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After a session at Rolfing Iowa, a client with hip arthritis showed improvements. The left leg's reduced lateral rotation led to a more horizontal hip profile, which is a focus in Rolfing. The right leg also exhibited less lateral rotation, and there was increased balance in the lumbar region. This adjustment allowed for more weight to be shifted to the left side and an extension of the lower and mid back. While some cases may still require surgery, Rolfing can help maintain mobility and may reduce the need for surgical intervention.

A clear example of significant shifts occurring in my client was observed following a Rolfing session, leading toward a more integrated structure. His lower legs exhibited considerably reduced lateral rotation as his feet aligned closer to a parallel position, with his gastrocnemius muscles repositioning towards the back of both legs, showing less medial migration. A horizontal alignment of his hips was achieved, which is an important focus in the Rolfing process. Additionally, there was a noticeable lift through his upper body extending through his shoulder girdles and an elongation of his posterior neck, resulting in increased height. If you have not yet experienced this form of bodywork and its many benefits, now would be an opportune time. We look forward to beginning the process with you at Rolfing Iowa.

The following is an example of the transformation experienced by a client after completing “The basic 10 series” at Rolfing Iowa. Significant improvements were observed early in the series, and these changes were consistently reinforced throughout the process. The client presented with dense muscular tissue contributing to a forward head posture. We facilitated the creation of the necessary space for the client's head to realign and rest comfortably atop the shoulder girdle, as it should naturally, rather than positioned forward as depicted in the "before" image. By achieving this alignment, the anterior portion of the upper body was elevated, balance from a lateral line perspective was greatly improved, and gravitational support to the overall structure was enhanced. This adjustment not only improves physical comfort but also offers long-term benefits.

There is observable movement in my clients' lower legs. Working on the lower legs has an impact above the pelvis, as seen in this case. There is lateral rotation in both legs, with more rotation in the right leg. Turning both legs to a more parallel position involves slower, methodical work. The gastrocnemius muscles should be positioned on the back of the lower legs, but in the before picture, they were migrating medially, causing the leg structure to turn laterally. In the after picture, there is elevation from the hips to the shoulder girdle on the left side, resulting in more evenness in both shoulders. Additionally, there is a slight increase in height in the after picture. The integration of a client's structure is approached from below to above, ensuring proper support below before working up the body for overall integration.

Significant progress has been achieved through four sessions of work, resulting in a much more favorable structural alignment for my client enhancing her overall comfort. The improvements are particularly evident in the reduction of flexion in her thighs as well as a notable shift in her shoulder girdle and neck, which has considerably diminished her forward head posture. The concept that physical changes to our bodies can be made is a powerful and fundamental belief in the Rolfing process, and its impact cannot be overstated.

The condition is also referred to by various other common names, including bow leg, bowleg syndrome, bowed legs, and genu varum. Notably, there was a substantial improvement in my client's leg structure after a session focused on correcting the curvature of his legs. The angle of the bow was significantly reduced, resulting in a marked improvement in the movement of his pelvis, which shifted more evenly from right to left. Additionally, his upper body showed improved balance with his head aligned along the centerline of his body and his shoulders more even.

Achieving this kind of progress in a single session for a long-term, persistent condition is less common.  At Rolfing Iowa, our method is founded on the principle that enhancing an individual's structural alignment leads to improved movement patterns, which can be both perceived and integrated by the client.

This session led to significant structural improvement for the client, with more focused work than usual. Within the Rolfing framework, a holistic approach is generally preferred unless addressing specific concerns like the plantar fascia injury in his right foot, which required attention before beginning full-body series work. This condition can be difficult to resolve quickly.

The client showed a weight shift to his left leg, with movement from right to left. There is increased supportive movement in his lower left leg, starting at the foot, where his pronation has decreased. Enhancing weight transfer into the left leg should reduce pressure on the injured right foot. Furthermore, the client's improved balance extends throughout his body, resulting in a more centered head position. There are no mobility restrictions in his feet and ankle joints, which remain highly mobile due to his background as a competitive swimmer.

This initial session with my client indicates promising progress, which will be further developed in subsequent sessions. Her neck posture has improved, with her head now more aligned above her shoulders. Shoulder rounding has improved, and thigh flexion is reduced and moves toward a better lateral line. Forward head posture is commonly seen in our culture due to extended use of technology devices without breaks for stretching and body realignment. The Rolfing process aims for gradual improvements that can be sustained over time.

Significant improvement in one session. My client spends a significant portion of their day at the computer, which can pose challenges to maintaining good posture. An ergonomic desk setup can significantly aid in promoting better alignment for individuals who spend most of their day sitting. There is slightly less thigh flexion after, with her pelvis moving to a more natural anterior tilt. Her breathing capacity improves, as her shoulder girdle has less rounding, providing better front-line lift. Her neck is also more relaxed, reducing strain in the sternocleidomastoid.

This image clearly shows the before-and-aftereffects of a session, highlighting my client's improved posture as he lengthens through his hips. The increased length on both sides, from the hip crest to the armpit, transforms his back, raising the shoulder girdle and resulting in a taller, more elongated back profile. By redirecting connective tissue and creating space in compressed areas, we help clients achieve better integration through the Rolfing process. This leads to more fluid movement, better structural balance, and often, significantly less pain, enabling individuals to enjoy their activities more fully.