Rossiter: A Better Way to Stretch
Introduction
Anna had been a dedicated Pilates student for several years. One day after class she shared with me that she was having pain in her shoulders, and stretching didn’t seem to help. She wondered if a Rossiter Stretching session could make a difference and agreed to come in that afternoon. We did a 30 minute series of simple and very specific stretches for her arms and shoulders. At the end of the session her pain was gone, and the results were visible. Her shoulders were more level and open.
What is the Rossiter Stretching Technique?
The Rossiter Stretching Technique is a series of powerful and effective two person pin-and-stretch release techniques for addressing pain and restricted movement at its source: the body’s fascia, ligaments, tendons, collagen and elastin—collectively referred to as connective tissue. Tight connective tissue results in stress, lack of mobility and pain in the body. Rossiter Stretching works to restore this connective tissue to its natural, healthy state.
Richard H. Rossiter
The founder of the Rossiter system is Richard H. Rossiter. He became a connective tissue specialist in 1983, and through collaboration with medical professionals founded the Rossiter System in 1990. Rossiter is a Viet Nam veteran who suffered a shoulder injury and dislocation when the Army helicopter he was piloting was shot down. He completed rehabilitation for the injury, but was frustrated by continued pain and limited range of motion. He researched non-drug, non-surgical approaches to pain and underwent several Rolfing sessions to loosen the
connective tissue. He became intrigued and adapted those techniques to create his own system for stretching and pain relief. These techniques were initially used in U.S. factories to relieve repetitive use injuries that the workers suffered from.
Rossiter Stretching Sessions
So, just what is a Rossiter Stretching session like? Most stretches are performed with the client lying down on a mat. The tissue is strategically anchored with the coach’s foot, while the client executes specific movements. This technique delivers more extensive and longer lasting results. The client is fully in charge of the session, determining how much weight—not pressure!—is applied by the coach. Pain relief, increased range of motion, improved circulation and nerve conduction are all end results of Rossiter Stretching sessions.
Rossiter Stretching can be effective whether your pain and tightness are new or have been a long time issue. More recent problems can often be addressed in one or two sessions. Long term problems can require more sessions, and periodic maintenance appointments can be beneficial in preventing a recurrence of the pain and tension. Whether you’ve been in pain for a day or most of your life, we can explore ways to help you live without it, lessening your symptoms or completely eliminating them.
Rossiter Stretching Techniques can be effective for a wide range of conditions, including:
Arthritis
Sciatica
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splints
Carpal tunnel
Trigger finger
Tennis elbow
General pain and/or tightness in the shoulders, arms, hands, hips, hamstrings, knees, feet and back
My mission as a Rossiter Stretching Technique coach is to bring pain relief and prevention to my clients. I invite you to explore the possibilities with me!
Linda Wirtz
Balanced Body Pilates Instructor
Rossiter Stretching Coach
Next up: Why Rossiter is the better way to stretch!
