Rolfing : Everything I've ever wanted from a massage, but never got.

Last Friday I was Rolfed.

I was a little apprehensive about my session- so I read quite a bit online.

For a quick overview (for those who don't want to click the above link), rolfing, also called Structural Integration is a method of bodywork that focuses on the connective tissue (fascia) in your body. Rolfing is supposed to release tension, lengthen the fascia- and in general un-do all the years of sleeping on couches, sitting at a computer, heavy luggage, dancing on tables, and whatever else it is that you can put your body through. It is done as a series of sessions- each one building on another in specific order.

I decided to try Rolfing as a way to deal with debilitating tension headaches. When they hit, they can last for days. I can't focus, my entire head/neck/shoulders area hurts, and I can't eat. I have muscle relaxers- but take one of them and good luck getting anything out of me.

I've had massages. While they make me feel more relaxed- I never saw any lasting changes.
I've also been to a chiropractor- and I finally felt relief! For- about 3 days, when I'd go back and we would pop everything back into place, again. Then, 3 days later....

At this point- my choices are A) Take even stronger pain medication, but still suffer when I don't have the luxury of 6 hours of loopy or B) Find a different method. Enter, Rolfing.

Session One:
The first session begins with your Rolfer watching how you walk, then stripping you down to bra & panties and standing you in front of a full-length mirror while pointing out that you carry the right shoulder higher than your left, you lock your knees when you walk, and your head is not being supported on your spine properly.

Gee, thanks. Just what I've always wanted- to stand almost naked in front of a full-length mirror with a stranger pointing out my flaws.

Then you lay down and they begin the body work. The point of the first session is to work all around your ribcage, shoulders and torso. Let me say- that this can be painful once your Rolfer hits various "tight spots" or places of restrictive movement.

But oh my goodness- what a "Good Pain". Every single time she worked down a muscle (painful in spots) it felt just "right".

This is what I'd been wanting out of Deep-Tissue massages my entire life.

I was sore the next day- but my ribcage feels "expanded"- it is a good feeling.