the basics

connective tissue - the tendons, ligaments and layers of fascia that surround and connect all our parts together, giving us shape and form. Connective tissue is our body's system of space. It tightens and shortens with age, overuse, underuse and injury. It squeezes and shrinks, pulling parts together like pantyhose that's 3 times too small for you!

Sorry, guys! I don't have a good analogy for you here. You'll have to use your imagination on this one!

Since it is all connected (literally), prolonged tightness in one area eventually starts affecting more and more of your body. Limping, leaning, avoiding use - compensation of all types - all add their own impact over time.

the nose knows - Here's the buy-in. Feeling is believing. Grab a willing partner. Face each other. Now gently place your thumb & index finger on the bridge of their nose where eyeglasses would sit - like you're holding a grape that's about to explode.

Have them wiggle their fingers on one hand. You should feel a thread-like pulling under your fingertips. Now, have them stop with the hand and wiggle their toes! THAT is connective tissue! And THAT is where Rossiter Stretches produce their results! We are stretching tightness out of connective tissue so you can take your natural space back!

the stretches

Rossiter Stretches are powerful, innovative and definitely unique. They are done on a mat or a sturdy platform. They require two people: the person doing the stretching (the PIC - Person In Charge of their body) and the Coach, who guides and assists the stretching.

The Coach uses their foot (covered with a nice, clean sock) to slowly and gradually add controlled weight to a specific area and talks the PIC through slow, deliberate movements that pull away from the weighted area, stretching ALL layers of tissue in the process. Stretches take about 7-10 seconds each.

Rossiter Stretches can be safely done for just about every area in your body that may be affected by tightness. Once you get into it, you are able to reach in and stretch out those areas that other stretches and exercises just don't reach. It's all about concentrating the weight and the movement. Rossiter is serious work - for serious pain relief.

problems that can be helped

Tight connective tissue is at the root of most instances of: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Low Back and Hip Pain - including Sciatica; Stiff Necks; Sore Shoulders and Arms; Foot Pain - including Heel Spurs; Knee and Ankle Pain; Tight Calf Muscles and Hamstrings; Restless Legs; Hand, Finger and Thumb Pain; Golfer’s Elbow; Tennis Elbow; and various "itis's" like tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis.

Loosening that tightness and restoring your body's natural space will alleviate and often totally eliminate the pain that tightness causes.

Many people gain relief from Headaches - including Migraines; Osteoarthritis; TMJ pain and discomfort; rotator cuff injuries. When rehab is over and you run out of Physical Therapy sessions, call me. I've helped clients gain movement and finally lose that constant pain in shoulders, necks, elbows, knees, hips and low backs. Even after knee and hip joint replacement surgeries.

If you want your body back, it takes work - and Rossiter is a realistic tool for the task.

Yoga practitioners and athletes are able to gain flexibility and mobility that nothing else has helped achieve. Restricted movement affects your ability to cycle comfortably, swing your golf club effectively, maneuver on the slopes gracefully and hike those trails! Not to mention walking up and down stairs and a hundred other everyday movements that we normally take for granted.

the results

After a Rossiter Stretching session, your body will feel looser. The general area you stretched will feel lighter and you will notice your movements are more fluid and graceful. You might feel stronger and more balanced when you walk and stand. You will probably have more energy and sleep better for at least the first few nights after the session.

Other people usually notice that you look more relaxed. You smile more because you aren't hurting. You might feel - and actually BE taller, since you worked out some of the tightness that was pulling you in. You walk and generally move with a natural spring to your step again, so your friends and family might think you lost weight or won the lottery. Be careful, because you might just be so happy that you inadverdently burst into song at inappropriate times. Just because you're feeling better, doesn't mean you now live in a musical.  Of course, if you're ok with that, I am, too. :-)

You will feel better inside and out - and other people notice that. It's pretty cool! You really should give it a try.

requirements

You must be able to get up and down off the floor or platform on your own and be willing to take effective weight and work to stretch that tightness back out of your body.

I always take a brief medical history to ensure you don't have any medically related issues that would make Rossiter inappropriate or unsafe for you.

Of course, the final requirement is for you to pick up that phone and call me to arrange a session at (970) 945-5600!