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Govinda Bader, Rolfing San Francisco
Category: Beauty and Spas Massage Massage [Edit]
862 Folsom St.(between 4th St & 5th St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 225-9666
- Hours:
Tue, Thu 10 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We specialize in specific, therapeutic bodywork including deep tissue, sports massage and injury rehabilitation. We are able to help alleviate pain… read more »
17 reviews for Govinda Bader, Rolfing San Francisco
17 reviews in English
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Review from Bobby M.
San Jose, CA
1/30/2012
It should be known that Govinda cannot be classified in the same category as other rolfers. The traditional rolfing method, although effective, pales in comparison to Govinda's very unique barefoot technique. The biggest difference is the targeted and tactical approach that Govinda takes as opposed to the full body work you will receive from other practitioners. Not that Govinda doesn't work your whole body...because he does...but he spends the appropriate amount of time on the areas most concerning to you at the moment. There is nothing worse than barely being able to turn your neck...and the rolfer spending 30 minutes on your feet.
If you are contemplating trying rolfing for the first time...don't over think it...just do it!! It is an AMAZING practice and provides a level of relief that is unprecedented by anything offered under traditional western medicine. I have had repeated pain and injuries associated with Crossfit exercises, and rather than pop ibuprofen compulsively and ignore the issue like the majority of people, rolfing provides relief that is immediate, long lasting, and sends you along the path of attaining balance, symmetry, and peace!!
It is important to note that rolfing, unlike most western medicine practices, is not perpetual. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be seen for 1, 3, 7, or 10 sessions...but rest assured, you are not being swindled by Govinda and he will determine how much work needs to be done to get you moving again.
I have recommended rolfing to all of my family and friends and it has amazed me how many people live with pain on a daily basis with out any resolve or even aspirations to solve the problem. GO AND SEE GOVINDA!! However irrelevant you think the issue may be, drop him a line and see what he thinks. You will be surprised just what ailments rolfing can address. Also, he is a very skilled nutritionist and dietician so don't be afraid to ask about your diet. He was able to make some recommendations that have drastically improved my overall well-being.
...lastly, don't be a baby. It doesn't hurt that bad at all :) -
Review from Faiza F.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2012
Govinda's Barefoot Method ought to be renamed The Healer's Method. His is the kind of bodywork you need when restricted tissues give way to a restricted life; when chronic pain limits movement and mobility in ways that become physically and emotionally unbearable.
I have been battling perhaps one of the worst cases of plantar fasciitis (in both feet) for quite some time. I have tried everything - The Graston Technique, Ortho-Bionomy, Yamuna Body Rolling, deep tissue massage, and orthotics, among a handful of other podiatric interventions. Nothing worked. In a final attempt to try one last modality, I began to read about Rolfing and its ability to bring lasting correction to the fascia. My search led me to Govinda's site, and as early as our first session together, I could immediately tell that I had found a practitioner who could help me.
If there is one person in the world who wants your pain to go away more than you do, it's Govinda. During his sessions, you can tell that he is connected to you by a deep and healing intent. He is extremely attentive, patient, and knowledgeable. He listens to your symptoms and implements a treatment plan that is made just for you. His composure and grace is contagious. In the aftermath of his bodywork, your energies, just like your fascia, are re-educated and realigned. You move, think, and feel better. There is a sensibility about your tissues - a renewed synchronicity between the body and the mind. I believe this to be the precise difference between rolfing and other types of bodywork, which, in the hands of the right practitioner can bring about lasting correction and relief.
A few weeks ago, I awoke to a bout of extremely painful TMJ pain. Everything from the shoulders up was in complete agony. I could not move my neck from side to side, had excruciating head pain, and my temporomandibular joints were so swollen that I had trouble brushing my teeth. When I went to see Govinda (on a Thursday), he began working on all the areas affected by my TMJ pain. I went home and slept like a baby that night. On Friday I awoke to significant relief. By Saturday I was able to chew without any discomfort, and by Sunday the pain and inflammation was completely gone!
