How many of you have come across a topic on a pregnancy or postpartum website and had absolutely no idea what in the world they were discussing? Maybe you didn’t know who their Breast Friend was, why someone’s bum would be described as either Fuzzi or Genius, and you always thought a Boppy was that game people played at parties that lights up when you whack it. Well, you’re not alone in wondering about the mysterious products and practices that present themselves to soon-to-be parents. Today we’re getting to the bottom of another topic that comes up frequently for our clients, who would like to know how it might be helpful to them during their pregnancy or after their baby has arrived. We’re talking about…
Rolfing!
We know and don’t worry, we’re going to get you the explanation from a local expert. Leah McKellop is a Certified Rolfer™ who works out of Thrive Integrative Medicine, right here in Athens. She was kind enough to answer some questions for us so that our clients could better understand whether her services might be a good match for them...
Ok, let’s start with a basic introduction to what Rolfing is...
Rolfing® Structural Integration is a form of manual therapy that realigns and retrains your posture. This is primarily achieved by working with the connective tissue in your body, known as fascia. Fascia runs throughout our bodies, like a flexible matrix, giving our cells, muscles, and organs their shape. When this fascia network becomes stuck or rotated, it pulls our bodies out of alignment. Rolfing sessions usually consist of long slow strokes that free up adhesions and balance tension in the fascia. Often Rolfing sessions will also involve movement training, in which the receiver learns to move in ways that continue to improve posture and comfort.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to this kind of work?
I have always been fascinated with human potential and that has taken me in some different directions. I studied psychology and art, worked in the social work non-profit sector, and practiced and taught yoga for years.
When I found Rolfing, I was really intrigued by the way it acknowledged people's adaptability and potential to change. I had injuries in my body that I thought would always be there, that I felt like I had no control over. Then like *that* they were gone and I understood what was happening in my body and why they were there. It was like a whole new line of communication opened up. I knew how to better listen and that has helped me live in my body with so much more ease and trust.
My underlying hope with Rolfing, especially through pregnancy, is to build that internal line of communication. Pregnancy is a time of such rapid transition and adjustment, so it can be that much more challenging to listen to your body and trust it. There is an ease that seems to come with being able to listen to your own rhythms and even your own pain. When things aren't just happening to you, but rather you have a sense that you know what is going on, things are a lot less scary.
What kinds of issues bring pregnant people to seek your services?
Common complaints during pregnancy that might bring you in:
During pregnancy, the work is very gentle. Our main focus is on allowing the body to open up and trying to direct that opening into a balanced direction. Looking at the ribs for example, we want to get lots of flexibility between the individual ribs so the organs (for breath, food...) have somewhere to expand into. However, if just the front of the ribs are open, your belly might fall forward, putting a lot of pressure on the low back (SI joint, uterine ligaments, recti abdominis, etc). So, we would have to look at ways to open the back rib muscles, train the center of gravity back towards your pelvic bowl and so on.
Are there issues that might arise during the postpartum weeks and months that could be helped by Rolfing?
Common complaints during postpartum that might bring you in:
A lot of the postpartum period is about recentering and reawakening your system of support. It's a really rich time for work, because there is a big potential for change (with the hormone Relaxin flowing) and because on some level you are being reintroduced to your body. The work is still gentle, but we are able to work on more internal stabilizing structures.
Are there any potentially adverse affects from having a Rolfing session while pregnant or soon after giving birth?
Always check with your doctor as a rule of thumb, but especially if you are having (or have had) any complications with your pregnancy. Though the work is gentle, it still takes energy for your body to process changes.
After birth is a really wonderful window to receive work. Your body is pliable and open to change. It's a time when you are giving so much, that receiving is essential for balance. However, a certain amount of healing does need to take place. The main reason for waiting is if you have scars that are healing up. Rolfing does work on scar tissue and help with healing, but you will want to wait about six weeks for the scar to heal.
Are there any common myths or misconceptions about Rolfing that you'd like to address?
One reputation that seems to go along with Rolfing is that it's painful. While I will agree that there are times that it is uncomfortable, pain is not what we are looking for. Sessions are a constant dance of communication between the giver and receiver about the sensations being felt. We will definitely go to the source of troubles, and we won't ignore what needs to be looked at, but the work helps much more when the receiver is relaxed and receptive.
Is there anything else you'd like the Athens community to know about Rolfing or your services?
I'm just really grateful for the community I have found in Athens and for all the support I have received!
Thanks!
Leah McKellop
www.leahmckelloprolfing.com
Rolfing!
