From Chronic Pain to Improved Quality of Life: How the Rolfing® Ten Series and ScarWork™ Helped a Client Improve Wellbeing
Chronic pain and limited mobility can be overwhelming—especially after years of surgeries and unsuccessful treatments. As a certified Rolfer® and ScarWork™ practitioner in Saarbrücken, I regularly meet clients who feel they’ve tried everything, yet still hope for real change. Today, I’d like to share the inspiring journey of a female client (70) who achieved improved quality of life through the Rolfing® Ten Series and ScarWork™ therapy.
What is Morbus Sudeck (CRPS)?
Morbus Sudeck, also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic pain condition that often develops after an injury or surgery, most commonly affecting the hands or feet. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, changes in skin color or temperature, and limited mobility. CRPS is often described as “incurable” by conventional medicine, making holistic approaches like Rolfing® and ScarWork™ even more valuable for those seeking relief (Findley & Schleip, 2024).
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition where the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand—especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Symptoms often start gradually and may worsen at night. Causes can include repetitive hand movements, injuries, or swelling. If left untreated, it can lead to loss of grip strength and muscle atrophy in the hand (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2023).
The Client’s Challenge
The client came to me after years of:
Persistent hand pain, requiring a wrist orthosis for three years and progressing toward Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic back pain following three spinal surgeries
Morbus Sudeck (CRPS) in her foot
Multiple unsuccessful attempts at relief through massage, physiotherapy, and even surgery
Despite these obstacles, she was determined to find a solution—and was referred to my practice by her Yin Yoga instructor.
The Process:
The Rolfing® Ten Series and ScarWork™
We began with a thorough assessment and a personalized treatment plan. The client committed to the full Rolfing® Ten Series—a structured sequence of ten sessions designed to realign the body with gravity, improve posture, and restore natural movement. In parallel, we integrated ScarWork™ sessions to address scar tissue and its impact on the fascia.
What to Expect in the Rolfing® Ten Series:
Sessions 1–3 (Sleeve Sessions): Focus on the superficial layers of fascia, improving breathing, and releasing tension in the upper body, legs, and sides.
Sessions 4–7 (Core Sessions): Address deeper structures, the pelvis, spine, and core stability. These sessions help improve balance and foundational support.
Sessions 8–10 (Integration Sessions): Integrate changes throughout the body, enhance coordination, and support long-term structural alignment.
Each session is tailored to the client’s needs, combining gentle manual techniques and movement education. Throughout the process, I place great value on open communication, a safe environment, and regular feedback, so my clients always feel supported and empowered.
The relaxing nature of the work and the safe setting specifically stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part responsible for rest, recovery, and healing (Mense et al., 2023; Findley & Schleip, 2024).
Scientific research shows that many people today live in a constant state of heightened sympathetic activity (“fight-or-flight mode”), which can hinder healing and increase stress.
By creating a calm and secure environment, we help the nervous system to “downshift,” making it easier for the body to accept positive changes. This not only supports physical healing, but also emotional and mental regeneration—a key factor for lasting improvements (Mense et al., 2023).
ScarWork™ is a gentle, pain-free method that helps reintegrate scar tissue into the fascial network. This improves mobility, reduces discomfort, and can help restore sensation and function to affected areas. ScarWork™ is suitable for both recent and old scars, and is always adapted to each client’s medical history and comfort level (Findley & Schleip, 2024).
Setting Realistic Expectations: Change Takes Time
It’s completely natural to want rapid relief from pain, especially if you’ve been struggling for a long time. Many clients come to their first session hoping that a single treatment will “fix” the problem area right away. However, chronic pain and long-standing issues rarely disappear overnight—there’s no magic touch that can instantly resolve years of tension or dysfunction.
