What is Aston-Patterning?

Aston-Patterning, an offshoot of Rolfing, is a muscle manipulation system developed by dancer Judith Aston with the goal of re-educating muscle movement  Aston combined exercises, much like an ergonomics lesson, with a gentler form of Rolfing. Because it targets chronic muscle problems, it is highly regarded by dancers and athletes.

The Aston-Patterning practitioner examines you for muscle tightness and structural formation, then depending on the findings, uses a combination of massage and education techniques to teach you how to retrain your muscles.  Using a special "spiraling" technique, the therapist will work to relax your muscles and loosen tight joints, permitting the body to revert to a healthier posture. The therapist will also teach you special fitness exercises to help keep muscle patterns healthy as well as make environmental suggestions, such as changing the height of your computer chair or side supports to keep the spine aligned.