I found my Rolfing experience with Kathy to be frankly quite surprisingly beneficial. Not only in its ability to address problems that I knew were problems, but also those that I was unaware of. The process was gradual and inspiring as I completed each of the sessions. By the end, I felt more comfortable in my own body. It seemed to respond more exacting to the commands I gave it. I am forced to use descriptions that as a physician are not normally used to describe medical problems. But my body felt more integrated. I felt more at home in my own skin. I had a problem where I would stand in a way that I describe like Howard Cocell, with my neck arched forward and my head cocked backwards. I did this because I felt it was easier to breathe than standing straight in an attention type position, which seemed to, of all things, decrease the blood flow to my brain and make it more difficult to breathe. By the end of the sessions, this was relieved and I was standing straighter over my own feet, they were under me now and I felt more balanced. Of course some aches and pains that I had were diminished or were eliminated completely, those involving joints, back, and neck.
Working with Kathy was interesting. I found that she had a precise professionalism, but at the same time I felt very comfortable working with her and quite at ease during the whole experience. Now that my foundation, physical structure is supple, I intend to move onto the next level with more advanced sessions.
As a physician who is often frustrated with modern medicine and its lack of ability to address certain problems, I welcome this into my practice as a new tool and a new way of helping my patients.
Lane Sebring, M.D.
Sebring Clinic
As a chiropractor practicing low force techniques, I see amazing changes occur in the body with the gentlest of touch. I never believed healing had to hurt. Kathy's practice of Rolfing fits with my philosophy. Patients that I have referred to her who had only been holding their adjustments less than 2 weeks, came back with improved posture, better body mechanics and able to hold their adjustments much longer. I have seen their old patterns from a lifetime of traumas completely change.
After seeing these kind of results on my patients, I wanted to feel that for myself. Kathy is very professional, knowledgable and she listens to me. My sessions with Kathy have netted a change in my body that lasts and allows more freedom of movement without pain. Thank you, Kathy, for reminding me how good my body can feel without restrictions and compensations. Also, thank you for the great care you have taken with my patients.
Charlotte Deans, D.C.
Wimberley, TX
After an auto accident in 1998, I struggled with neck pain, migraine headaches and low back pain. I had several old injuries to the back and shoulder as well. I began seeing a chiropractor, Dr. Deans, a few years ago. Although she helped me tremendously, she recommended I also try an "alternative" approach to my treatment. Because I needed to improve my posture and address some hormonal issues as well, she suggested I try Rolfing and recommended Kathy Purvis. I had heard of the technique before and thought it was too painful, so I put it off for almost a year. What a mistake that was!
I set up a consultation with Kathy, with the thought that this was not going to be for me! I was so wrong. Not only was Kathy extremely professional and knowledgeable, but she knew, without me telling her, what my problem areas were.
Her experience proved invaluable. I immediately set up ten sessions. The weeks flew by and before I was aware of it, my husband noticed my improved posture. I began to notice I had fewer headaches, my breathing was much improved and I generally felt better. The best part is that Dr. Deans is now able to treat me more easily and effectively and less often. My old "war injuries" began to melt away and I was able to turn my head in both directions! Powerful improvements in my lifestyle were a direct result of Kathy's expert structural integration.
I highly recommend this form of treatment and can say without hesitation the pain associated with the treatments was minimal to what I was expecting! It was definitely worth all ten visits and will go back if and/or when I need to be "tweaked".
Diane K.
In 1979 I was involved in a car accident which caused severe whiplash. I
was already suffering with frequent migraine headaches, which were
aggravated by the car accident. I had given up on finding any relief
other than medications and the dosage was consistently increasing. I
was fortunate last year to meet you and begin to have some hope
around the possibility of finding some relief from my headaches.
