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Tracking my client’s progress as we move through the series here at Rolfing Iowa. My client is progressing and shifting toward an elegant lateral line through the integration process! Changing people’s alignment is what we are doing here at Rolfing Iowa and working in tandem toward common goals. Acting as a change agent and using process-oriented bodywork to implement strategies to meet the individual where they are, moving toward what can be better for them in movement, function and how they feel.

A notable example illustrates a client before and after a Rolfing session exhibiting a more integrated structure. There is decreased thigh flexion, and the transformation in her upper body is apparent with significantly reduced rounding of her shoulder girdle. This adjustment facilitates greater lift and initiates the refinement of her lateral line, contributing to enhanced physical comfort. Additionally, she has gained some height as a result.

A good example of my client's shifts following a Rolfing session. Her left leg adjusts medially, providing enhanced support to her hips, as the left side of her hip descends. This adjustment facilitates the elevation of her shoulder girdles, contributing to increased length and a slight increase in height, as indicated by her shoulder alignment on the graph. At Rolfing Iowa, our goal is to achieve an integrated structure from a holistic perspective. This may be the right time to consider the benefits that this style of bodywork can offer you.

This session at Rolfing Iowa yielded excellent results.  Nice integration of the lateral line which is part of what we are trying to accomplish here in this process-oriented bodywork. There was a significant elevation in the shoulder girdle and chest, and the client's head is now better positioned above the shoulder girdle. It should be noted that the lateral line we aim for will be unique to each individual and should not be regarded merely as a simple plumb line. In this instance, the client exhibits a balanced distribution of body mass forward and behind this imaginary line which is clear to see. Exploring this form of bodywork at Rolfing Iowa could provide considerable benefits for individuals experiencing body issues. 

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.