"Ten years prior to discovering Rolfing I had a herniated disk in my back(L4-L5), a ruptured disk (L5-S1) and had surgery to repair the damage. That 'repair' lasted for about three years before the pain started coming back. The pain became part of my daily life. Everyday was painful, some days severely, but I managed to continue on. After seeing me hobbling around the office a coworker told me about Rolfing and how it had helped his back problem. I was ready to try anything so I called the Rolf Institute and that's how I met Allison.
Allison was very patient, understanding and was able to sense my pain. She was always making sure that nothing we did caused me further pain. Allison's professionalism really showed when my hip/back 'locked up' on the table and I couldn't even sit up. She very calmly rolled me over and started working on my sacrum and hips. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I didn't feel anything distinct occur, like the crack of a chiropractic adjustment, but my body knew something drastic had changed. It was very emotional. After that session my back pain was greatly reduced. Since completing the full 10 session series I've had very little, short term, back pain. Perhaps one day a month do I even think about my back. Working with Allison and going through the Rolfing series has changed my life. I used to spend many nights laying on the floor in agony, desperately trying to crack my back to relieve the pain. Now, I am able to enjoy life again. My wife has noticed the improvement in my attitude and general disposition, as have I. And my climbing has improved as well."
- Matthew Tepe, 43, Climber/Software Engineer Boulder, CO
"After giving birth, I had little energy and felt physically "scattered." I felt like I was still carrying all the weight of pregnancy even though I was no longer pregnant. During the Rolfing process with Allison, I began to rediscover my body from the feet up (same as my baby!). After each session, I felt so much lighter and put back together. I had more of my body "available" to me to take care of my heavy new baby without hurting myself.Allison has a way of working that helps you see past your body image into the wonder of how the body works. I was able to experience myself in a whole new light."
- Danielle, 35, Therapist and first time mom Denver, CO
"I am an active 61 year old man who is athletic, healthy, and works full time. As a Boulder resident for the last 15 yrs, I have seen a lot of great therapists doing body and energy work. Allison began working on me when she was enrolled at the Rolf Institute so I have seen her improve a lot in a short period of time. Allison's abilities as a therapist are extraordinary and what you would expect from someone who has been practicing for decades. I think this is due to her natural abilities as a healer, which she has cultivated to a very high level through her dedication and brightness of spirit and heart. She has the ability to fuse eastern and western healing wisdom in the power of her presence, which is truly extraordinary. I would recommend Allison to anyone who seeks a very refined level of therapist to work the physical and energetic bodies."
- Carl Kalin, 61, Sales Boulder, CO
"A year ago I survived a serious neck injury. I broke three vertebrae in my neck, C1, C6, and C7 from a diving accident. Throughout my recovery, I have been interested in learning and experimenting with different modalities to relieve my neck and low-back pain, my deteriorating posture, and enhance my over all well-being after such trauma. I was first introduced to Rolfing through Allison Benner.
I am always excited yet a bit skeptical when trying a new practice of any kind. After my first session with Allison, I felt an immediate response from my body. Not only did my body seem more relaxed and at peace, but it felt balanced and realigned. Since my first session was such a positive experience and because I felt instant relief from Allison's work, I returned to become a regular client of Rolfing. After a few more sessions with Allison my neck and low-back pain had significantly decreased and I could sleep comfortably through the night. Range of motion in my neck increased dramatically and my entire body was more at ease. I feel very comfortable with Allison and really enjoy her style of practice. She has an amazing energy while working with you and is very tuned in to your body. She is very specific and clear in the way she explains her techniques as well as the results from her work. I was thoroughly impressed in the way Allison was able to read my body before and after each session. My body and mind had instant relief from the way Allison manipulated my body's tissue and stress patterns. I am a complete advocate of Rolfing and love what it has done for me physically as well as mentally!"
- Anne Marie Carzoli, 26, Tele-skier and Climber Denver, CO
" Most people seem to begin Rolfing sessions because they have a problem they want to "fix." Maybe it's a hurt shoulder, bad hip, crooked spine, something. I, however, had no major problems. I just love trying to treat my body well. About four years ago I did have a major car accident where I broke both of my legs, but I climb, backpack, surf, snowboard, bike, run, everything with little to no problems 90% of the time. Going to Allison completely shifted the way I move and function in my body. My center of gravity shifted to my feet and I began to use all of the muscles available to me in my legs. I began to engage my core and my back muscles. I am a tall, slender woman, about 6'0 and had been walking from my "head" for most of my life. My upper body controlled most of my movements, and especially after the car accident I was not living in my legs. Allison helped me come down into the rest of my body and now I feel I have so much more control over my movements and therefore myself.
The beauty of Rolfing and Allison is her ability to take all of your experiences with your body into consideration. She views you in your entirety and does her best to treat each "problem" in the context of your entire body. For Allison, every part of you is connected to the whole. This mentality truly allows her to shift your body to its full potential. I would recommend visiting Allison for Rolfing sessions to anyone regardless of what problems they may or may not have with their body. You will walk away with a new sense of awareness both physically and mentally and truly come to own the body you have been occupying all these years."
- Jenny Turbanic, 28, Outdoor Adventure Guide Denver, CO
"As someone interested in overall health and good physical conditioning I had heard about Rolfing for many years but had not experienced it until fairly recently. Having led quite an active lifestyle I have had my fair share of physical therapy after skiing and biking accidents that resulted in injuries and/or surgery. I would say that Rolfing is something like a combination of physical therapy, yoga and massage - BUT it is also a unique experience that I find hard to compare to anything else I have experienced! Every session of Rolfing has had a profound and lasting effect on my body and I always feel much more comfortable and healthy in my body after an appointment with Allison.
I like to use my body and to be outside and active. I also spend a lot of time behind a computer for my work and tons of time playing the guitar. Running and skiing has impacted my knees and computer/guitar time has impacted my back and shoulders. Allison uses Rolfing to stretch me out and make me feel more limber, more fluid and more comfortable. But- she has also helped me to be much more in control of my body. By studying the way I walk, run and sit, Allison has pointed out my habits and shown me new patterns of movement and awareness which are much more effective. Allison does more than manipulate my body and soft tissue at each appointment - she gives me the tools to walk, stand and sit much more comfortably. I use the tools that Allison has taught me all the time - walking around town, hiking in the mountains, sitting at work or playing my guitar. It is amazing!
When you combine what Allison has taught me with the actual manipulation she has done on my body - I feel like a new man! I feel taller and stronger and and energetic. If you are reading this because you have any sort of interest in Rolfing (either because you are in some sort of pain or you just wonder what positive effects it might have) - I say GO FOR IT! I am quite cynical about health stuff - whether western medicine or more holistic treatments - but I have experienced great results from Rolfing that appear to be long-term! I have enjoyed being worked on by a few different Rolfers but I connected the most with Allison. I chose to sign up with her for the 10 series. She is very professional but also very friendly and I feel like Allison really cares about the results of her work and making people happy and whole. She is filled with a wonderful, vibrant energy that lifts the spirit and inspires you to find health within yourself!"
- Chris H. 33, Web Designer and Musician Denver, CO