My sessions with you have exceeded my expectations. I can still feel my
body changing and though my headaches have not totally dissipated they
are of much shorter duration and much less intense. When I began my
sessions with you, I was focused on finding some relief for my headaches
but since we completed the sessions I have also noticed a profound
change in my hip pain. I can't thank you enough and I look forward to
an ongoing relationship as I am everyday grateful for the changes you
made possible for me.
Bonnie Y.
When I first started working with Kathy I had injured my back and was in a fair amount of pain. After the first couple of sessions the pain began to fade and then quickly disappeared. But my experience went beyond simply ending the pain. The work I did with Kathy systematically reclaimed optimal functionality of my body that years of abuse from sitting at a computer and flying in cramped airplane seats had robbed me. Undergoing "the recipe" with Kathy has given me a sense of freedom in my own body. I actually feel taller!
Carol W.
"In the whole world, there are only about 3,000 people who do this work. Kathy Purvis' training, skill and experience as a Practitioner of RolfingŪ Structural Integration makes her one of society's most valuable assets. As I survey any public setting such as markets, malls, beaches or airports, I see enough random bodies to keep Kathy busy full time for the rest of her life."
Ritchie Mintz
Certified Practitioner
Ida P. Rolf Method of Structural Integration
Celebrities & Athletes Who Have Benefited From Rolfing
Dr Ida Rolf herself worked with Georgia O'Keife, Greta Garbo, Fritz Perls, and others.
Sports figures that use Rolfing to enhance performance, or as treatment for injuries include Michelle Kwan, Elvis Stojko, and Brian Orser, all Olympic medallist figure skaters; Charles Barkley of the Houston Rockets; Edwin Moses, track star; Chris Carter, Minnesota Vikings; Sharon Sandler, of the U.S. Pentathlon team; and Sarah Will, five time gold medal Olympic skier and member of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team; Danny Ainge, of the Phoenix Suns; and many others.
"My wife recommended Rolfing highly... The first of ten sessions fixed my back pain." - Willie Nelson as reported the New York Times, Feb. 23, 1995
"There is one reason to take Rolfing seriously: it works. Not only can it dramatically change people's bodies, it can transform their lives as well." - Larry Dossey, M.D., Best-Selling Author of Reinventing Medicine: Beyond Mind-Body to a New Era of Healing
March 2003, Harper's Bazaar Magazine Article, "All the Things we like as Human Beings are either Immoral, Illegal, or Fattening." by fashion designer, Isaac Mizrahi, mentions Rolfing as a way to prepare yourself to feel beautiful and glamorous.
Mike Papciak, climber, talks about what he got from his Rolfing Series. Excerpt from the article, "Rolfing: The Anti-Gravity Device", by Mike Papciak first appeared in the September 1998 issue of Climbing Magazine.
"One, I stand, walk, and run with my body weight much more evenly distributed over my feet. Before Rolfing, I naively hoped to feel the most improvement in my climbing muscles -- shoulders and forearms. Now, however, I'm in love with my body weight's new balance.
Two, my shoulders are dropped and my torso sits more squarely over my pelvis. not only does this create the classic "better posture" look, but the reduction in overall tension in my upper body, which I started to feel just three sessions into the series, is remarkable.
Add looser forearms that absorb shock better, take away the tendonitis in my left knee -- it's gone because I'm wobbling less on the leg now -- and I'm a satisfied customer.
Let me emphasize that it's all pretty subtle. Getting Rolfed wasn't a magical rebirth. I still catch myself hunching over my computer. But after a long day at work or a hard bouldering session, and thanks in part to a heightened awareness of my alignment and frequent breaks to move around and stretch, I don't hurt."
If you live in Austin or the Hill Country of Central Texas and are looking to get right
with gravity by getting your body aligned and balanced, via Rolfing
Structural Integration, I invite you to browse this site and then contact
me. My office is located in South Austin at the Austin Longevity Center and I would love to work with you. I offer a free 30-minute consultation, so that you may learn more about Rolfing and see how it can improve your life and your health.
