents or operations
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for one-sided loads
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for deformations of the spinal column
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in a carpal tunnel syndrome
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this list is not exhaustive
Rolfing is not only used for medical problems, but also for health care and to promote well-being. Body awareness improves and movement sequences become more efficient.
Rolfing® SI should not be used, should be used with restrictions or only after consultation with a doctor:
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for acute inflammations or injuries
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for advanced osteoporosis
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for cancer
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for arteriosclerosis
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for aneurysms
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when taking certain medications (cortisone)
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during pregnancy
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for various autoimmune diseases
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this list is not exhaustive