One session at a time, Govinda is putting me back in touch with my favorite sports. His goal is to relieve your pain, to make you more functional, and to restore balance in your entire system. If you are looking for amazing bodywork that combines creativity and integrity, set aside some time to spend with Govinda. Your body and spirit will be grateful for it! -
Review from Laudalino L.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012
I was in an accident and suffered serious back pain. I saw several chiropractors and therapists over the course of 8 months. While they were quick-fixes, they did not address the root of my back pain. After 8 months, I decided to try Rolfing. Within 5 minutes, Govinda had noticed that it was actually my ribs that were out of place. Strangely, no one I had seen previously seemed to notice this. Govinda quickly popped a couple of ribs back into place and my pain was gone INSTANTLY! I couldn't believe it. I wish I had gone to see him sooner.
I highly recommend Govinda. Since our treatment, he has also helped another friend that had been suffering from back pain for 2 years!! Every case is different, but Govinda's approach is refreshing and VERYrewarding. -
Review from Mari S.
San Francisco, CA
4/28/2011
I've had a very bad chronic neck and shoulder pain which caused constant headaches. I've tried various types of massages and acupuncture over the years, but nothing really solved my problems permanently. Then I met Govinda.
The combination of rolfing and the barefoot method is sort of like a very intense, anatomically focused deep tissue work. It really stretches each part of your body, and release the stagnant tissues.
At the very first session, he was able to pin point where the cause of my pain was and where my body was stuck. He released the "stuckness" in my neck and upper back at the very first session. By the 3rd session, I was able to fully turn my neck, and it still does after 3 years.
It is a lot more intense than a massage, but the pain is a good pain. You really feel your muscles being released from tightness and tension. Whereas massage made me feel nice for a day or two, Govinda's method really solves problems and effect is long lasting.
Govinda is very open, straight forward and has a good sense of humor. One of the incredible things about him is that he is very much in tune with your entire body and mind. If you have something emotionally stuck, he can tell... and sometimes you are not even aware of it yourself. I've learned from him that if there is an emotional burden, your body feels it and reacts to that.
I had no hope in ever feeling my neck being loose and be free from headaches, but my neck has been loose ever since and I barely get headaches now. This is all thanks to Govinda and his bodywork. I only wish I've met him 30 years ago! He is amazing. He is magic and true healer. -
Review from Bobby L.
San Francisco, CA
4/18/2011
Govinda Bader was referred to me by a friend. I was pleasantly surprised by his technique and intuitive touch. I recommend him to anyone needing therapeutic bodywork.
My experience was more than just a routine feel good massage. He pinpointed areas where I had ailments and performed an amazing skill of focus to that area and actually remedied the problematic area through his healing touch. -
Review from Tracy B.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2010
Seriously, I was scared to try rolfing... all I could imagine was that it would be a very painful experience, which would be ongoing for at least ten weeks. I had been putting it off for years and as the time passed my back + shoulder pain just kept on getting progressively worse. A few months back I bit the bullet and because of the recommendation of my massage therapist -- I chose Govinda!
Govinda is great. The sessions are intense, but not painful, and his process/style is all about being in communication with what your body is feeling/experiencing. The huge noticeable differences for me are: (1) my ability to stand in the same position and not have shooting pains in the back, in addition to that (2) a lightness, feeling almost effortless, when I walk. I stand taller and straighter, I never knew these sensations were possible.
If you're afraid to try rolfing, like I was... there is nothing to fear, rolfing is not painful and in the end you feel as light as a feather walking out of your sessions! Give Gonvinda a try, he's fantastic! -
Review from Katherine E.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2011
It sounds cliched to say that Govinda changed my world, but I consider him one of the biggest contributors to my current happy state. I found him via Yelp three years ago, was suffering from chronic back pain (bike injury over 15 years ago) and had also been trying to get pregnant for approximately 4 years. I didn't know much about rolfing, but the physical therapy and massages for my back weren't helping much and my sense was that deeper work might help.
