
Rolfing® can help you:
- Speed recovery from injuries and surgeries
- Resolve some forms of trauma
- Increase range of motion
- Alleviate many types of chronic and acute pain
- Enhance body awareness
- Enhance athletic performance and endurance
- Resolve postural restrictions
- Help you avoid some orthopedic surgeries
- Help you adapt to pregnancy
- Provide long-term relief from many aches and pains
THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS

Everyone comes to Rolfing® with a personal story and body history. Maybe your back hurts and you can’t lift your children anymore, or your knee is keeping you from running. Maybe office work has given you carpal tunnel pain or cutting hair has made your neck immobile. Maybe life has become stressful and you need relief.
Perhaps you have chronic or acute pain and have not found improvement through other modalities. Or perhaps you sense that you have more potential than you are currently tapping into. Still others of us are ready to make broad life changes and wonder if Rolfing can help us take that next step. Rolfing can lead to profound changes in your physical structure, your perception of yourself, your self-confidence and your sense of your own potential.

Only graduates of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute can call their work Rolfing® or use the term Rolfer™.
Rolfing® designates the Rolf Institute’s brand of structural integration, the discipline developed by the late Ida P. Rolf, Ph.D. While the Rolf Institute is Dr. Rolf’s original school of structural integration, it is now one of many schools of structural integration; and Rolfing® Structural Integration designates the practice of structural integration by graduate members of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, who are licensed to use its service marks.
THE ORIGINS OF ROLFING

Rolfing is the name for the body of work that Dr. Ida P. Rolf originally developed and named Postural Release. It is now known internationally as Structural Integration.
It was Ida Rolf’s unique insights into the nature of connective tissue and the relationship of the human body with the gravitational field of the earth that set Rolfing apart from other bodywork. Through hands-on manipulation she found that the human body could be oriented around a vertical line, which she called The Line.
If the physical body oriented more efficiently around the line, gravity reinforced and improved rather than degraded the health and vitality of the person as a whole. She also discovered that the elastic properties of connective tissue allowed easy manipulation and that the body is literally suspended in a web of connective tissue.
After six decades of research and development, Rolfers now use a combination of sophisticated touch that focuses on the connective tissue (including fascia, ligaments, tendons and the wrappings around muscle, organs and bones) and movement education that repatterns the nervous system to return the body to its natural place of ease and efficiency. The Rolfing process is interactive and the goals of each session are focused on the needs of the individual. Rolfers do not follow the symptoms of pain and discomfort around the body, but these sensations are frequently alleviated as a result of identifying and addressing the source of structural imbalances.
Testimonials

“If you need to address issues of structure, injury, or are simply trying to improve your overall health, make an appointment.”
I was fortunate enough to have had a recent session with Gibney. She was everything I could have asked for: professional, caring, attentive to my physical sensations and able to give me some activities to practice on my own to further my physical progress. If you need to address issues of structure, injury, or are simply trying to improve your overall health, make an appointment.
Donna Markell
Retired teacher & yoga instructor

“Gibby is always friendly, professional and listens to me. I recommend her to others frequently.”
I tried Rolfing with Gibby because of chronic hip pain that just would not go away. After trying physical therapy, massage and steroid injections with not much help a coworker told be about Gibby. Not only did she help with the hip pain, now gone, she also corrected other painful body parts. Gibby is always friendly, professional and listens to me. I recommend her to others frequently.
Diane Bell
Nurse

“After one session I was already walking differently, and it eased my pain.”
I went to Justin when I was in deep pain from reinjuring my shoulder. I was worried I was going to have to have surgery and had already had a cortizone injection. After one session I was already walking differently, and it eased my pain. After 3-4 sessions I have no pain and am getting stronger all the time. Beyond that, my entire body feels like it is being recalibrated and realigned so I’m getting stronger overall and have less pain in my body as a whole. No need for surgery! His energy is also very good and this helps calm the body. I used to think it was a bad idea to spend money on healing, but it is very much worth it when you consider the quality of life and the things I have been able to do as a result.
Ari
University Professor

