ROLFING®


Vickie Kovar

Serving North New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania
In private practice since 1995
Free 20 minute consultation

What is Rolfing?

Named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing Structural Integration is a form of education and bodywork that works by hand to reorganize the connective tissues, called fascia, to release chronic stressful patterns of posture and movement and to establish better balance in the body. Along with hands-on-work, Rolfing teaches you about your body and how to move with more ease, and efficiency. Rolfing can help with developmental issues in children by helping them to work more consciously and with more understanding of themselves. Rolfing helps the elderly with the accumulated history in their bodies, and can give some ease to that process. Rolfing not only works on the body, but with the client active, to engage with the process.

More than sixty years ago, Dr. Rolf recognized that the body is inherently a seamless network of tissues, rather than a collection of separate parts. These connective tissues surround, support and penetrate all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Rolfing works on this web-like complex of connective tissues to release, realign, and balance the whole body in the field of gravity.

Essentially, the Rolfing process enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, thus enhancing postural efficiency and your freedom of movement.

Rolfing vs. Massage

Rolfing is different from most forms of bodywork because it focuses on improving and reorganizing the entire structure (often visible as better posture, feeling lighter, better balance and pain free). Although massage is relaxing, you may find the same area bothersome shortly thereafter. This is because the area that hurts is often compensatory to the real issue. Rolfers are always searching for the vectors in the body, feeling the subtle tensions under the skin, knowing what is out of the norm.

Testimonies

Rolfing is Jim, having severe back-pain: "I have had severe back pain for eighteen months and have had trouble sleeping. Pain management did nothing for me. My orthopedic surgeon, from a prior surgery several years ago, reviewed my current MRI and told me he saw nothing to warrant another surgical procedure, and I couldn't say where the pain was coming from... He couldn't help me. I went to see Vickie Kovar for Rolfing treatments as a last hope to alleviate my pain. After three treatments with Vickie, my back felt perfectly pain-free, and I have been sleeping like a baby. The Rolfing treatments worked! Thank you, Vickie!!!"

Rolfing is Russell, a 56 year-old contractor, who had constant lower back and leg pain from failed back surgery two years ago saying “I am free from nagging pain and can finally sleep at night”.

Rolfing is Katlin, 17, injured with head, neck and shoulder trauma from gymastics, being able to resume practice in a few weeks.

Rolfing is Anthony, 78, getting a double knee replacement 4 years ago and suffering with pain every day since. Then he discovered Rolfing “after my first session with Vickie, I felt like I was reborn”.

Rolfing is Salette, a busy 50 year old working mom suffering with constant migraines and having them alleviated with Rolfing.

About Vickie Kovar

Vickie came from a financial background working on Wall Street in the 80’s when she was struck down with a malignant brain tumor. Unable to retrieve her brain tumor the doctors gave her 9 months to live. While in the hospital Vickie learned of a diet called Macrobiotics and sought out a Macrobiotic Specialist in Philadelphia. After strictly following this new Japanese style diet, Vickie’s inoperable tumor was completely gone in 1 year. The doctors were amazed, to say the least.

It took Vickie about 4 years to regain her strength after the craniotomy and all the while pondering her next career. “I certainly was not going back to Wall Street”, she said. She always felt more of a right side (creative) individual rather than a left (analytical). Her brother Richard had been Rolfed and suggested she try out the 10 series, which she did, loved it and has been happy with her career ever since.

Vickie has been a Rolfer since 1995 and uses many of the following healing methods during her sessions:

  • Rolfing, Structural Integration
  • Visceral Manipulation
  • Cranio-Sacral therapy
  • Rolf Movement therapy
  • Chakra Balancing
  • Reiki

Vickie is the Owner/Operator of Healing Arts Center. In addition to Rolfing she also specializes in sciatic pain, scoliosis, shoulder/neck/hip dysfunction, and leg realignment. "I have been practicing since 1995 and still believe in taking extensive CE classes, honing my skills to give you the best possible results."

Vickie offers a free 20 minute consultation. Please contact her directly for additional information about her practice.

What to Expect

Attire: Many clients wear their undergarments (briefs or soft gym shorts for men, underwear and bra or camisole with thin shoulder straps for women), swimwear (bikini for women), or loose shorts. This "Rolf Uniform" can be adapted to suit your needs, so don't hesitate to talk with me if you are shy or have other concerns.

Sessions: Rolfing is most effective in a series of 10 sessions, where each session builds on the others. You can try up to Session 3 before making a commitment to the series. Single sessions are also available.

Frequency of future visits: If you are doing a series of 10 sessions, we typically schedule sessions weekly or every other week. After sessions #3 and #7 are natural points in the series where you may take a break.

What to expect: I'll review your health intake form and answer any questions you may have. Then you'll have a few minutes to change into your 'Rolf Uniform' or undress down to undergarments. I'll watch you stand and walk, so I can see how you move and support yourself. Your session will be customized based on my observations. Then you'll lie down on my comfortable table and I'll give you a blanket if you get chilled easily. We'll work at a level where the intensity does not surpass your ability to relax and keep breathing. Sometimes I will ask you to do a slow, gentle movement, like reaching your arm above your head, to help reprogram the movement patterns as I work. Feel free to ask me to explain the purpose of what we are doing as we go along.

At the end of the session, you may feel lighter, or more grounded, or a little spacy, or simply more comfortable. You'll walk again at the end of the session, a chance for you to feel the changes and let me know what you feel, and for me to visually evaluate our progress.

After your session: Please leave time to take a leisurely walk after your session. This will give you an opportunity to tune in to the subtle differences in your feet, legs, hips, spine, shoulders, neck, and head. Also it will ensure that you are grounded and ready to drive. As with any type of bodywork, please drink plenty of water. You may also enjoy soaking in an Epsom Salt bath when you return home. Epsom Salt has magnesium and sulfate that get absorbed through your skin to help process any toxins that may be released during bodywork.

Payments

Payments are received in the form of check, cash, Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal.

Insurance is not accepted at this time.

Cancellation policy:

  • Twenty-four hours or more: No charge
  • Same-day: $50
  • No show: $100

Directions

Contact

vickiekovar@gmail.com

570-332-4365

Call or Text for Appointment

Vickie Kovar

Certified Rolfer

Rolf Movement Teacher

Cranio-Sacral Therapist

Visceral Manipulation

570-332-4365

Call or Text

for Appointment

Bartonsville, PA 18321
511 Hearthstone Circle

Website by Richard Kovar