Rolfing Testimonials

Here follows some experiences of Rolfing which clients have been willing to share. Please note that everyone has differing results from Rolfing and bodywork in general, the following stories are intended as a guide to what can happen. If unsure whether Rolfing is suitable for you please contact us directly for more information.

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I found Sam, and rolfing, on the internet. His international journey acquiring skills, and his open face, recommended him. I rang and said “I am seventy two, overweight and have an enlarged heart, will you work with me?“ he said “yes.”

That degree of simplicity continued throughout our ten sessions. I came to experience the sense of standing taller, breathing, being more open, being in touch with my younger and stronger self, without effort; aching shoulders, resilient despite the nhs, and physio, don’t bother me now. I thoroughly recommend rolfing for anyone wanting to inhabit themselves in a more relaxed way.

Sam’s quiet confidence and assurance, simple and comfortable to work with, make him a masterly practitioner.. I would particularly like to say to older people..

”here’s one for us”

Jenny Oliver

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"I went for my first rolfing session not really knowing anything at all about the technique. I had done martial arts and played football for about 15yrs so I had plenty of niggles, I also worked as a biochemist so spent a lot of time bent over lab benches or microscopes so I had postural problems too . Sam took time to explain what rolfing was and what was going to happen in the sessions as well as asking exactly what I was hoping to achieve.

The actual treatment was an interesting experience as some of it was fairly sensationful, not painful or uncomfortable, as if some of the muscles and tissues needed to be moved or lengthened. I felt I was in control too as that I could participate in the treatment as often Sam would ask me to move in certain ways or breath into certain places, something I had not experienced in other treatments. At the end of the session Sam always did movement exercises with me so that I could perform basic but effective exercises at home, allowing me to get the most out of the 10 sessions After the first treatment I felt I could breathe more easily and I had a sense of length ad openness in my body.

Throughout the 10 sessions I became aware of how my body was a whole integrated system not just arms, legs and a body. I felt more balanced left ad right as well as feeling like my pelvis was stacked on my legs and feet, my rib cage and head stacked on top of my pelvis. My spine felt longer and more mobile. As a result of this walking and all movement was significantly easier and many of my niggling issues had gone. I had become more aware of the deep muscles in my body as well as small peripheral muscles, Rolfing truly is a full body treatment. I learned a huge amount about the body from the chats I had with Sam during the treatment. His knowledge of anatomy and movement was very impressive. I am looking forward to being Rolfed again as I plan on having the 10 sessions again in the near future." Sara Pugh, Pilates teacher and biochemist

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"I had heard of Rolfing but didn’t really know what it was. Having read an article about it, I decided to go and see Sam as I was having problems with my hip. Whilst he did work with me on my hip, he mainly worked on general posture and balance with good and lasting results. Rolfing requires active participation both physically and mentally and some movements require a lot of concentration. Following this, he continued to work on my hip and helped in the months before and after my hip replacement. I was surprised what an effect small controlled movements and effort could have on my body. I would recommend it for the improved posture, feeling of wellbeing and Sam for his magic fingers!" Lesley Critchlow, Harrogate

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"I met Sam few months ago through his website. At the time, I had been diagnosed with a severe myofascial pain (syndrome similar to fibromyalgia). Sam has been very professional and supportive throughout my treatment, which combined the usage of his advanced techniques with a very focused set of advices on how best to adjust the overall well-being. By the 3rd session I was feeling much much better and by the 7th session I felt that I had gained back the full control over my body and mind. The last 3 sessions guided me to master the most advanced techniques and I left the 10th session with a regained confidence, not only for the short-run, but also for the mid and long-term. I look forward to meeting Sam again in 6 months for our 'health check' session. I would strongly recommend Sam's services for everyone who wants to find back a balance of feeling good and getting most of its body."Julio Franca

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"Rolfing significantly eased some long-held alignment and movement patterns in my body, giving me greater length and feeling through my spine, re-finding a more natural breath and helping me find more balance in both my everyday stance and my work as a dancer. Sam as a practitioner has great skill and subtlety in how he approaches individual structure; I have and will continue to recommend him to anyone who is interested in finding increased clarity, efficiency and support through their body." Jennifer-Lynn Crawford, Leeds

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"I came to Sam after spending the prior year, in continual pain. On meeting Sam, I was reassured by his relaxed, calm and professional manner. He draws on a breadth and depth of expertise as he methodically moves around the body, relieving points of stress, thus imbalance. His conversation is inspirational, drawing your attention to a variety of theoretical/practical, sources of information/products and your awareness to the interconnectivity of mind/body. I left Sam, not as the prisoner/victim of my body but someone who was able to have a more healthy/productive discussion with it.

I would Highly recommend treatment from Sam." Josh, Leeds

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"In 2010, I undertook a 10 session Rolfing programme with Sam. I am a regular meditator and had discovered Rolfing because of problems with posture and blocked energy. A book I had found helpful, "The Posture of Meditation" was written by Will Johnson, who is a Buddhist and Rolfer. I found the Rolfing programme very helpful and insightful and am continuing to benefit from it. My posture is more aligned and upright and I feel more confident and at present am enjoying a strong sense of well being and positive energy. Sam also advised me how to walk in a more relaxed manner and I feel freer and more at ease in my body generally. Sam is an excellent bodyworker and was very sensitive when working with me. After one session, my feet felt like hands, there was so much differentiation in their sensations and movements. We had lots of interesting conversations over the year about all sorts of ideas relating to the body that we`d been thinking about, or reading. There was also time at the start of each session to review how things were going and find out about the next session. Sam is very reliable - not one of our sessions was cancelled or changed. He is currently training in the Hanna system relating to somatic movement and I look forward to what else he is able to offer people. I also liked "The Orchard" and found it very straightforward, friendly and comfortable, with adequate parking facilities." Kamalavajri, 24/01/2011

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"I read about Rolfing many years ago and felt it could be of benefit to me but there were no practitioners locally. When I discovered there was a qualified Rolfer in North Yorkshire I booked to see Sam. I have had no regrets about being ‘rolfed’ and from the start I began to feel the benefits. My range and ease of movement increased as did my energy. I have been subject to respiratory problems for much of my life but now I can breathe more deeply and with greater ease than I have been able to in years, without the sense of restriction that I felt before. Sam worked through the ten Rolfing lessons with great skill tailoring them to me based on feedback, never pushing me beyond my limits. Rolfing is an active not passive therapy and Sam communicated clearly and patiently what was required, listening to feedback and answering any questions I had. I have no hesitation in recommending Sam with his considerable skill and professional manner. " Andrew, North Yorkshire

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"I have found much positive benefit from Rolfing as practised by Sam Sykes. My posture has improved which in turn has lead to ease of movement, lightness of limb, improved muscular strength, balance, reduced tiredness and a general feeling of well-being." F.W., 92, Harrogate

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