Rolfing Structural Integration, commonly known as Rolfing, is a form of deep-tissue massage that focuses on your fascia, the connective membrane that surrounds and supports muscles, bones and internal organs. A Rolfer's goal is to stretch fascia that have become tightened up, which Rolfers believe will improve the efficiency of muscle functioning and enhance your physical well-being in general. Rolfing is used to treat a variety of health concerns, including sciatica.
Rolfing
Rolfing Structural Integration was developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf during the 1930s, based on her theory that all the body systems, muscles and organs are interconnected by a network of connective tissue. According to the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, Rolfing is a holistic system that attempts to keep your body in proper alignment according to gravity, so that your posture and movement are optimized. The institute claims that Rolfing has the potential to ease discomfort, release tension and alleviate pain by releasing tight fascia that may be binding muscle in painful and unhealthy ways. The aim of Rolfing is to increase your flexibility, mobility and overall energy level.
Sciatica
According to MayoClinic.com, sciatica isn’t a condition, but a painful symptom related to an associated problem, such as a pinched nerve or herniated disk. Sciatica is intense pain that follows the path of your sciatic nerves, which run from your lower back down through your buttock and leg, one on each side. The pain of sciatica can be intense, although it may go away on its own depending on its cause; sciatica caused by a pinched nerve will go away as the muscles relax over time, but sciatica caused by a herniated disk may require medical attention.
10-Series
Most Rolfers begin a client on the 10-Series, in which the client commits to 10 sessions. According to the Houston Rolfer website, each session builds upon the work done in the previous session, with an ultimate goal of dealing with fascia issues throughout your entire body. The first session focuses on freeing your lungs to allow better, deeper breathing. Subsequent sessions focus on the limbs, torso and extremities. The second session addresses your foundation, while the third moves to the sides of your torso. Session four continues to focus on your core, while the fifth session centers on your back. These sessions taken together are meant to progressively remedy any back problems you may have, including sciatica.
Stretching
When treating you for sciatica that’s not disk-related, a Rolfer will work on the fascia surrounding the muscles around the sciatic nerve and its branches. By releasing tight fascia, you will then be able to perform stretching exercises that will loosen these tight, inflexible muscles; over time, your muscles should regain flexibility. Hamstring stretching is almost always an important part of a therapeutic exercise program to improve sciatica. On the website of the peer-reviewed medical journal “Spine-Health,” Dr. Stephen H. Hochschuler points out that hamstring-stretching exercises are generally an important part of sciatica treatment, and Rolfing can help facilitate your ability to stretch.
