Rolfing
Many common questions about Rolfing SI can be answered through the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute’s website here https://rolf.org/what_is_rolfing.php, but I will share some answers to a few questions on this page as well. Or visit the Rolf Research Foundation website to read current research publications about working with fascia- https://rolfresearchfoundation.org/current-research/structural-integration-research
Does Rolfing Hurt?
No. While the work will be deep at times, we will always work within your body’s level of availability. Working through pain does not allow the nervous system to facilitate lasting change. The body tenses and braces for protection in the presence of pain, which is the opposite of what we want to have happen. Our goal is to challenge the system in a therapeutic way.
What are the Benefits?
Improved Posture & Structure – Releasing fascial restrictions allows for your spine to be supported in gravity, likely helping you hold your chiropractic adjustments longer. It also allows for greater range of motion and improved flexibility.
Injury Prevention & Recovery – Rolfing creates resilience and balance in your tissues, reducing the stress around joints. It also helps you become more aware of your body. This re-mapping enhances the brain-body connection and helps eliminate dysfunctional movement patterns that often occur after an injury.
Pain Reduction & Stress Relief – Aligning the body in the gravity field and creating efficient movement patterns can greatly reduce or eliminate chronic pain. It allows the structures that were meant for long term activation to do their job stabilizing without the interference of the short term activation structures, which are meant to help us interact with the world around us. Rolfing also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system,
encouraging relaxation and renewal.
How Often are the Sessions?
Typically clients schedule sessions weekly or bi-weekly with the 10 series, but this can be catered to each individual’s needs. Some clients benefit from having less time between sessions, while others need a bit more spacing between sessions to let their body settle. However, I recommend keeping them no more than a month apart, especially with the deeper core sessions 4-7, so you experience less adaptive discomfort. For example, if we free the deep front line of the body in session 5, but can’t free the back of the body for another 6 weeks, you’re likely to experience discomfort in the areas we have not gotten to yet.
What Do I Wear?
There will be opportunities for you to move naturally around the room and partake in simple movement education strategies. Please wear athletic shorts (and a comfortable bra for women). This allows you to tune into your body and fully experience the changes happening, while allowing myself to assess the structural change.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Disclaimer: The information provided in or through this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. I strongly recommend that you build and maintain a relationship with a local medical professional and consult them when seeking advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your unique needs. Dynamic Approach, LLC is not liable for any risks or issues associated with the use of information provided.
How Long After Surgery?
LDM is often recommended following a surgery. I prefer to have clients wait 2 weeks post-op before scheduling in order to allow sutures to heal and let the body begin its healing process without interference or irritation. Once your doctor has approved, we’ll get started, typically with shorter, weekly appointments to keep things moving in the right direction. By the three month mark, most of the minor lymphatic pathways should be healed, but it can take anywhere from 6 – 12 months for new lymphatic pathways the body creates to be fully functional.
The boosting effect from the massage last between 2 and 5 days, but proper self care extends these benefits. A monthly maintenance massage is recommended for general wellness.
What do I wear for LDM?
Similar to most other massage modalities, you will undress to your level of comfort. I recommend removing your bra as this can restrict lymphatic flow. Underwear can be removed or left on. You will always be draped with the sheets while I’m working.
What can I do to support my Lymphatic System?
Digestion – The lymphatic system is an integral part of our immune system and is tasked with the important job of clearing out toxins and waste from our body. The end point for this process is our digestive system and it is a good indicator of lymphatic health. Digestive issues like IBS or leaky gut make our gut lining more permeable, allowing the things we are trying to clear out to enter back in, while constipation slows down the removal of waste from the system, keeping harmful waste in our body. The goal is for at least one healthy bowel movement per day. Talk with your health care provider about ways to encourage this if it isn’t happening for you.
Hydration – Our bodies are 70 % water. Our blood is 90% water. Chronic dehydration is common. Aim for half your body weight in ounces. For example, if your weight is 140 pounds, one-half of that number is 70. Gradually work up to 70 ounces per day.
Movement – The lymphatic system does not have a pump like the heart does for the circulatory system, so it relies on muscle contractions and limb movement to help push the fluid through the system. Lymph nodes and vessels are strategically placed in our bodies, so most whole-body movements aid in this process. Walking, swimming, deep breathing, or bouncing while seated on a large yoga ball or standing on a Rebounder are excellent.
Dry Brushing – Follow along to the video demonstration on the Resources page for self care at home. You don’t need a special brush. A wash cloth or your hand will work just as well. This can be done daily, but 2 to 3 times per week is good enough for general maintenance.
Feel like you’re doing all the right things but still have issues?
Unfortunately, we live in a very toxic world these days. Staying conscious about what goes in and on our bodies is crucial. Some things we don’t have much control over, but limiting things we do can make big positive changes. Consider working with a functional medicine practitioner to get to the root cause of inflammation. Things like underlying infections, heavy metals or mold exposure can severely compromise the immune system over time if left untreated.
Try to focus on eating a whole food diet (organic when possible) and avoid processed foods, seed oils, and added sugar. Use clean beauty products and skin products. Avoid dyes, fragrance, and unnecessary chemicals wherever possible. Avoid deodorant with aluminum. Your body absorbs that directly into the lymph nodes of the armpit!
NAET can be an excellent resource for helping you discover and treat allergies and sensitivities. Knowing what to avoid will allow your body to heal and reduce chronic inflammation.
Talking to your doctor about adding a supplement like LymphActiv, Drainage Activator, or ORAC Energy Greens may help boost the system and aid in gentle detoxification. Some clients have found this lymphatic cream to be helpful when applied to troublesome areas as well.
Dynamic Approach Bodywork 