Photo: Vale of Clwyd
What is it? Is it a form of Osteopathy or massage? Will it be like the chiropractor?
Rossiter Stretching is considered an exercise. You will be expected to participate and move. It originally developed from Rolfing and is not considered to be a branch of Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy or Massage.
It is a form of assisted stretch therapy which aims to increase space in the body, decompress joints and improve movement. There is no intentional ‘popping’ or ‘cracking’ of joints.
Where did RST come from?
The Rossiter Stretching System was founded in 1990 by Richard Rossiter, a certified advanced Rolfer, former U.S. Army helicopter pilot and former chronic pain sufferer. It was first used in U.S. factories to prevent and relieve repetitive strain injuries and thus reduce sickness rates.
What can Rossiter Stretching help with?
Conditions include back pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, golf elbow, plantar fasciitis, ankle pain, migraines, whiplash, carpal tunnel, hand and wrist pain, knee pain, hip pain, neck pain, repetitive strain injuries.
That’s a lot. Can it really help with that many things?
Rossiter Stretching works at the source of any restrictions with the fascia and connective tissue and therefore can be applied anywhere on the body. Fascia covers all the muscles, tissues and bones in the body thereby contributing to pain anywhere in the body.
How does Rossiter Stretching work?
Rossiter Stretching is a two-person stretch release technique used for addressing structural pain, repetitive strain and restriction of movement in the connective tissue. It works on the principle that tight connective tissue (fascia, ligaments, tendons) is the source of stress, immobility, and pain in the body.
It creates a body wide stretch which in turn delivers more extensive and longer lasting results. The client is fully in control of the session and results are usually instantaneous and profound. Pain relief, increased range of movement, improved circulation and nerve conduction are all end results of the Rossiter Stretching workouts.
The whole body can be worked on, from migraines, shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica, hip and knee pain, through to the extremities for pain relief in plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Why use your foot?
A smoother, more consistent weight can be applied and the warmth of the foot generates an easier and deeper stretch. This results in better results for you.
What do I wear?
There is no special requirement for clothing but loose fitting or stretchy is best to allow for your movement.
Will I need to strip off?
No, all Rossiter Stretching sessions are done fully clothed.
How long does a Rossiter Stretching session last?
This depends on the client. Sometimes just 10 minutes is enough, at other times more time may be needed. Sessions are tailored to you by the coach to get the best results for your pain relief on that day.
How quickly does it work?
Many people feel some relief after the first session, however some people need more sessions to feel the full benefits depending on the issue and how longstanding it is.
How long do the effects last?
It depends upon the client and their individual issues. Some clients have months of relief, others need to have regular sessions. It can be influenced by longevity of the pain, the cause of it and lifestyle choices.
My aim is to help you stay out of pain as long as possible however that might mean having a few sessions close together to maximise the pain-relieving effects.
What do I need to avoid after a Rossiter Stretching session?
Keeping your usual level of activity is recommended. If you are usually very active continue to be so, however if you are not active normally it would not be advisable to embark upon strenuous exercise suddenly.
Do I need to do anything special after a Rossiter Stretching session?
The best advice is to drink lots of water and resume your normal activity level.
I need to lie on the floor? I struggle to do that
Yes, for your safety the majority of exercises are performed on the floor. I often need to raise myself on blocks and work with my weight on one supporting foot, so adding more height would be potentially hazardous.
I use a thick padded mat and have equipment you can use to support yourself getting up and down. We also take our time, I generally schedule more time than is needed to allow for clients movement. If you feel Rossiter Stretching would be helpful but are worried about mobility issues please contact me to discuss it.
Remember, Rossiter Stretching is not for everyone and client involvement is the key to the success of a treatment.
Will Rossiter workouts interfere with my other treatments ie. Massage, chiropractic?
Rossiter sessions are not treatments and will not interfere with other modalities you may be undergoing. In fact, Rossiter may enhance the benefits of other treatments by helping you feel better sooner.
However, it is not recommended that you receive a Rossiter workout on the same day as chiropractic treatment or other similar treatment, and Rossiter should always be done before a massage session.
Are there any reasons not to have Rossiter Stretching? Any contra-indications?
There are few contra-indications for Rossiter Stretching; however a recent history of cancer is the main one.
There are a few specific stretches that need to be avoided with certain conditions, but this is where the health form and a thorough discussion prior to your appointment are crucial to assess whether it is suitable for you.