About Rolfing® Structural Integration
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Rolfing® Structural Integration is a unique system of manual therapy and sensorimotor education that enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, thus enhancing postural efficiency, freedom of movement, balance, and support.
Rolfing® Structural Integration (SI) works on the fascia, a seamless, web-like network that penetrates all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs, to release, realign and balance the whole body. This can potentially resolve discomfort, reduce compensations, and alleviate pain. Usually done in a series of 10-12 sessions, each session has its own goal and builds on the previous session. In each session, a history will be taken, your structure will be evaluated with standing and movement, assessing any postural asymmetry and range of motion limitation. Following each session, reassessment of your structure will be made and notes taken for the following session. Each session will progress the overall structural integration and re-educate movement patterns. |
History
Founded by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the early 70’s, Rolfing® SI is becoming more popular with athletes, dancers, and anyone who likes to move! Dr Rolf discovered that manual pressure on the fascia tissue elicits a change in the structure of the body.
Through the trained eyes and hands of a Certified Rolfer®, clients experience profound response to the work; they experience more freedom of movement and more awareness of how to move. Movement patterns change because the tissue feels different. The nervous system responds to these changes and creates permanent adaptation.
Research has demonstrated that Rolfing SI creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement.
Research also shows that Rolfing SI significantly reduces chronic stress and changes the body structure. Dr Robert Schleip of Germany is one of the leading researchers in the fascia field and has conducted extensive studies over the last ten years. For further information on Dr Schleip and his work, click on this link: http://www.fasciaresearch.de
Through the trained eyes and hands of a Certified Rolfer®, clients experience profound response to the work; they experience more freedom of movement and more awareness of how to move. Movement patterns change because the tissue feels different. The nervous system responds to these changes and creates permanent adaptation.
Research has demonstrated that Rolfing SI creates a more efficient use of the muscles, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement.
Research also shows that Rolfing SI significantly reduces chronic stress and changes the body structure. Dr Robert Schleip of Germany is one of the leading researchers in the fascia field and has conducted extensive studies over the last ten years. For further information on Dr Schleip and his work, click on this link: http://www.fasciaresearch.de
Methods
Key elements of Dr. Rolf’s theory and method:
- The osteopathic insight that the adequacy of the individual’s biomechanics is of great import for their overall health and well-being, and can be improved by manipulation.
- The importance of sensorimotor education in achieving energetically efficient posture and movement.
- The yogic emphasis on postural alignment around a central, vertical axis.
- The views of Feldenkrais, Reich, and others that chronic patterns of restricted movement and posture were directly tied to chronic emotional and behavioral problems.
Meet Alby Dean, CR, ATC, PTA
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Alby holds a B.S. in Exercise Sciences and A.A.S. in Physical Therapy Assistant.
She brings over 25 years of manual therapy to her practice with a background in physical therapy as a PTA for orthopedic outpatient therapy and athletic training working with high school and collegiate athletes. Alby loves to incorporate movement therapy with structural integration and after 30 years of alpine ski coaching, she has a trained eye for proper movement patterning. Along with her Rolf® practice, Alby works with Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows as their Athletic Trainer, a complimentary benefit for all employees. During the winter months, she teaches skiing for SV/AM and grooms the Nordic trails at Tahoe Donner. She lives in Truckee and loves the Sierra Nevada for skiing, hiking and cycling. |
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