Dr. Ida Pauline Rolf was an extraordinary biological chemist who, over a career that stretched from the 1920s to the 1970s, developed a methodology for helping those in pain and the chronically disabled. Structural Integration treats the human body as a network of connected tissues rather than as a collection of independent elements. By studying and correcting how the systems of a given body work, Rolf practitioners achieve remarkable results.
Searching for the Sources of Neck Pain
For Rolf practitioners, the first step in treating pain and discomfort is to study a patient's posture and movement. Rolfing targets all areas of the body where connective tissues restrain or tug on one another as the patient moves. In many cases, the source of a patient's pain may be far removed from where that pain is felt. In the case of neck pain, for example, the problem may lie in the back, the jaw, the chest or arms. Rolf pracitioners often ask a patient to stand, walk and stretch so the doctor can evaluate how tissues interact. Photographs may be taken to help the practitioner direct treatment over the course of several days or weeks.
Treating Pain and Increasing Mobility
There are several methods that Rolf practitioners use to break up groups of tissues that are restricting or constraining one another. One commonly used method is to relax a muscle group, then to apply pressure to the point at which tissues are inappropriately anchored, then to have the patient move the effected muscle group. This effectively helps to separate the groups of tissues so they can move independently. In the neck region this may mean having a patient turn the head as pressure is applied to the connective tissue, or fascia, located in the collarbone region. As the patient turns his head, the tissues required for that motion are separated from those that do not need to move.
Heat from the practitioners hands, pressure from finger tips and sometimes the heavier and wider width of elbows, all are used to coax the the tissues of the body into correct function.
As the patient moves through a series of movements designed to reveal reduced mobility or explore motions that cause pain, the Rolf practitioner carefully adjusts and releases connective tissues to allow maximum pain-free movement.
Restoring Balance
As everyone who has ever had an injury knows, the body adjusts itself to protect the injured area. This can create new injuries. Rolfing the back, legs and arms of a patient suffering from neck pain is common place. The objective to to ensure that the body as a system is functioning correctly.
Tags: Rolf practitioners, connective tissues, groups tissues, muscle group, patient moves
