Nancy Gay
Rolfing has been around for decades, but is making a comeback across the country.
When a car is in alignment, it tends to run better. The same principle applies to the body.
University of Central Florida professor Sandy Simpson is a physically active person.
"I tend to have aches and pains. I exercise a lot and I tend to get out of alignment," Simpson said.
That is why Simpson sees certified rolfer Robyn Martin once a month.
Although rolfing appears to be similar to a deep tissue massage, it is really a way of aligning the body.
"We use our hands. Sometimes we use our knuckles or forearms; sometimes the elbow, and we would work with the connective tissue that goes around the muscle. It's called fascia. We also work with ligaments," Martin said.
How do you know if you're out of alignment? The first telltale sign is pain or something that doesn't feel right as the body ages.
"We try to release areas of fascia that are restricted and just to try to get the body to a place where it's really centered in gravity," Martin said.
"It's never painful. There are times when it gets my attention. She gets in a place that really needs work and I'll be glad when she's past a certain point," Simpson said.
Simpson said that after a rolfing session she feels more relaxed.
"Systematically, I will feel (better) when I leave than I do now," Simpson said.
Martin said pretty much anyone who can have a massage can be rolfed. She said that it is not for anyone with a suppressed immune system or broken bones.