As we move into the final turn of the Advanced Rolfing Fort Worth Ten Series of Structural Integration, hopefully we are able to observe where the work could flow to next. The Rolfing eighth and ninth hour sessions are typically viewed as a kind of two in one pain management session: Closure /Holism (8-9-10) 3D present time, dynamic and integrated.

Originally Dr. Rolf used only seven sessions for the recipe protocol, but sometime later it was observed that yet another round of three sessions was most advantages. The eighth hour will give a practitioner the chance to observe and assess the integration of the structure thus far and plan for a ninth hour session. Observation of the client walking helps decide if the upper girdle or lower girdle needs more movement, considering adaptability, rotational, and support issue.

The "Crest test" is advisable in considering the five structural components. In the Advanced Rolfing Fort Worth eighth hour the goal is to bring the structure to its next highest level of order. Relating shoulder girdle to LDH, LDH to pelvic girdle and how the movement is or is not continuous throughout the body. "Those beautiful changes you see in eight through ten are because you are dealing with the whole man. No longer a bunch of parts thrown into a heap and called a man, you're seeing a whole structures."- IPR.

Tilt and Shift in both girdles should be addressed. The Rolfing way to deal with decisions for eighth and ninth hours is to look at the obvious. Classically, whatever girdle was worked in eight the other would be worked in nine, so if you work the upper in eight you would bring the structure to it's next higher level of order by working and integrating the work from previous hours with eight to strategize for the ninth. In eight you could work iliac crest with Q.L. and twelfth rib to create more length and span there. Work to resolve the lateral line relative to X, y, z working up to armpits and shoulders. Neck work, seated back work, and pelvic lifts or pull will end the eighth hour.

The goal of the Advanced Rolfing Fort Worth ninth hour would be to Integrate and balance the structure, utilizing all potential left in the lower girdle. Resolution of work at the iliac crest, and Q.L. and the way it transitions down to the calcaneous is necessary. Integrate and feather work at hinges and horizontals from the feet to LDH. Close with some movement for further integration by standing in front and behind client and tracking, holding feet with the toes. Neck work with traction on Occiputs and feather the SCM in front. A pelvic lift is a great way to end.

The Certified Rolfing Ten Series has the ability to reduce pain and release tension in the connective and myofascial tissue of the body associated with TMJ, CTS, RLS, Fibromyalgia, Sciatica, Fascitis, Bunions, Scoliosis, and Cerebral Palsy. Fascial asymmetries can cause foot, leg, knee, hip, back, shoulder, neck, arm, hand, and head pain; integration therapy is necessary. Orthopedic, Chiropractic, Physical, and Massage Therapist recognize Rolfing and Rolf Movement as premium pain management utilizing Structural, Functional, and Postural Integration.

John Barton, Certified Rolfer & Rolfing Fort Worth-Dallas