Bodywork includes therapeutic massage, Rolfing, and Hellerwork. These therapies work the body from the outside in, optimizing health and wellness beginning with the muscles and connective tissues. Bodywork influences the inside of the body by stretching and freeing the muscles and fibres.
Rolfing is based on the concept that the body must be in balance in order to function well. Hellerwork recognizes the connection between physical and psychological tension.
What are the different kinds of bodywork?
The most familiar type of bodywork is therapeutic massage, but Rolfing, Hellerwork, and the Alexander technique are becoming more popular.
Rolfing, founded by Dr. Ida Rolf in 1970, is based on the concept that the body must be properly aligned and in balance in order to function well. Rolfing practitioners access the body through the fascia, or connective tissue, that gives our body its form. A rolfing practitioner applies firm pressure to specific locations on the client’s body to stretch and free the fascia. After a rolfing session, patients feel lighter and freer. Hellerwork was founded by a former Rolfer, Joseph Heller, in 1979. He noticed
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that many of his patients
brought forth psychological traumas during their rolfing sessions.
Hellerwork recognizes the connection between physical and psychological
tension. A Hellerwork session begins with a release of the tensions
in the body’s connective tissue. The session progresses into
a discussion of the patient’s movement patterns, and concludes
with a dialogue to address potential psychological causes of pain
and stress. The Hellerwork philosophy emphasizes movement re-education,
so that patients become more aware of their patterns of movement.
The Alexander technique, founded by Shakespearean actor Frederick Alexander, emphasizes movement re-education and the development of a new body image. Conscious choices about body positions are an important part of the Alexander technique. The correct relationship between the head, neck, and back is extremely important. Students are encouraged by the instructors to break old habits of body movement and develop healthier ones. The Alexander technique has been used to relieve pain and improve body performance.
Are there risks to deep tissue bodywork techniques like Rolfing and Hellerwork? |
Conscious choices about body positions are an important part of the Alexander technique.
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These techniques have no known side effects, but have been known to release deep emotional memories. As with any therapy, consult your healthcare provider before beginning bodyworks therapy.