Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that you may have for Rossiter
What are Rossiter workouts?
Rossiter System workouts are a collection of two person stretching techniques that quickly and effectively prevent and relieve pain and immobility in the body from head to toe.
What makes Rossiter different?
The Rossiter system workout approach is different in many ways. Firstly it is a two person exercise. A Rossiter coach and you the Person in Charge ( PIC). Another difference is the foot. The Rossiter coach strategically places their foot on the appropriate body area , the the PIC does simple exercising movements. Each techniques is about 15 seconds and results are immediate. Quite simply, you and your Rossiter coach stretch your body from the inside out to unwind tightness and remove pain.
How does it work to relieve and prevent pain?
Rossiter Sytem workouts target the body’s connective tissue, the head to toe network of ligaments, tendons and fascia that hold and connect everything together and give the body shape. Think of it as the bodies internal “space”. Connective tissue shortens and tightens inside the body due to misuse, overuse, injury and/or aging. Rossiter uses a series of quick and powerful stretches that loosen and elongate the connective tissue, restoring it to it’s natural state, the way the body was designed. When everything in your body has space to move again, all the symptoms you feel when you are in pain, and the tightness of limited mobility…ease up and disappear.
Why do Rossiter coaches use their feet during the workout?
The hands are more vulnerable than the feet, and they can wear out quickly. The foot is powerful and strong and a perfectly shaped tool that can add smooth and consistent weight to the PIC’s body without making the PIC feel the need to push back or resist. The warmth and weight of the foot also helps loosen connective tissue more quickly, making it possible for better results. Coaches always wear clean socks.You will be amazed how effective this approach is.
What can I expect in a session?
The person receiving the treatment lies fully clothed on the floor. The Rossiter Coach then applies the foot strategically on the persons tissue gently. The person then performs simple exercises slowly as directed by the coach to stretch and pull the tissue. Each technique last 10-15 seconds, all the time the person is in charge directing the coach to how intense they feel the stretch. Most people feel instant relief. If no relief then the coach has up to 350 techniques that can work all areas of the body.
What kind of issues can the Rossiter system relieve or solve?
Headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, including frozen shoulder, arm pain, elbow pain, carpal tunnel, hand and finger pain or numbness, back pain, whiplash, hip pain, most any form of tendinitis in any location, sciatica, bursitis, knee pain, shin splints, calf pain, tight hamstrings, ankle, toe and foot pain- including plantar fasciitis, achilles pain.
Why is each session called a workout?
Each of these sessions are a workout. Each workout is hard work and that is why it is so effective. The hard you work the more you will get out of each session. This is not a yummy massage. This may hurt but it is a good pain of stretching and after the workout the pain is relieved. You are always in charge of the workout so if the pain is intense then the coach will make adjustments.
When should I have a workout?
The sooner you address symptoms, the quicker you’ll relieve them. Common symptoms include tightness, tingling, pain, stiffness, range of motion/movement/mobility restrictions, hot/cold sensations, numbness, loss of grip, and shaking. The best strategy is to get a regular session preventatively, for some that is approximately once a month. If you are in the recovery phase it is best to get 2-3 sessions for a week or two to fully address the problem and get you back living your life symptom free! Think of Rossiter System Workouts as a maintenance plan for your body.
How quickly before I notice results, and how long will they last?
Most people feel immediate relief that lasts days, weeks, or even months. Some have deeper pain that’s been around for a while, and may need more sessions for the body to return to normal – so the pain may return quickly. The fact that you did get relief is an indicator that you are on the right track – its just a matter of more sessions – and likely different techniques to give more lasting relief. You should feel better after your first workout. If you return to the same activity that caused the pain in the first place, the pain might return rather quickly. Some people feel so good that they will do things their body is not accustomed to, over do it, and pain returns.
This position called “locking”… what is it and why is it done that way?
Connective tissue truly does connect the tip of the body with the toes, and “locking” is a position that’s done with almost every technique to stretch the largest volume of connective tissue in the shortest amount of time. Each tine the PIC locks, tissue is stretched and pulled through the legs, arms, torso, head and neck – all while a single stretch is performed at a specific spot or location. Locking makes sure that you get the most stretch in the least amount of time by involving the whole body.
What if I don’t feel anything at the end of a workout?
If you’re taking over the counter/prescription drugs, even drinking a lot of coffee each day, it’s possible that the effects of those drugs might interfere with your sensations. It is possible that you weren’t doing the right techniques for your particular problem, you didn’t work hard enough stretching through your pain, didn’t take enough weight, or your tissue has been compromised by cortisone injections. Be honest with your coach to discuss possible reasons and reassess.
These stretched look like they might hurt. Do they?
As Richard Rossiter often says, “sometimes the best way OUT of pain is to go back through it! ” If you already hurt, why not buckle down and work hard for 15 second spurts of time to get out of pain? Some people get up off the floor and say, “WOW… that was intense, but I can’t believe how much better it feels!” Most people aren’t bothered by the sensations during a workout. You might experience some bruises, but no one has ever been injured during a Rossiter workout, and you can stop at any time
Can I use this work if I’ve had surgery?
It depends. Generally speaking, if you are cleared for Physical Therapy, you are cleared to do Rossiter – and it can be very helpful for a more full recovery. Always inform your Coach of any surgeries, shots, medications or conditions you have.
Can I use this work if I’ve had a cortisone injection?
Tell your Rossiter coach when/what body location you had the injection. Generally speaking, it is best to wait for 6 months after the injection. These workouts can help, but it may take more sessions to get results, and you might not get as good of results has the tissue not been compromised by the shots.
Is there any reason that I shouldn’t undergo a workout?
Yes, especially if serious health problems are present. You shouldn’t do the Hole in the Shoulder stretch if you have a pacemaker. Likewise, workouts are not done on people with broken bones, recent surgeries, open sores or visible rashes, and some underlying health conditions. Your Rossiter Coach will ask basic health questions to make sure you’re a good candidate – and please inform them of any special health concerns that you have. If you are cleared for PT, you are cleared to do these techniques.
What are the origins of this?
Richard Rossiter developed the Rossiter Systems Workouts as part of his personal journey out of pain. A former Army and commercial helicopter pilot, he endured severe shoulder pain for years after being shot down in 1970 in Vietnam. A form of bodywork called Rolfing (a really deep, connective tissue massage) helped him recover the use of his shoulders, but when he become a Rolfer himself, the physical demands of kneading and pushing over peoples’ tissue compromised his shoulders again. He used his knowledge of connective tissue to create stretched that two people could do together on the floor.