We know and don’t worry, we’re going to get you the explanation from a local expert. Leah McKellop is a Certified Rolfer™ who works out of Thrive Integrative Medicine, right here in Athens. She was kind enough to answer some questions for us so that our clients could better understand whether her services might be a good match for them...
Ok, let’s start with a basic introduction to what Rolfing is...
Rolfing® Structural Integration is a form of manual therapy that realigns and retrains your posture. This is primarily achieved by working with the connective tissue in your body, known as fascia. Fascia runs throughout our bodies, like a flexible matrix, giving our cells, muscles, and organs their shape. When this fascia network becomes stuck or rotated, it pulls our bodies out of alignment. Rolfing sessions usually consist of long slow strokes that free up adhesions and balance tension in the fascia. Often Rolfing sessions will also involve movement training, in which the receiver learns to move in ways that continue to improve posture and comfort.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to this kind of work?
I have always been fascinated with human potential and that has taken me in some different directions. I studied psychology and art, worked in the social work non-profit sector, and practiced and taught yoga for years.
When I found Rolfing, I was really intrigued by the way it acknowledged people's adaptability and potential to change. I had injuries in my body that I thought would always be there, that I felt like I had no control over. Then like *that* they were gone and I understood what was happening in my body and why they were there. It was like a whole new line of communication opened up. I knew how to better listen and that has helped me live in my body with so much more ease and trust.
My underlying hope with Rolfing, especially through pregnancy, is to build that internal line of communication. Pregnancy is a time of such rapid transition and adjustment, so it can be that much more challenging to listen to your body and trust it. There is an ease that seems to come with being able to listen to your own rhythms and even your own pain. When things aren't just happening to you, but rather you have a sense that you know what is going on, things are a lot less scary.
What kinds of issues bring pregnant people to seek your services?
Common complaints during pregnancy that might bring you in:
- Low Back/Hip discomfort
- Sacro Iliac Joint Discomfort /sciatica
- Upper back/ Neck discomfort
- Forearm/wrist/thumb discomfort
- Leg cramping
- Rib pressure
During pregnancy, the work is very gentle. Our main focus is on allowing the body to open up and trying to direct that opening into a balanced direction. Looking at the ribs for example, we want to get lots of flexibility between the individual ribs so the organs (for breath, food...) have somewhere to expand into. However, if just the front of the ribs are open, your belly might fall forward, putting a lot of pressure on the low back (SI joint, uterine ligaments, recti abdominis, etc). So, we would have to look at ways to open the back rib muscles, train the center of gravity back towards your pelvic bowl and so on.
Are there issues that might arise during the postpartum weeks and months that could be helped by Rolfing?
Common complaints during postpartum that might bring you in:
- Low Back/Hip discomfort
- Sacro Iliac Joint Discomfort /sciatica
- Upper back/ Neck discomfort
- Forearm/wrist/thumb discomfort
- Diastasis Recti/Umbilical Hernia
- Scar tissue remediation (wait 6 weeks)
- Retraining core stability/lift (usually looking at the abdomen and pelvic floor)
- Pelvic Floor function
A lot of the postpartum period is about recentering and reawakening your system of support. It's a really rich time for work, because there is a big potential for change (with the hormone Relaxin flowing) and because on some level you are being reintroduced to your body. The work is still gentle, but we are able to work on more internal stabilizing structures.
Are there any potentially adverse affects from having a Rolfing session while pregnant or soon after giving birth?
Always check with your doctor as a rule of thumb, but especially if you are having (or have had) any complications with your pregnancy. Though the work is gentle, it still takes energy for your body to process changes.
After birth is a really wonderful window to receive work. Your body is pliable and open to change. It's a time when you are giving so much, that receiving is essential for balance. However, a certain amount of healing does need to take place. The main reason for waiting is if you have scars that are healing up. Rolfing does work on scar tissue and help with healing, but you will want to wait about six weeks for the scar to heal.
Are there any common myths or misconceptions about Rolfing that you'd like to address?
One reputation that seems to go along with Rolfing is that it's painful. While I will agree that there are times that it is uncomfortable, pain is not what we are looking for. Sessions are a constant dance of communication between the giver and receiver about the sensations being felt. We will definitely go to the source of troubles, and we won't ignore what needs to be looked at, but the work helps much more when the receiver is relaxed and receptive.
Is there anything else you'd like the Athens community to know about Rolfing or your services?
I'm just really grateful for the community I have found in Athens and for all the support I have received!
Thanks!
Leah McKellop
www.leahmckelloprolfing.com