Cornel Koller, certified advanced Rolfer, medical massage therapist

The constant and growing passion for the functioning of the human body has guided my personal and professional journey for 33 years. By practicing various sports, such as trailrunning, skiing, mountaineering, triathlon, cycling, training with Sypoba® (stability, strength, balance, coordination, condition), etc., my curiosity of the human body and its functioning has grown more and more.

The Rol methodfing® combined with my additional knowledge and training (see curriculum vitae) in the therapeutic field are the basis of my work. The various disciplines are best integrated to find the most effective solutions for your psychophysical well-being.  

I like to build a relationship based on "responsible participation" with my clients, because I believe that the path to body rebalancing always passes from the consideration of the whole person through dialogue and constant confrontation, which are fundamental to the achievement of one's goals.

The 3 main pillars of work/teaching:

1. Postural work "rolfing" by manual manipulation of connective tissue act to balance muscle tension, loosen "knots" in connective tissue, viscera,  nerves, blood and lymphatic circulation

2. teaching to find a more functional, harmonious and less tiring way of moving to be applied in the gestures that are performed daily such as walking, standing up, sitting down, lifting weights, keeping "straight" without effort, performing household chores, playing sports,...

3. discuss, elaborate, advise on topics such as health, healthy eating and ways to achieve good mental and physical balance.

ROLFING®- STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

The METHOD THAT GIVES YOU THE SHAPE

The rolfing® has three main goals:        

- improve the structural balance of the body (posture)

- increase range of motion

- achieve posture ,,easy"

The rolfing® is a therapeutic method of restoring the balance of body structures (e.g., in the presence of gait defects or tension) by means of a special form of massage. However, the treatment is not primarily concerned with muscles, but rather with their envelopes, called connective tissues or fasciae. In fact, it is the connective fasciae that envelop all muscles and organs, giving them shape and stability.

If this important support becomes "deformed" or "stuck" as a result of stress suffered in daily life or following an accident, structural problems in the body result. Thus, it is not only gait that will be adversely affected, but the entire body statics.

The rolfing® studies the internal dynamics important to the body frame (structure) and movement (function) of man.

Who is rolfing® aimed at? 
Back and neck pain, spinal pain, headaches, tension, gait problems, limitations in movement-for example, as a result of accidents or otherwise-can be positively treated with the rolfing® method.

Rolfing® sessions carried out as a preventive measure, on the other hand, help to improve one's perception of one's body and one's emotional well-being. The rolfing® method is suitable for any person of any age group, and is generally aimed at people who feel inadequate or register chronic tension, who are exposed to great stress in professional settings, or who wish to improve their movements and body perception (e.g., by practicing sports, yoga, dance, theater, etc.).

The hallmark of the Rolfing® method is the ability to relate these internal forces to an external force, the force of gravity.

How does Rolfing® act ? 
It is at this point that the rolfing® method intervenes, to restore a balance to the network of connective fasciae and to improve their elasticity and flexibility again. Rolfing® is a method that over the long term succeeds in shaping the body. In fact, the manually shaped bands are adaptable, stretch and increase their elasticity, flexibility and structuring.

The rolfing® method is also able to optimize the interaction between individual parts of the body. Many movements are therefore made easier as a result. rolfing® therapy sets in motion a structuring process within the body that continues after treatment. But that's not all. By optimizing body structure, an overall improvement in self-perception and one's inner well-being can be achieved, which often results in a more authentic expressive power.

How are the rolfing® sessions organized ? 
The basic session cycle of rolfing® treatment comprises ten sessions of 60-80 minutes duration. Applications are performed on clients lying, sitting, standing or moving. The rolfing® method requires active cooperation on the part of the client and the rolfer. The willingness to investigate one's own body and its movements and to actively explore new possibilities for working on one's own body are basic prerequisites for successful therapy. Each session systematically builds on the previous one and, in addition to the new structuring of the body, at the same time pursues the goal of ingraining and concretely implementing more effective movements in daily life. One learns from scratch movements of daily life such as sitting, standing up, walking, standing, lifting objects, etc., or specific to one's field of activity: writing, playing an instrument, dancing, singing, etc. Sessions can take place one or more weeks apart, and can also be interrupted as needed. To deepen what has been learned, or by special personal request, the basic ten-session cycle can be extended and supplemented. "Maintenance" sessions can also be followed at any time.

