Understanding how Rolfing works requires some knowledge of the fascial system, its role and characteristics. This Youtube video is a great introduction to fascia.

Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and penetrates our muscles, ligaments, bones, organs, nerves and blood vessels. It is continuous from head to toe and superficial to deep. Healthy fascia is well hydrated, pliable and will slide easily against the surrounding structures. However when there is trauma to the body, be it physical or emotional, fascia will contract, become sticky and thickened. Long after the trauma is perceived to be over the fascia will continue to "hold on" giving us our external expression and habitual movement patterns.

 

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