Rose Sher and the Benefits of Bodywork and the Rolf Method
By Shannon Anderson
With the constant presence of automobiles, rich foods, and portable electronics, it’s no wonder that so many of us find ourselves tense, anxious, and depressed after the end of a long day. In fact, we have become so willing to accept the discomfort and negative feelings associated with day-to-day living that more often than not, we ignore the biological processes in our body that tell us something is wrong. The problem that arises is that we are miserable in our own skins with no relief in sight.
The physical stamina that life requires is intense, but the psychological demands of day-to-day living can be even more overwhelming. According to certified Rolf Practitioner, Rose Sher, it is possible to untangle our fears from our judgments about what our minds and bodies are capable of and embrace a life free from chronic pain, fatigue, and anxiety through a process called the Rolf Method.
If you’ve heard the term before, chances are you’re under the impression that it is an intense and painful process, causing you to be apprehensive or doubtful about its benefits. Rose hopes to dispel these mistaken impressions and give us an accurate, updated take on a method that has helped thousands achieve freedom from pain, tension, and poor posture.
Bodywork and Trauma Healing
Rose Sher’s career in bodywork began in 1984. Although she has been offering her patient’s relief for over 23 years, her enthusiasm and passion for healing has not waned in the least. Her experience in practice has led her to develop a profound understanding of the human body and allowed her to help people of all backgrounds and ages achieve better posture, confidence, energy and flexibility. Rose’s unique touch and methods have helped people overcome ailments ranging from chronic pain, stiffness, and alignment problems to anxiety and depression. Not only can Rolfing offer permanent relief from chronic pain, but it also enables patients to become more confident, graceful, and balanced.
The Rolf Method was developed by Dr. Ida Rolf more than 50 years ago, and has been used by practitioners to manipulate body tissue in order to restructure the entire body. Similar to a massage, Rolfing can also be successfully paired with a process called Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-focused approach to restoring the equilibrium of the nervous system. Rose uses the SE approach with her patients often, helping people resolve traumatic responses that become ingrained in their bodies.
Many of us have experienced tightness and pain that simply won’t seem to go away. Quite frequently, surgeries, athletic injuries, and poor posture take their toll on the body and can lead to life-long chronic pain and discomfort. But that, says Rose, is no reason to throw in the towel. Performers, athletes, and people of all professions have improved their performance and well-being, all through the remarkable benefits of the Rolf Method. This method of therapy helps to dramatically improve posture and alignment by restructuring the network of connective tissue that is often overlooked by traditional massage and other forms of therapies. But you don’t have to be a professional athlete to benefit from the Rolf Method. On the contrary, the body awareness therapy that goes along with this method also aids in the recovery from trauma, whether it be physical or emotional.
In addition to the Rolf Method, Somatic Experiencing aims to address unresolved “fight or flight” responses that can be caused by many different kinds of traumas. Once our nervous system becomes stuck in this highly charged state, trauma symptoms may develop. If you have ever been in a car accident, you will probably experience a degree of physical tension every time you climb into a car, whether you are aware of it or not. Through the hands-on process of the Rolf Method and Somatic Experiencing, Rose guides the body to discharge this tension, enabling patients to regain a state of physical and emotional equilibrium.
According to many of Rose’s patients, this bodywork method feels great. Unlike a traditional body massage, which focuses only on the relaxation of muscles, the Rolf Method leaves you with more freedom of movement and relief for a longer period of time. Although multiple sessions are necessary for long-term goals involving chronic pain and posture, the healing benefits of Rolfing are apparent after only a single session.
The anxiety, pain, and discomfort that come from traumatic experiences need little help finding us. In her practice, Rose focuses on the revitalizing qualities of mind-body integration. So why not explore the Rolf Method for yourself? After all, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, including freedom from tension and pain for life.
For more information on the Rolf Method, contact Rose Sher, Rolf practitioner at 805- 496-5690 or e-mail rose@rosesher.com.
