FAQs – Rossiter Stretching
Below are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked about Rossiter Stretching
| What is it? Is it a form of Osteopathy or massage? Will it be like the chiropractor? | Firstly 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 aiming to increase space in the body, decompress joints and aid movement. There is no intentional ‘popping’ or ‘cracking’ of joints. |
| Where did Rossiter Stretching 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 initially used in U.S. factories to prevent and relieve repetitive strain injuries and so reduce sickness rates. |
| What can Rossiter Stretching help with? | 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 works deeply at the source of restrictions with the fascia and connective tissue and therefore this 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 series of powerful two-person stretch release techniques 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. This creates a body wide stretch which delivers more extensive and longer lasting results. The client is fully in charge of the session and results are usually instantaneous and profound. Pain relief, increased range of motion, 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? | We can apply a smoother, more consistent weight and with the warmth of the foot get an easier and deeper stretch. This results in better results for you |
| How do I know which to pick Rossiter Stretching or NRT? | This is where an honest discussion between us is needed. I usually get a really good sense of which method will work best for a client but I need to know what has lead you to this point and what you want to achieve. |
| What do I wear? | Wear whatever you feel comfortable moving around in. Loose fitting or stretchy is best to allow for your movement, getting up down from the floor and stretching but there is no special requirement for clothing. |
| Will I need to strip off? | No all Rossiter Stretching session are done fully clothed. |
| How long does a Rossiter Stretching session last? | This very much depends on the client. The is such a thing as too much and that comes down to the expertise of the coach to watch for this. Sometimes 10minutes is enough other times more time may be needed. Sessions are tailored to you and the best results for your pain relief on that day. |
| How quickly does it work? | Most people feel some relief after the first session. How much will depend on the issue and how longstanding it is. Some people need more sessions to feel the full benefits |
| How long do the effects last? | It depends upon the client and on the cause of the issue, lifestyle etc. Some clients have months of relief others need to have regular maintenance sessions. It is influenced by: How long the pain has been there, What caused it and What activities you do day-to-day amongst other things. 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 normal level of activity is advised. If you are usually very active continue to be so; if you struggle to be active normally it would not be advisable to suddenly do strenuous exercise. |
| Do I need to do anything special after a Rossiter Stretching session? | The best advice is to drink lots of water and keep moving, to your normal activity level. |
| I need to lie on the floor? I struggle to do that | Yes for safety the majority of exercises are done on the floor. I often need to raise myself on blocks and work with the majority of my weight on one supporting foot, therefore adding more height would be potentially hazardous. I use a thick well-padded mat and have equipment that you can use to support yourself getting up and down. We also take our time, I usually schedule more time than is needed to allow for clients movement. If you feel Rossiter Stretching would be helpful but are worried about this please contact me to discuss it. However, that said Rossiter Stretching is not for everyone and client involvement is key to the success of a treatment. |
| Are there any reasons not to have Rossiter Stretching? Any contra-indications? | There 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 through discussion prior to your appointment are really important to assess if this is right for you. |