“I knew right away this experience would be life changing.”
I developed thoracic pain from a previous injury and surgery and couldn’t find relief through other treatments. I first heard about Rolfing years ago and had always wanted to give it a try. Several friends highly recommended Gibby and Justin at Rolfing Flagstaff. I made an appointment and had my first session with Gibby. She was so welcoming and positive. I knew right away this experience would be life changing. It sure has been! My back pain is gone and my posture is significantly improved. My body feels more balanced than it has in years. Continuing with maintenance sessions keeps the pain away! Now, I recommend these two talented Rolfing practitioners to many of my friends. Much gratitude to Rolfing Flagstaff.
Joan
Nurse

“This is the nicest thing you could do for yourself or for anyone that you love.”
Rolfing sessions were a Christmas for me this last year. I wanted professional advice on how to improve my posture and I was hoping for some pain relief from all the years of stress, sports and high heels that I had put on my body and especially my feet and ankles. Gibney gave me awesome, super specific advice and exercises that I could practice on my own at home to further the progress we made.
Rolfing is an absolute MUST for anyone who has pain in any part of their body or anyone who is looking to make a positive change in the way they feel and look from your bones all the way out! This is the nicest thing you could do for yourself or for anyone that you love. Everyone deserves a body free of pain that can move with strength an confidence.
I feel taller, stronger, balanced and aligned after the Rolfing I’ve had with Gibney. Thank you SOOOO much Gibby for everything!! You’ll be seeing more of me!
Marilyn Lira
Vacation Ownership Sales

“My experience has been transformational!”
It may sound cliché, but I have literally tried everything to relieve 10 years of chronic back leg and foot pain. Massage, acupuncture, steroid shots, inversion tables, hypnosis (yes, really). The majority of my life I have been an athlete in some form and getting to a place where I was in so much pain that I could barely go on a short walk was excruciating both mentally and physically.
I was turned on to Rolfing about a year ago and even though I didn’t really understand much about it, I figured what the heck. I can truly say that working with Gibney to get my body back has been the most beneficial form of therapy I have done for myself. Hands down. With Rolfing you’re not just passively laying on the table and getting worked on, you’re a participant in your own wellness. I have a better understanding of my body because of her expertise. My experience has been transformational! It feels like my brain is finally talking to my body again! I feel structurally aligned, stronger, so much less bound up, and my pain has gone from a 10 to a 3!!
You know that feeling you get when you wake up in the morning and you have that first big stretch and it feels sooooo good? That’s how Rolfing feels for me. Gibney is seriously spectacular at what she does. Like I said, I’ve tried it all and she has blown my mind with her knowledge and dedication to my healing journey. I believe so strongly that everyone can benefit greatly from a good Rolfing session here and there. It’s the hidden treasure of body work and Gibney is that big sparkling gem stone you just can’t live without! If you want to feel great, go see her!
Lisa George Branch

“Gibby is remarkable, there are not enough good things I can say about her, the practice, and the therapeutic bodywork she provides.”
I started seeing Gibby for an overuse injury from lifting heavy boxes and rowing from raft guiding. Over the past handful of years I’ve dealt with knee, mid/low back, feet and elbow pain. Gibby is remarkable, there are not enough good things I can say about her, the practice, and the therapeutic bodywork she provides. She is intelligent, empathetic, and she has this way about her, she listens to your story and incorporates your present symptoms and concerns in her assessment to decide where to focus her time and energy.
I’ve been going to Gibby for the last few years and feel that the care and time she gives goes way beyond what I’ve found other places. I’ve gotten countless things from my sessions: awareness of my body and movement habits, structural insight, pain relief, and the simple gift of someone caring about the issues that affect my daily life. The end of the session will leave you feeling rooted, connected and held in a safe protective environment with the energy and resolve to overcome pain in whatever capacity. I’ve recently moved and am sad to end my time with Gibby, her professionalism, helpful sessions, and compassionate demeanor will leave me forever grateful.
Becca Dennis
Nurse

“I find Rolfing to be like going to your massage therapist and chiropractor at the same time.”
I find it interesting to watch people’s reactions when I tell them I do Rolfing. Most people have never heard of it or if they have, they will say “Doesn’t that hurt?!” It always makes me smile. I find Rolfing to be like going to your massage therapist and chiropractor (what a great combination) at the same time. No, it does not hurt. Going to Rolfing can help you understand how body parts are all interconnected and pain in one area can be referred pain from somewhere else. Gibney takes the time at the beginning of each session to talk about what has been going on and at the end of the session to give you advice and take notes on your progress.
Sueanne Kubicek
CPA, MBA, EMT

