In my profession it is essential to take care of my body. My sessions with Stephanie have improved my posture, my state of mind and my overall sense of well being.”
I am now aligned and have felt like a million bucks after my sessions.
Stephanie and Rolfing taught me how to walk correctly at 54 years of age by eliminating structural restrictions that had been brought on by accidents starting with falling down the cement basement stairs at 4 years old. Thank you Stephanie!!”
After suffering from chronic back problems for years, I was amazed to experience quick relief after just a few minutes of treatment from Stephanie.
Stephanie’s understanding, thoroughness and compassion together with her technique have greatly impressed me and improved my quality of life. I recommend Rolfing to everyone I know.”
After Rolfing it felt as if I had been reborn and was able to breathe for the very first time. I am now 74 years old and feel physically and mentally good due to sessions with Stephanie.
Stephanie has excellent Rolfing skills. I am sure I would not feel twenty years younger if not for her expert Rolfing. She has also helped me with past trauma issues and the releases from that have been very appreciated.
Thank you Stephanie for all your great work.”
I am able to exercise and move more freely than I have since I was twenty-something and I have a profound new sense of peace with my past.
While my body has undergone a remarkable transformation and tremendous relief from pain, it’s the emotional healing that I experienced that’s been most powerful and significant. Very deep and personal healing took place during my sessions which has allowed me to make peace with my father posthumously – something I’ve struggled with, not for years, but for decades.
I rarely tell people I’ve been “Rolfed”. It may be because I’m afraid no one will believe the transformative effect this therapy has had on my body – and life. I do know that I don’t quite know how to put into words the remarkable thing that rolfing is. I will share my experience and you can be the judge of whether it seems too fantastical – or not.
I first learned about Rolfing as a teen, some thirty years ago. I was fascinated by the idea that our bodies as well as our minds hold onto traumatic experiences. And I was equally intrigued with the idea that healing from these traumas might take a physical form. While psychotherapy and, later, cognitive behavioral therapy have been widely embraced as legitimate therapy for trauma, a physical approach to healing trauma has been largely overlooked.
For many years, the notion of experiencing the healing powers of Rolfing remained a seed of thought in my mind. Then in 2005, I discovered that an acquaintance – Stephanie Stolte – was a certified Rolfer. Finally, after more than thirty years of waiting I had an opportunity to experience this form of healing therapy. I remember my first thought being: “will it hurt?” A ridiculous question, I now realize. In fact, I actually fell asleep during one session!
When I began my ten-session program, I knew that my body needed work badly. I’d done ballet as a child and teen, pushing my joints – feet, ankles, knees and hips – far beyond their natural range and more recently had undergone radiation therapy for cancer. I’d had chronic lower back pain for years and arthritic-type pain from my hips to my toes for as long as I could remember. I wasn’t thinking about the years of emotional trauma I’d experienced – abandonment as a child and a physically abusive previous marriage; I just wanted my body to stop hurting so much.
My body and my life continue to evolve since experiencing Rolfing. My body – the part of me I’m most aware of, I guess – is still undergoing distinct, positive transformation. I’m not willing to speculate as to what about Ms. Stolte’s Rolfing brought these incredible changes to every aspect of my being. Whatever I might suggest will most likely sound too mystical, too evangelical, too fantastical. I’d rather just say it was so.”
I equate my Rolfing experience with having a fresh start in life.
Whether you are old or young, man or woman, you will feel as if you have a new lease on life. Stephanie’s kindness and strength are wonderful assets and I feel blessed to have “stumbled” upon her practice. I can’t recommend her enough!!
I came upon Stephanie completely by chance, but I am so grateful that our paths crossed. I had read about Rolfing on the internet and was intrigued, but there were no Rolfers in my hometown of Stockton. I found Stephanie’s website online and took a leap of faith…it was so worth the short commute to Modesto!!
I immediately felt peaceful and comfortable in her presence. After my very first session I knew I was in very capable hands. Tension that had built up over the years slowly melted away and not once did I find the process to be too painful. I felt as if I was finally addressing the parts of my physical self that had long been neglected. I felt taller, able to breathe easier and more energized as the sessions progressed. I even noticed a difference in my walk as I left her office each week.
I was preparing for a new career by going back to school and my Rolfing experience helped me make that transition with mind, body and soul. I am a living example that Rolfing is for everyone and can benefit even healthy individuals without chronic problems.”
I achieved my goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. I dedicate a large part of my success to Stephanie!
I first sought out Rolfing because I had tried other treatment modalities and still had remained in constant pain. As my sessions with Stephanie progressed, I achieved significant pain relief. By making the corrections in running form that Stephanie suggested, I was able to widen my stride, take stress off my hip and lower back, experience less fatigue and improve my times.
Stephanie is very professional, proficient and very concerned about her client’s well being. I strongly recommend this type of body work for all and especially for athletes.
When I contacted Stephanie, pain was keeping me up at night. Even more distressing was the fact that I was in the middle of training for a marathon. I was hoping to qualify for Boston at the time and I was experiencing intense pain from my left hip and gluteus area. This had thrown my stride way off.
I was a little skeptical about the results I would achieve. When Stephanie presented me with the option of completing the sessions for pain relief vs. 10 sessions for structural improvement and health, I took a ‘let’s wait and see’ approach. Stephanie never once pushed more sessions. She was so professional at presenting a treatment plan.
I was amazed by what she was able to point out about my running style as she examined me. I had developed some bad habits that were contributing to my pain. Interesting enough, she was able to identify these by watching me stand and walk a few steps! I was very impressed by the holistic approach taken. I, of course, finished all 10 sessions and periodically return for what I like to refer to as ‘My tune-up’.
Thanks again, Stephanie, for helping me achieve a distance runner’s dream.”
Stephanie’s abilities are unique even for a Rolfer. She demonstrates a unique level of empathy for her clients while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
I tried all types of treatments such as surgery, prolo therapy, and massage to alleviate my pain from a wrecked knee. Nothing was nearly as helpful as Rolfing. Working with Stephanie was a truly cooperative effort that produced outstanding results. Never before have I had such an open and productive dialog with a health professional.
Although Stephanie is a Rolfer, I prefer to think of her as a healer as to better describe her holistic abilities. In our initial appointment, I was astonished to listen to her as she viewed and commented upon my physical structure and what different characteristics meant. Without me telling her beforehand, she was able to correctly identify every broken or injured area simply by observing my stance and movements. (This included non-visible and old injuries such as broken ribs, hand, and skull fractures.)
Once the problem areas were identified, she was able to begin providing relief through Rolfing. Although Rolfing can be a somewhat uncomfortable procedure, the benefits thereof are instantly realized and appreciated. Stephanie always applied the appropriate technique while maintaining client comfort.
If you are seeking Rolfing to alleviate pain due to an injury, then you and I are very similar. I encourage you to complete the entire Rolfing process with Stephanie. I am positive you will find it to be of great benefit.”
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.”