Rolfing® Structural Integration, especially the Ten Series, is designed as a holistic process. Each session builds on the last, gradually helping your body to realign, release old patterns, and develop a deeper sense of awareness and ease. Rather than focusing solely on the area that hurts, we look at how your whole body is organized in gravity and how different parts relate to each other. This comprehensive approach often leads to lasting change—not just symptom relief (Findley & Schleip, 2024).
Throughout the Ten Series, many clients notice that their perception of their own body changes. They become more aware of how they move, breathe, and feel in their daily lives. This increased body awareness is a powerful step toward healing and can even lead to improvements in confidence and self-esteem.
In summary:
Lasting change takes time, patience, and a willingness to explore your body as a whole—not just chase symptoms. If you’re open to this process, Rolfing® and ScarWork™ can offer profound benefits that go far beyond temporary pain relief.
The Results
After completing the Rolfing® Ten Series and ScarWork™ sessions, my client experienced remarkable improvements:
She no longer needed her wrist orthosis after three years of daily use
She no longer needs to undergo corrective surgery
Hand pain completely disappeared
Back pain and CRPS symptoms in her foot improved significantly
She described feeling “truly well cared for” and empowered in her own healing journey
In the Client’s Words
“Since Tobias Elliott-Walter started treating my hand, I no longer need my orthosis. The pain is completely gone. My other ailments, like back pain and Morbus Sudeck in my foot, have also improved significantly. Tobias is empathetic, calm, and always takes the time to listen. I feel genuinely supported and can wholeheartedly recommend him.”
Why This Story Matters
This journey demonstrates the unique power of holistic, fascia-focused therapy. Rolfing® and ScarWork™ do not promise instant fixes—but by addressing the whole body and each person’s individual needs, they can unlock new possibilities for pain relief, mobility, and improved quality of life (Findley & Schleip, 2024).
Interested in Exploring Rolfing® or ScarWork™?
If you’re curious about Rolfing® Structural Integration, it’s important to work with a certified practitioner. The Dr. Ida Rolf Institute® offers an official search tool to help you find a certified Rolfer® near you:
For ScarWork™, there is currently no central directory. If you are interested in this therapy, you might:
Ask local Rolfers® or fascia therapists if they are trained in ScarWork™ (many combine both methods)
Search online for ScarWork™ practitioners in your region
Contact local bodywork associations for recommendations
If you have questions or need help finding a practitioner, feel free to get in touch—I'm happy to offer guidance.
References:
Findley, T.W., & Schleip, R. (Eds.). (2024). Basic Science and Implications for Conventional and Complementary Health Care. ScienceDirect, Elsevier.
Mense, S., et al. (2023). The Role of the Parasympathetic Nervous System in Tissue Healing. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 27(2), 101-112.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2023). Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. www.orthoinfo.org
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About the author:
Tobias Elliott-Walter is a certified Rolfer® (European Rolfing® Association, Munich) and ScarWork™ practitioner for integrative scar work. His expertise is based on practical experience and continuous training in fascia work. As a practicing therapist in Saarbrücken, he combines scientific knowledge with practical application.
His qualifications include:
- Certified Rolfer® (European Rolfing® Association, Munich)
- ScarWork™ practitioner for integrative scar work
- Certified Sivananda Yoga Teacher (Bahamas Ashram, 2018)
- Alternative practitioner in training
His holistic approach is based on the conviction that physical and mental well-being are inextricably linked. Thanks to his international professional experience, he offers treatments in both German and English.
Professional qualifications
- Rolfing® is a registered service mark of the Dr Ida Rolf Institute of Structural Integration
- Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork™ refers to the specific methodology developed by Sharon Wheeler
- All trademarks mentioned remain the property of their respective owners
Professional standards All medical and scientific statements are based on current research and professional experience. As an alternative practitioner in training, I work according to the strict guidelines of the German Alternative Practitioners Act.
Important note:
This article is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. The information shared here is based on current scientific research and practical experience. If you have any health complaints, please consult your doctor or therapist.
© 2025 Tobias Elliott-Walter. All rights reserved.