“After a couple of sessions the problem went away.”
I first saw Gibney for a rolfing session when I had back pain that wasn’t going away and wasn’t getting better with massage. Gibney’s listening and focus on my physical situation and lifestyle showed her level of professionalism and caring of how I was doing. Also her knowledge and approach during the rolfing session makes you feel at ease in her care and expertise. After a couple of sessions the problem went away. I decided to go through the 10-series, which opened me up (I had previously felt tighter-especially my shoulders), I felt much better and more centered. During the sessions the physical pressure/movement helps me relax and breathe more deeply and at times relaxes me so much that I’m not quite all the way awake. I feel a peace afterwards.
I kind of forgot about rolfing for a while, then I had a new shoulder problem and tried other things to alleviate it, then eventually remembered going back to rolfing. We worked through this newest issue, and it’s MUCH better! I don’t really know how it works but I’m glad that it does work, and I believe that it will help prevent future physical problems especially now that I’m approaching my 60’s.
Lisa Kearsley
Outdoor Educator

“My lower back pain disappeared and I could feel a noticeable difference in my posture and stance.”
My first session with Gibby was in 2012 and I was fortunate enough to go through the 10’s series with her. I suffered from many ailments ranging from low back, knee pain, and also shoulder pain. I’d been trying other modalities and had always heard about Rolfing but was slightly intimidated as I thought it was equated to painful therapy (it’s not!).
Gibby is very patient, kind, and intuitive in her communication and treatment. I’ve never had a painful treatment, at times it can be firm but Gibby is always in communication and listens to my feedback. After my first session I noticed a difference in my body and with each passing session noticed how much better I felt overall. My lower back pain disappeared and I could feel a noticeable difference in my posture and stance. I was truly blown away but how much Rolfing helped!!
Since 2012, I’ve continued my sessions with Gibby and sometimes they are more frequent and other times less. I’ve seen her for repetitive use type injuries related to both boating and cooking. Also, I’ve sought treatment for a neurological disorder (trigeminal neuralgia). No matter why I seek treatment, the result is always improvement. I really can’t say enough about how profound this modality is and what an amazing practitioner Gibby is. If you’ve never heard of Rolfing, or have heard about it and are unsure-I urge you to try it, as you’ve got nothing to lose except maybe some of those aches and pains.
Laura Chamberlin
Professional Chef

“Justin and Gibby offer a safe space that nourishes mind and body.”
Through Rolfing Flagstaff, Justin and Gibby offer a safe space that nourishes mind and body. They have worked with me to recover from injury, to maintain my body between trips as a river guide and through times of stress in my life, and to explore and adjust my physical patterns–and through those the rest of myself. Their compassionate, attuned, and skilled work supports the health of body, mind, and spirit, and I am so grateful for it.
Jocelyn Gibbon
Attorney and River Guide

“I started running again with an ease I hadn’t felt for a long time.”
Before coming to see Gibby I had a pretty regular history of chronic lower back pain, resulting from an old construction injury. The pain and mobility in my back varied a lot from just a mild but constant dull ache, to barely being able to walk around. Most often if I had any sort of physical labor to do for any regular period of time, my back would flare up. At its worst, I ended up spending about a month in a fair amount of pain, and not being able to get around very easily.
At that point I ended up seeing a naturopathic doctor in Prescott for prolo injections to try to help heal some of the affected ligament tissue. After that, he had recommended having some body work done to try to deal with some of the resultant structural issues from the old injury. So, I decided to go through a full series with Gibby.
I started noticing a difference in my body after the first few sessions. I’d still have little flare ups but the big difference immediately was that I was able to do some stretching and actually get a relief from it–that had never happened before. My recovery time went from potentially weeks to less than an hour. As we continued through the series my flexibility, range of motion, and comfort in my body only got better. I started running again with an ease I hadn’t felt for a long time.
I spent most of the year after our last session at work milling lumber and doing construction to build my own house. I had some doubts about whether or not I’d be able to handle that kind of sustained physical labor again without another injury–I’d still experience soreness and stiffness throughout the project (perhaps obviously) but never the kind of pain or immobility like I had before. I attribute a lot of that resilience to Gibby’s work.
I certainly would’ve come in for some maintenance sessions by now, were I not living on the other side of the country!