Working with Heidi not only improved my body, but also my movement and expression. I found greater body awareness and expressive range, which helps me immensely in my work as an actor.
- Kiff, 40s, Stage actor, comedian and voice-over artist
Rolfing® SI was the keystone to a complete transformation for me. I had been struggling with back and neck pain for about six years, and at only 23, had tried everything to alleviate the pain I was in and lead a normal life.
Two things struck me about working with Heidi as my Rolfer®. First, she saw our work together as a partnership -- not as a situation where she was the “fixer.” Second, she believed there wasn’t anything “wrong” with me, but that everyone could move with greater ease and freedom in their body. That really resonated with me after putting so much effort into things like exercise and trying to just “sit up straight.” After a few sessions, I not only felt the pain start to disappear but started feeling better than I'd felt in my entire life. I had much greater energy, and people kept saying “Wow! You look fantastic! What have you been doing?”Another huge thing was that I felt like my inward feelings started to line up with how I expressed myself. I’ve always been really outgoing, but had felt a disconnect with how I related with people, a feeling of awkwardness. Now I feel a connectedness with my body that has pushed me to try new things like a triathlon, taking improv lessons, and taking an on-camera acting class.
Heidi has been an incredible resource in getting me a stage of well-being that I never imagined possible. Our sessions opened the door to amazing energy and connectedness. She then put me in touch with some other phenomenal practitioners who have elevated my level of energy and wellness even more. Whether you are in pain, feeling disconnected, or just wonder what optimum wellness might feel like, I highly recommend Rolfing with Heidi.
- Katie, 20s, Entrepreneur
Years of practicing massage along with some traumatic injuries had me wanting a major tune-up. I was familiar with the documented effects of Rolfing SI, but Heidi’s work far exceeded my expectations. Her touch skills are amazing -- and pairing that with her depth of knowledge and assessment of movement makes you feel assured you are in expert hands.
Heidi has an unabashed enthusiasm for the work and its sometimes surprising results. She left space between our schedule of sessions for the work to percolate, and it was interesting how things would continue to shift over time. Months after I finished the 10-session series, I felt that my body was still continuing to change for the better.
- Cheryl, 50s, Massage Therapist
As a long-time musician who had developed a fitness habit, I had a variety of interesting, uncomfortable, and consistent sensations from my shoulder. I'd also found myself unable to achieve many of the positions required for my fitness goals (particularly the overhead squat). My first experience with soft tissue work was my Rolfing series with Heidi, and it was profound. Many of the positions that I'd longed for were suddenly accessible and I developed a new awareness of how my body felt while playing guitar and while working out.
- Todd Nief, 20s, Owner, South Loop Strength & Conditioning; Guitarist, Like Rats
Almost ten years ago, Heidi took me through a full series of Rolfing sessions. The results were dramatic and long lasting. My posture -- always problematic for me -- improved drastically. My overall freedom of movement also dramatically increased, and, for the first time, I was aware of and took support from the ground as I moved through my day. Simply put, I am much more comfortable in my own skin than I was before.
The benefits from that first Rolfing series of sessions have not faded. If anything, my posture and body awareness have improved over the years, and I am convinced that my golf game, running, and other efforts to exercise and stay fit have benefited from Heidi’s work. She also gave me great advice on the ergonomics of my desk and computer set-up at work.
- Jason, 40s, Attorney
What I found most interesting about my Rolfing experience was how much my body was capable of opening up, even days after a session, even when I felt like I might not be “getting it.” What I appreciated most about working with Heidi was the intelligence, passion and patience she brought to our sessions. She gave me the room to be confused, which helped me learn more effectively.
- Anne, 40s, Financial Planner
I started Rolfing work with Heidi after struggling for nearly two years with a chronic pain diagnosis. I had been living overseas, and over 18 months had seen numerous specialists in 3 different countries and tried every medication, procedure, and therapy option suggested. I was diligent about my recovery and overall wellness but nothing worked and things continued to get worse. The doctors finally told me to find a pain management clinic and accept the fact that I would be in constant pain for the rest of my life. I was 32 years old.
After having had surgery on my spine and moving back to the US, I found Heidi. At our first meeting, I described my current symptoms, which varied quite a bit in terms of quality and location. When Heidi just nodded, I asked her, "You mean you don't think I'm crazy?"
