Matthewssomatics.com is currently being renovated. To contact Toby, email in**@in********************.com or call 919-564-6960.
Toby sees clients at the following locations:
InsideOut Body Therapies: Tuesday and Thursday
2814 Hillsborough Rd., Durham: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
About Rolfing® Structural Integration
Rolfing® Structural Integration (“Rolfing” or “SI”) is a unique body therapy that utilizes hands-on connective tissue manipulation and movement education to balance the whole body in gravity. Rolfing® was developed by Dr. Ida P. Rolf over fifty years ago and continues to offer clients an unparalleled opportunity to improve their posture and movement patterns, and often reduce their pain symptoms. Unlike other types of bodywork (such as massage), Rolfing® is primarily concerned with integrating and balancing the body in gravity. The standing, sitting, and moving body are constantly assessed and reassessed during a session, making the changes Rolfing® evokes particularly applicable to daily life where you need them most. Rolfing® can benefit clients of all ages and all health levels, with goals ranging from improved athletic performance to pain reduction and prevention.
What is a Rolfing® Series?
Dr. Rolf taught Rolfing® in a Series of sessions that gently spiral through the body several times, progressively building support and adaptability into the body’s structure where needed. The sessions methodically balance the body from front to back, side to side, top to bottom, and inside to outside. Clients seeking overall pain management and wellness generally benefit most from at least a twelve session Series, though other Series lengths are possible. Once completed, most clients do not require “tune ups” for a year or more. Others come weekly or monthly for symptom maintenance. A Series is not a rigid form, but a commonsense, principle-based decision-making process that can be modified to meet your goals and the possibilities of your body.
What scientific evidence supports Rolfing as a body therapy?
Research into connective tissue manipulation and Rolfing®, in particular, are very active fields at the moment. Older research has indicated that Rolfing can help refine movement patterns and create more efficient muscle use as well as significantly enhance neurological functioning and pelvic inclination. Newer studies have begun to explore the possible mechanisms of change including connective tissue hydration through manual manipulation and the presence of contractile cells in the connective tissue. Science Magazine had an excellent write up about the recent First International Fascia Research Congress in its November 23, 2007 issue (vol. 318, pp. 1234-5). The Congress brought together SI practitioners and fascia researchers from many diverse fields including cell biology and biophysics. A second successful Congress was held in 2009 and another is in the planning stages for 2012.
I’ve heard that Rolfing® is painful. Is that true?
Toby frequently works on deep layers of the soft tissue, but working deeply does not necessarily mean working at a highly uncomfortable level of physical intensity. The best Rolfers® are in constant communication with their clients while continuously modulating their touch in order to allow the body to open most effectively. Toby believes that you are not just a passive recipient of the bodywork, but an active collaborator in the process. If you have to brace in a part of your body or hold your breath in order to receive the work they want to know about it. Likewise, if some manipulation feels particularly helpful or allows you to relate to parts of your body in new ways, those insights can be helpful to share as well.
How many sessions will I need to see results?
One or two sessions may effectively alleviate some symptoms or complaints, but in our experience, a Series provides clients the greatest benefit. Every two to three weeks is a good pace for ongoing sessions, however, they can be spaced more or less frequently according to your goals and budget. Scheduling sessions more often than once a week or less often than once a month is not recommended.
I’m not sure Rolfing® is right for me. Do you offer consultations?
Toby offers all new clients a complimentary, 30-minute consultation. During this time, you can discuss your overall health and wellness goals and concerns, and determine an appropriate course of body therapy. Time allowing, Toby will also work on you a little so that you can get a sense of what SI feels like.
What if I have to cancel an appointment?
Please give 24 hour notice when canceling a Rolfing® session to avoid being charged for the session.
Rolfing Benefits
Rolfing® Structural Integration can benefit clients of all ages and all health levels, with goals ranging from improved athletic performance to pain reduction and prevention. Some of the major benefits include:
- Improved posture
- Better athletic performance
- Chronic stress reduction
- Scoliosis treatment
- Management of chronic low back pain
- Reduction of the frequency and severity of stress and migraine headaches
- Reduction and prevention of repetitive motion injuries and other trauma
- Reduction and prevention of fibromyalgia symptoms, myofascial pain, and other pain patterns throughout the body
- Improvement of pain caused by TMJ dysfunction
- Management of pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome
- Emotional and spiritual growth
- Improved energy levels and stamina
- Correction of injurious movement patterns
- Prevention of problematic movement patterns, especially in children
- Improved freedom of movement and overall body awareness
Other Frequently Asked Questions
A: With your assistance Toby will perform a structural and movement assessment or what we prefer to call a “body reading”. You will both have the opportunity to say what you notice about your body in order to plan strategies for achieving the goals of the session. You can expect the session to be a collaborative process. As Toby engages the body’s connective tissue, you’ll be encouraged to move, stretch, and describe your experience, if it helps deepen the work. Together, you will work to free restrictions involved in maladaptive postures or movement patterns and find ways of maintaining that freedom and ease of movement in all activities. Your session may evoke many different sensations, such as stretching, warmth, release, and pressure. Though he often works with deep structures in the body, these areas are often best accessed through gentleness and patience. At times the level of sensation during a session can be intense, but you are in charge of how intense. Change can be more fully integrated when you can breathe freely and allow restrictions to let go without tensing or bracing against pain.
A: Most men wear boxers, briefs, or gym shorts during their Rolfing sessions. Women typically wear underwear and a bra or camisole, or a two-piece bathing suit. Sports bras are not recommended as they cover much of the back and spine. Due to the movement work often incorporated in a session, working without any clothes is not recommended. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and that the structures of the body are easily accessible for manual work. Keeping a body journal may also be helpful to you. If you are given exercises you can write them there and it is also helpful to make a note of what was helpful and how you feel after the session. We ask that you bring a water bottle. This is an effort to minimize waste and going green. We have a filtered water dispenser at the studio to fill or refill your bottle.
A: Sessions are $150 and last typically last between 75 and 90 minutes. You are welcome to buy more than one session at a time. Elite and Professional Athletes are $175. One or two sessions may effectively alleviate some symptoms or complaints, but in our experience, a Series provides clients the greatest benefit. Every two to three weeks is a good pace for ongoing sessions, however, they can be spaced more or less frequently according to your goals and budget. Scheduling sessions more often than once a week or less often than once a month is not recommended.
A: Some insurance plans do cover Rolfing as massage therapy and others as Rolfing or Structural Integration. Matthews Somatics does not file insurance for Rolfing, but we are happy to provide you with treatment codes so that you can submit claims for reimbursement. Typically, insurance companies require a diagnosis from a physician before treatment. Many of our clients also choose to pay for Rolfing from their flexible health care spending accounts. This may also require a referral from your physician.
A: Yes! We offer gift certificates in many denominations, attractively packaged and perfect for birthdays, holidays, and more. Call or email the studio to learn more. Purchase Gift Certificates Online
InsideOut Body Therapies