Your time at ATB is a professional therapeutic experience where the function of the body’s tissue is evaluated through movement with range of motion in and out of gravity, on and off the treatment table. This is done while in modest clothing of underwear, or two-piece bathing suits. (Ideally, no sports bras. I have a challenge getting in mine, so working with you in yours will be an extra hour I can count as gym time.) A plan of action is put into place once this and a general form of consent is done.
The work itself is done with hands, elbows, or forearms and the fascia, or the surrounding tissue of the muscle and viscera, is articulated one layer at a time. Thus, making the experience less painful, but not pain empty. Remember, the pain your experience is something that happened and the body has been holding on and contracting for how long? Sometimes years, or decades. For some, briefly, but by means of severe impact.
Pain empty will come with working that layer of the body where the injury, shortening, or dysfunction is located to allow freedom for something new to transmute into that area. Healing!
Movement exercises are shown to be used as tools to remind the body how to work with its new freedom, re-educate it for strength, or promote the longevity of the work--kind of like the Owner’s Manual you never received when you came to this planet.
Do I have to do 10 sessions?
In an ideal world I would like to see you for ten of these sessions working superficial to deeper several sections of the body at a time and then integrating it into a whole. This doesn’t always happen, because of commitments that take precedence. I have since adapted the series to an abbreviated version of this series that can be done in 3, 5, or 7 sessions. I cannot attest to how well these session will hold, because of them only being pacifiers of what truly needs to be worked on and out of the body.
What is the difference between Rolfing and Structural Integration work?
Just their names!
What should I expect from a session?
Before the hands-on work begins, a postural evaluation, gait analysis, or knee bends may be expected. I will analyze movement of the area that is going to be focused on for the session prior to the start of the work. This will be done with clothes on, or you in your viewing clothes during the session.
What are viewing clothes?
Something as simple as bra and underwear, or a two-piece bathing suit. The idea behind them is that traditional draping isn’t used in a session like it is with massage, because the practitioner needs to see how one area of the body relates to another. For example, the lack of movement in your neck may be related to your low back and hamstrings, so less is best. Ge***al areas need to be covered. No sports bras please.
Who benefits from the session?
Everyone! Athletes will see increased performance. Individuals who have been in auto accidents, those who perform physical labor, and desk jockeys alike will experience pain relief, increased flexibility, and better posture. Elderly people gain better range of motion and increased vitality.
Who should not get a session?
Individuals who have taken prescribed pain medication in the past 12 hours. Also, those who take Coumadin or other medically regulated blood thinners on a regular basis. That said, those who take fish oil or have used wintergreen topically are okay to try the Rolf Method of Structural Integration.
What is the difference between the Rolf Method of Structural Integration and Deep Tissue Massage?
The Rolf Method of Structural Integration is a series of fascia-based work that works from the superficial layers to the deeper layers of the body one area at a time. Fascia is like the envelop of muscle tissue, but different: It covers; it connects; and runs though muscle. When it becomes stuck from repetitive use, dehydration, injury, or something else, then it sticks together. When it sticks together, shortening in that area takes place and may effect the whole structure of fascia in the body, creating pain because of lack of movement, or change in how the body moves. On the other hand, Deep Tissue Massage usually focuses just on muscles and is a full body treatment.
How many sessions are there?
Usually 10-12. Rarely, but sometimes, 14. One session will last anywhere from an hour to and hour and a half, and may or may not include exercises to help further facilitate the work, or re-educate the body.
How soon will I benefit from the sessions?
Change takes place with most people almost immediately during the first session. If you would like, if you would like, I can take pictures of your progress for an additional fee. They will only be shared with you and your therapist. If needed, your health care professional can request a copy of notes on each of the sessions.
Is it painful?
From my own experience, it is painful in the sticky areas where the fascia is stuck together, but this isn’t always the case. Since the work is done layer by layer, it should be a gradual progress of less and less pain during each session.
How much is it per session?
$75 for one hour and $105 for 90 minutes. On a case-by-case basis I offer two hour sessions.
How frequently should I get the sessions if I am going through the ten series?
Ideally, once a week so your body can have time to adjust to the new changes before the next session. Some people may benefit from every other week. Mel will let you know what should work best with your body to maximize results.