 It was Ida P. Rolf (1896-1979) who developed and taught rolfing® as a therapeutic method. Dr. Rolf was one of the first women in the United States to earn a doctoral degree in biochemistry and physiology from Columbia University in New York in 1920. In the course of her long work searching for solutions to chronic diseases, Dr. Rolf had various types of approaches, all focusing on the effects of the body's structure and its own function, including yoga and osteopathy. He developed the method of "Structural Integration," based on the observation that the structuring of the human body and its movements are subject to the laws of gravity. Fritz Perls, the founder of "Gestalt Therapy," invited her to teach her method at the Esalen Institute in California, thus enabling her to make her work better known to a wider audience. In the early 1970s, Ida Rolf founded her own institute in Colorado, where she actively taught until her death in 1979. The definition of the therapeutic method originates from her name, and is known precisely as the rolfing® method.

Gently melting scars with ScarWork developed by Sharon Wheeler

ScarWork is a manual technique-sweet and gentle-that reintegrates scars into the fascial tissues that surround them. Scars become more mobile, body tissue layers are restored, and adhesions, cords and depressions are eliminated or reduced.

After ScarWork the scar no longer interferes so deeply with our mobility and we regain a piece of ourselves, movement or breathing may benefit, a compensatory postural pattern may disappear. Sensitivity tends to return to normal.

Any scar, small or large, deep or superficial, surgical or accidental, recent or ancient treated with ScarWork can return the part of us and our well-being that is holding back.

ScarWork combines a series of seemingly random movements with effortless touch. The approach is gentle and the effects are not slow to manifest.

Sessions last approximately 60 minutes and the recommended number of sessions will depend on the extent and condition of the scar(s). Structural Integration work can be a complement especially in those cases where the scar has interfered with posture.

CURRICULUM  VITAE  CORNEL  KOLLER

2013-2020

- advanced concepts in lumbopelvic motor control: treatment of motor control dysfunction: Prof. Paul Hodges

- several courses with Sharon Wheeler: special treatment for scars and bones + integration into the fascial network of the body

- osteopathy of the digestive system (interaction between dysbiosis and immune system) Dr. Bruno Donatini

- Sypoba® Basic-Trainer

- post advanced rolfing, Dr Peter Schwind

- mechanical head and chest trauma treatment ,  Jean-Pierre Barral D.O.

- neural and visceral relationships between thoracic nerves and abdominal organs , Olivier Bazin D.O.

2005 - 2012    div. updates
- Hubert Godard's concept of movement, relationship between structure and function and related corrections of anatomical and postural dysfunctions
- manipulation of peripheral nerves, cranial nerves and arteries (Jean-Pierre Barral D.O.div. courses)
- basic movement training (according to Laban/Bartenieff)
- manipulation of joints (Jean-Pierre Barral D.O. div. courses)
- div. courses in diagnosis and work concept  ( Alain Croibier D.O.  and  Rolfing®) 

1998 - 2004 Self-study
further training:
- advanced Rolfer training
- visceral manipulation  (Didier Prat D.O.)/urogenital manipulation (Didier Prat)
- work with babies and children (Rolfing®)
- various courses in connective tissue manipulation (Rolfing®) 
- effective movement course according to Dr. Hans Flury

1997
Opening own practice and partial employment at Esplanade Health Center, Minusio

1996 - 1997
Rolfing® training (European Rolfing® Assoc., München, Germany)

1992 - 1995
Vitasana Clinic, Breganzona (biological clinic with integral medicine): classical massage, lymphatic drainage, foot reflexology, connective tissue massage, "triggerpoint" treatment, work with breathing, movement and relaxation with individuals or groups
further training:
-"triggerpoint" treatment
- manipulative massage (according to Dr. Terrier)
- introduction to Rolfing® structural integration
- manual lymphatic drainage and edema therapy according to Földi

1990 - 1992
Cantonal psychiatric clinic, Herisau (AR):
medical massage therapist and kinesiotherapist (with individuals or groups)
Further training:
- manual joint examination techniques

1989 - 1990
Oberwaid Nursing Home, St. Gallen:
stage as medical massage therapist
Further training:
- foot reflexology according to Marquardt

1988-1989
full-time school for medical massage therapist, St. Gallen
among others:
classical massage, connective tissue massage, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy

1986 - 1987
bike trip around the world (18 months)

1984
bike trip around the world (9 months)

1982 - 1988
St. Gallen Credit Bank: apprentice and clerk