Rolfing: know the method and the benefits for the body –

Does the Rolfing method have an unfamiliar name for you? Normal! With only one school to train professionals in the country, the technique is still known by few Brazilians.

Unlike sports massage and physiotherapy, Rolfing aims to release the tensions and stiffness in the body through hand massage – without the use of oils or creams. The work of release is done by manipulating the fascia, the membrane that covers structures such as muscles, tendons and bones, and can lose its lubrication due to stress and wrong movements that we perform on a daily basis. As a result, the membrane ends up sticking to body tissue and causing pain and reduced mobility.

The method also works with movement education, since even simple day-to-day actions — such as sitting down and standing up — may cause tension depending on the execution mode. “Our intention is to enable people to face gravity in new ways, seeking quality movement through corporal conscience”, explains Viviane Neves, Rolfer at Kurma Spacein Sao Paulo.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Is there a difference between releasing the fascia in the treatment and release it with accessories such as rollers. “With them, you do self-liberation and the accessory encompasses larger parts of your body. In Rolfing, the work is done with the hands, which allows for greater sensitivity and for the stimulus to reach deeper levels of the tissue”, explains Viviane.

See also: Too much pain after training? 3 techniques that will save you

WHO IS IT FOR?

The technique favors people who feel pain or tension, regardless of age and gender – including pregnant women. “Usually those who seek Rolfing have received medical advice, suffer from chronic pain or work as a athlete or artist, professionals who need myofascial release and want to know new possibilities of movement and body perception”, says the Rolfer. The method is only not recommended for those who are being treated for serious illnesses (such as cancer and thrombosis).

BENEFITS

Improvement begins at the physical level: it releases tensions and stiffness that cause pains, helps in the reorganization of body structures, improving posture, body awareness and the patient’s relationship with himself. Bonus: the method even acts on the mind, helping to control anxiety and insomnia.

DURATION OF TREATMENT

It takes an average of 10 to 15 sessions, with the first 10 focused on different parts of the body structure (back, shoulders, neck, spine…). Each session has a specific meaning and purpose: “We are going to separate and manipulate the regions that need attention and only then work on integrating them”.

In the case of treatment with 15 sessions, are also worked moves to improve body awareness. Maintenance is carried out according to the needs of each individual, and can be carried out every four months, with a half-yearly or even annual interval.