Is rolfing effective for treating overuse injuries and those stemming from postural imbalances?
We dont have ART here, but I found a rolfer. I’m wondering if it’s worth the money…
I searched the forums and seems there a at least a few t-nationers who speak highly of it, but I wouldnt mind learnig more.
It does what it’s supposed to do. The problem is that bad-habits are hard to break without someone ramming their fingers deep into your muscles to release the tension.
In other words it hurts worse than anything. I have been hit by a speeding car, sprained both ankles at the same time and had oral surgury while awake. None of it actually made me want to cry. Rolfing did. But it was worth it though, overall.
[quote]beebuddy wrote:
It does what it’s supposed to do. The problem is that bad-habits are hard to break without someone ramming their fingers deep into your muscles to release the tension.
In other words it hurts worse than anything. I have been hit by a speeding car, sprained both ankles at the same time and had oral surgury while awake. None of it actually made me want to cry. Rolfing did. But it was worth it though, overall.[/quote]
Ive read some of your posts on rolfing, glad you could chime in here as well. Pain is temporary right?
Ive had some injuries for so many years that I’d be glad to experience that temporary pain to get rid of the permanent ones…
[quote]beebuddy wrote:
It does what it’s supposed to do. The problem is that bad-habits are hard to break without someone ramming their fingers deep into your muscles to release the tension.
In other words it hurts worse than anything. I have been hit by a speeding car, sprained both ankles at the same time and had oral surgury while awake. None of it actually made me want to cry. Rolfing did. But it was worth it though, overall.[/quote]
Rolling on the floor laughing hurts???
[quote]Hanley wrote:
beebuddy wrote:
It does what it’s supposed to do. The problem is that bad-habits are hard to break without someone ramming their fingers deep into your muscles to release the tension.
In other words it hurts worse than anything. I have been hit by a speeding car, sprained both ankles at the same time and had oral surgury while awake. None of it actually made me want to cry. Rolfing did. But it was worth it though, overall.
Rolling on the floor laughing hurts???[/quote]
uh, rolfing, not rofling:P
I have had an issue with lower back pain for a while, primarily on the right side. I tried many things (stretching, more deadlifts, fewer deadlifts, etc) and couldn’t “fix myself”, so I decided to see a “rolfer” after doing some research.
I have to agree with the previous poster - it is painful. Not so much a sharp burst of pain, but a burning sensation that grows until it is nearly unbearable (although my practitioner had a good read on where my pain tolerances were).
I have only been once (two weeks ago, follow up in 1 week), and I felt better afterward. Some may have been endorphins, but the muscles felt a little different, too.
However, what I found really valuable was an analysis of some postural issues that I couldn’t diagnose on my own, as well as some recommendations on how to fix them (turns out that hip flexors, not hamstrings, were more of a problem than I thought). This in concurrence with the “Magnificent Mobility” DVD which I just received has helped a lot. Can’t recommend MM more, by the way - EXCELLENT information.
Many “rolfers” may recommend a series of 10 sessions to balance out the whole body, but it depends on how much you need done - for me it is really only a focus on the hip/back area.
Hope that helps some…
[quote]L-Dee wrote:
beebuddy wrote:
It does what it’s supposed to do. The problem is that bad-habits are hard to break without someone ramming their fingers deep into your muscles to release the tension.
In other words it hurts worse than anything. I have been hit by a speeding car, sprained both ankles at the same time and had oral surgury while awake. None of it actually made me want to cry. Rolfing did. But it was worth it though, overall.
Ive read some of your posts on rolfing, glad you could chime in here as well. Pain is temporary right?
Ive had some injuries for so many years that I’d be glad to experience that temporary pain to get rid of the permanent ones…[/quote]
Yea that was my reasoning. It is only temporary.
Rolfing, ART, myofascial release, Shiatsu etc. all have more in common than they do differences…apply some form of tension and bust up adhesions and the like.
Rolfers tend to be very thorough…you are fortunate to have one close by. I’d jump on it providing it’s affordable for you. Nothing like a solid hour of intense soft tissue work.
[quote]Kelly Baggett wrote:
Rolfing, ART, myofascial release, Shiatsu etc. all have more in common than they do differences…apply some form of tension and bust up adhesions and the like.
[/quote]
While we’re on the subject, I found some ART practioner in the New York City area. But I don’t know how competent they are in terms of getting into the root of the problem. Does anybody have any recommendations for a good practitioner in the New York City or surrounding area?
[quote]steel_rain wrote:
I have had an issue with lower back pain for a while, primarily on the right side. I tried many things (stretching, more deadlifts, fewer deadlifts, etc) and couldn’t “fix myself”, so I decided to see a “rolfer” after doing some research.
I have to agree with the previous poster - it is painful. Not so much a sharp burst of pain, but a burning sensation that grows until it is nearly unbearable (although my practitioner had a good read on where my pain tolerances were).
I have only been once (two weeks ago, follow up in 1 week), and I felt better afterward. Some may have been endorphins, but the muscles felt a little different, too.
However, what I found really valuable was an analysis of some postural issues that I couldn’t diagnose on my own, as well as some recommendations on how to fix them (turns out that hip flexors, not hamstrings, were more of a problem than I thought). This in concurrence with the “Magnificent Mobility” DVD which I just received has helped a lot. Can’t recommend MM more, by the way - EXCELLENT information.
Many “rolfers” may recommend a series of 10 sessions to balance out the whole body, but it depends on how much you need done - for me it is really only a focus on the hip/back area.
Hope that helps some…[/quote]
Coolbeans.
I actually have the MM DVD…
My injuries are in the knee, achilles tendon, groin and shoulder area.
This is a question for all; how much does the rolfing affect your normal training? As in, is it so intense that you have to lay off of lifting, sport practice etc.?
[quote]Kelly Baggett wrote:
Rolfing, ART, myofascial release, Shiatsu etc. all have more in common than they do differences…apply some form of tension and bust up adhesions and the like.
Rolfers tend to be very thorough…you are fortunate to have one close by. I’d jump on it providing it’s affordable for you. Nothing like a solid hour of intense soft tissue work. [/quote]
Glad you could give your opinion. I’m seriously thinking about giving rolfing a try. I emailed the practicioner, he told me I could try one session for starters, and possibly go with 3, but that after more than 3 sessions, i should continue until I’ve had 10 sessions done.
Ah, one more thing…
Do you think there are significant differences between rolf practicioners, e.g. if one has mentioned the effect rolfing has on a psychological level, as opposed to another practicioner who doesnt mention it as much?
I dont know if my question makes sense so please ask me to elaborate if needed.
I think that there can definitly be differences between Rolfing practitioners. But the nice thing about Rolfers is that they are taught a system, so it’s somewhat standardized. Of course the practitioner has some discretion, if you are tough guy they won’t hold back on the pain like they would an old-woman.
But anyway, ask the practitioner for references, that’s always a solid thing to do.
And as far as training goes, I had to take a rest day after each session. Often I would train at about lunchtime and then go to get Rolfed at 5pm the same day. Then I would need maybe 1 or 2 days rest afterwards.