"No," she replied. "I think 2 things: first, you're not crazy. Second, you're going to be OK." What a relief it was to hear that!It was my first Rolfing experience and my body responded immediately. Heidi is a truly gifted Rolfer and a wonderful person on top of that. She not only helped my body, she helped me understand what was going on. Very few wellness practitioners (doctors, therapists, etc.) have the time and the skills to both treat and empower you. I was not looking for a quick fix, but rather for a long-term solution. I was also looking for practitioners who would actually listen to me and work with me -- not just tolerate me. Fortunately, I found amazing people in Chicago during my recovery period -- several of whom were referrals from Heidi.
My chronic pain has not gone away completely and maybe never will, but I am medication-free and any flare-ups are completely manageable. Because of my experiences with Rolfing, my mind and body are stronger and better equipped to handle my personal health issues.
- Jerico, 30s, Architect
I was a professional pianist, but when I was 26 my right hand stopped functioning properly: the middle and ring fingers ceased to obey my commands. I saw many types of doctors, none of whom were able to offer any help to correct the problem.
Heidi and I ended up working together for a full year, which resulted a significant positive change -- what I would describe as a 60 percent improvement. I can't play the way I did when I was 26, but I can play well enough to enjoy being at the piano again.
Besides improving the function of my hand, the work had other benefits -- such as better posture, being more relaxed overall, and being able to stand in one spot for 15 to 20 minutes without fidgeting around due to discomfort and poor balance. My entire body feels better because it is now in good alignment.
- Ed, 70s, Pianist
- The immediate effect of my Rolfing series was an incredible feeling of balance, a feeling of being solidly placed wherever I was standing or sitting.
Later, after my body had integrated the work, I came to feel that the old injuries I had been carrying for over 30 years could finally heal. I also noticed a definite improvement in posture, which became effortless, and a feeling of easy control of my limbs.
Now, my weight is more evenly distributed in my feet, which are more efficient. My heels, instep, balls and toes are all doing their part. I feel like my whole body is propelling me through space, rather than just my legs moving forward. I feel my feet contacting the earth and maintaining the path I'm on -- but the movement is coming from my hips, torso and even my shoulders.
This amazing work has helped me move forward in my body and my life. I loved my Rolfing experience and was blessed to have Heidi Massa as my Rolfer. I drove a 600-mile round trip for every session and it was worth it!
- Elizabeth, 50s, Massage Therapist
I have been going to Heidi occasionally for over 10 years. She has helped me to get realigned, work out pulled muscles and increase flexibility -- and after a car accident she helped me to get my back and legs working again.
My elderly mother had an issue with her back that had immobilized her for over 6 months. She went through physical therapy so she could walk, but she still had trouble getting out of a chair and out of her car. One trip to Heidi and that was over. Mom actually called me from the car telling me how great she felt.
Heidi's work makes you walk with more power and a little swagger. It relieves pressure and improves your posture. These are real, noticeable improvements. After a massage or a chiropractic session they tell you no strenuous activity or it will defeat what was just done. With a Rolfing session, the results are immediate. It's amazing!
- Joseph, 40s, Attorney
I sought Heidi's help with a posture issue -- the result of old injuries and years of working in front of a computer. After a few Rolfing sessions, I realized how much more I was getting than mere postural improvement. I had a sense that my body was moving in a balanced, integrated way that felt more natural. Even my daily runs seemed to take less effort -- as if I were cheating gravity. While massage and chiropractic treatments would give me a temporary fix, Heidi's work produced fundamental change. Whatever problems remain are just nicks in the paint.
- Bill, 40s, Banker, runner and avid skier
- I went to see Heidi after years of dealing with stiffness and pain in the right side of my body (head to toe, practically). Medicine and massage had not provided relief.
Because I only had a vague idea of what Rolfing SI was, I was very curious about what results I might get, if any at all. It turned out to be a good choice. Not only is Heidi highly qualified, but she is also an educator. As she worked with me, she explained what she was doing, what body parts she was working on, and how those body parts interacted with other body parts to affect my posture and ease of movement.
I came to realize how out of touch with my body I had been, and I felt noticeably better after each session.
Now, I feel more alive and experience every movement my body makes in a new light, and I have more pep in my step. The right side stiffness and pain is noticeably reduced, and I can cope with my hectic lifestyle again.
- Adelita, 30s, Life Sciences PhD Candidate
Working with Heidi, I learned whole new ways of sitting, standing, walking, and moving through space. I found our work to be a really fun and interesting exploration of how my body works. I highly recommend Rolfing for anyone with a specific problem or who just wants to feel better.
- Matt, 50s, Attorney and Musician
My Rolfing series has truly been a life-changing experience! My director was thrilled -- and I really felt a difference in my character and my interactions with the space. I have learned so much and gained such an awareness of myself and the world through which I interact. Others have noticed the change, too -- including my acting professors.
- Christopher, 20s, Stage Actor