About me
Michael graduated from the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration® in Boulder, Colorado and is a Certified Rolfer®. He has had the opportunity to study and mentor under some of the great first generation Rolfers including Ray McCall, Gael Rosewood, and Jim Asher. Michael sees Rolfing as a way to look at relationships and compensation patterns in the body as it functions upright in gravity. He is deeply interested in functional movement and postural alignment, and how they play a role in our daily lives, and our sense of self.
Chronic pain from old sports injuries led Michael to Rolfing. In the process of seeking relief from pain he discovered the multidimensional therapeutic power of bodywork.
What is Rolfing?
Rolfing is a system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education/awareness that organizes the whole body in gravity. Rolfing affects the body’s posture and structure by manipulating the myofascial system, i.e., connective tissue. Research has demonstrated that Rolfing creates more efficient muscle use, allows the body to conserve energy and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement. Rolfing has also been shown to significantly reduce chronic stress, reduce spinal curvature in subjects with lordosis (sway back), and enhance neurological functioning.
Who Uses It?
People seek Rolfing as a way to reduce pain and chronic stress, generally caused by physical or emotional traumas. Rolfing is also used by professional athletes, dancers and entertainers to improve performance. Employers implement Rolfing to decrease workers’ compensation costs due to repetitive stress injuries. Rolfing is also used to facilitate injury recovery by reducing pain, stiffness and muscle tension, improving movement and circulation around joints, and attending to both the injury and any secondary pain that may develop from favoring the injury. Based on the mind/body connection, counselors and therapists are incorporating Rolfing in their therapeutic approach; greater physical support and flexibility ultimately influences emotions and energy levels.
Testimonials
“Michael is a savior! It’s been years that I’ve been living with a shoulder problem and it’s something I’ve just learned to ignore but after going I can’t believe the movement I now have! Originally I just went in to help relieve some neck pain but came out with a huge bonus of a fully functional shoulder.””
“Just had the most epic massage by Michael, he’s amazing. I have had many massage experiences and can honestly say this is the best therapeutic massage I’ve ever had. Michael was friendly yet professional, and knew how to free up my locked up muscles. I’m in chronic pain a lot of the time due to my working position and it was a huge relief to find someone who could truly make a difference in my body rather than just help me chill out for a while. I’ve left so many massages feeling like the pain and soreness was still there, not this time though, I feel great! Thanks Michael!””
“I had tweaked my back a couple prior and the pain was radiating down my hip and quad. I was also five weeks postpartum, so pretty fragile. Michael asked a lot of questions as he worked and eventually found the root of the problem – on the opposite side I had presumed – and gave me a really effective massage. I had limped in, hobbled out, could walk straight the next day and am ow in very little pain. Thanks Michael!””
“Michael has a very intentional and thoughtful quality to his work and a calm and sincere presence. I know that as someone who doesn’t always feel comfortable with/in my body (also known as a human), going to a new massage therapist can be daunting but it was a truly comforting and healing environment – highly, highly recommended!””
“I’ve worked with a lot of massage therapists and I can genuinely say that the two massages I’ve received from Michael are the best I’ve ever had. They have also felt the most effective – the increase in my mobility and the reduction in my chronic pain are really noticeable. ”
(917) 518-0167
rolfermichael@gmail.com