My one and only regret about working with Stephanie is that I waited so long to get started!
Stephanie is a very intuitive healer. Her ability to see, hear and feel what my body was so upset about was really astounding. It never occurred to me that old childhood injuries, forgotten traumas and subtle postural habits I’ve unknowingly held for 35 years could be at the root of my pain and discomfort. I appreciate that Stephanie worked with me at my own pace and honored my body’s unique strengths and limitations.
It was during the summer of 2000, in the middle of a cross-country road trip, that I first experienced sciatic nerve pain and a deep aching in both hips. I gradually learned to live with this intermittent discomfort by making sure to stand & stretch during extended periods of sitting and by adopting a regular yoga practice. Over time, the sciatic and hip discomfort I experience while seated was joined by a very worrisome lower back pain. I sought treatment from a chiropractor, several massage therapists and an acupuncturist and, while each modality was effective, they provided only temporary pain relief.
I worked in a sedentary office environment and there came a time that I was unable to remain in a seated position for longer than 10 or 15 minutes without very intense pain. My physician ordered physical therapy and my employer accommodated my deteriorating condition by providing a stand-up work station. Ice packs became my new best friends and eventually my overall quality of life began to suffer. It was SO frustrating being able to maintain a physically active and healthy lifestyle —with yoga practice, aerobic kickboxing, dancing and hiking — but not be able to simply sit without pain. I wondered if forevermore I’d have to stand or lie down in order to be comfortable and I began judging and criticizing my body for ‘betraying me’ in this way. Depression crept in and when physical pain took on this additional emotional component is when I finally approached Stephanie Stolte about Rolfing.
I’ve heard people say that Rolfing is a painful process but I never once experienced it that way. I felt very nurtured and supported through the whole journey. I credit Stephanie’s 10-session Rolfing series with providing what other healing methods could not — real and lasting pain relief. Even I am amazed to say that I have been pain-free since completing the series with Stephanie in August of 2010.
I have frequently used the word “miraculous” when describing my Rolfing experience to my friends, family and team of former healthcare providers. Although they don’t see me nearly as often as they used to, my chiropractor, physician and massage therapist have been so impressed by my progress that they are now referring some of their own clients and patients for Rolfing. I am so thankful to Stephanie for sharing her gift of healing and for so dramatically restoring my quality of life.”
