Rolfing with Brooke

Brooke Takac is a certified Rolfer practicing rolfing in Madison, Wisconsin.

Rolfing Structural Integration is a form of bodywork that reorganizes the connective tissues, called fascia, that envelopes the entire body encompassing all the skin, bones, and nerves. Neurological pathways are made from our first moments and shape who we are; organization in the body is beautifully created and gives us our perception of how we think, move, and learn. After years of bad habits, the fascia can shape or become unbalanced resulting in chronic pain and discomfort. Rolfing works on the web-like complex of connective tissue to release, realign and balance the whole body.

What is a Rolfing session? Over the series of sessions the client and Rolfer work to re-organize the body into vertical alignment. Each session builds on the cumulative work of the previous one. During the session the client might be passively laying on the table, moving on the table, standing, sitting, or walking. After a session the client will experience a sense of lightness and internal ‘rightness,’ along with more energy and greater mobility. As the fascia in the body reorganizes and different neurological pathways are being created the whole body will function more efficiently. Rolfing sessions ease chronic discomforts by exploring the underlying cause of pain or discomfort. Benefits often include improved posture, self-confidence and body awareness, increased vitality, flexibility, mental clarity, and relief from chronic pain.

What does Rolfing feel like and does it last? The touch of Rolfing is very special and unique to any other form of body work. Sensations can feel pleasant, momentarily uncomfortable, to nothing at all. Monitoring what you are going through during the session will increase your body awareness as well as open up the relationship between you and your Rolfer. Rolfing is changing the structure of your body and will have long-term results lasting for many years. It is important to know bad habits, such as slouching over your computer screen, will affect the fascia and body pathways for posture and will eventually lead to pain and discomfort over time. Rolfers make themselves obsolete by empowering their clients to take charge of their own physical and emotional health.

What is Fascia? Fascia (connective tissue) is a white, loose, fibrous, moist tissue that permeates every muscle, organ, tendon, bone, and nerve. It gives the body its shape; creating a muli-layered stocking, fascia supports and protects the body. Healthy fascia facilitates fluid movement and works together with the entire body intelligence, fascia that is stuck or fixed in the body can cause joint and muscle restriction, pain, and limited posture. Much like a sculptor working with clay, a Rolfer works the body’s living malleable myofascial system, by lengthening and releasing tightened fascial restrictions that inhibit freedom of movement. Traumas such as an automobile accident, fall, injury, or intense emotional experience can create holding patterns in your fascial system.

Who gets Rolfed? People from all walks of life! Athletes, dancers, students of yoga, artists, actors, musicians, business people, people who have chronic pain and stress. People of all ages can be Rolfed to help them explore and experience the freedom that the body can have.

What should I wear? Rolfing is an active form of bodywork that involves standing, sitting, and walking. Wear what feels comfortable to you. Women can wear a two-piece bathing suit or underwear and bra (please no sport bras). Men can wear a brief style bathing suit or underwear (please no boxers).