During my first experience, Govinda asked me about the bike accident, pointed out that a few of my ribs were out of position, popped them back in...and pow, I began to convulse. It was slightly terrifying, but incredibly cathartic. We think I was releasing trauma held in my back from the accident, held for 15 years. I went home, slept for 6 hours in the middle of the day, slept the night through, and woke up the next morning feeling so incredibly different. I continued to see Govinda over the next 6 months.
I became pregnant shortly afterward.
Govinda has a great sense of humor and a wonderful way with people. He is intuitive in ways that made me appreciate intuitiveness. -
Review from Justin M.
Burlingame, CA
8/17/2009
Rolfing with Govinda has been full of pleasant surprises. I initially checked out Rolfing to address pain in my neck/shoulder area. I had my own ideas about the source of the pain, which turned out to be off. The actual source was dislocated ribs, which Govinda happily popped back into place! His method of structural stepping is very effective and I feel an overall sense of tranquility in his presence. I have learned a lot about my body and it's "default" structure, and where my body needs attention....and through his work I have developed new somatic awareness.
Govinda occasionally dons the 'counselor' hat - when the moment calls for it - offering profoundly wise insight into life situations. Ultimately, he's very plugged in to our plight as humans and the challenges that bring us to see practitioners in the first place. It's all relevant and I found this very helpful indeed - at no extra charge!
Go check him out, you'll be pleasantly surprised. -
Review from Juliana N.
Washington, DC
8/15/2009
I went to Govinda after a back surgeon recommended I give rolfing a try for helping manage my pain with herniatic discs & degenerative disc disease. With yoga on my own & weekly sessions with Govinda, in 6 months I was back to being me. Pain-free! The yoga helped a lot but I definitely plateaued... and couldn't get back to 100% pain-free. Govinda brought the goods. Check it:
Govinda's approach (with a strong nod to thai massage & asian acupressure) is unorthodox and extremely creative, which is great for that moment in life when you realize that the orthodox way, the traditional way of doing something...just isn't going to work anymore. Plus, he tracks with the mind-body connection flow. Half-shrink, I say. And he's reasonably priced. 8-10 sessions and you'll stand straighter, you'll be more aware of your body's ebbs & flows, and your pain & pressure points will recede. after that, it's about fine-tuning your body to feel better-than-right.
Net: Lots to love with him, and nothing not to. -
Review from Jesse C.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2011
Govinda's style and technique are just plain excellent. I'm a life long athlete, have used some massage and shiatsu sporadically over the years. Generally, I have had trouble finding practitioners who are deep and strong enough. That's no problem with Govinda. He does deep tissue, using his heels and elbows often, mixing in some other-type adjustments where necessary. But it's not just strength. He likes to interact, likes to find out your health background as well as what's bothering you right now. Seriously highly recommended.
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Review from Jordan L.
San Francisco, CA
2/25/2011
I've been receiving and practicing various holisitc treatments for almost 16 years now (acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, Qi Gong, tai ji, yoga), yet nothing was as profound as a session with Govinda. After my first treatment, I was standing differently and my posture was aligned. Subsequent sessions have furthered this transformation. While I'm sure he cannot fix everything, he's done more for me structurally than anyone else, and these changes have stayed with me with a minimum of slipping back into old patterns.
Govinda works with you so you are comfortable. Contrary to popular belief, Rolfing (at least his practice of it) is not a horrible painful experience. He is very present and takes time to hear what is going on with you and see what you need. He doesn't push you or insist upon any specific outcome for your session, and is careful to leave you in a balanced and grounded space at the end of your session.
I recommend booking a session, giving yourself a few hours to leisurely relax afterward (and avoid driving or biking for best results, he's close to public transportation). And his place in Berkeley is awesome too; I usually go over there from San Francisco, a mellower experience than downtown SF in my opinion. -
Review from Pidge M.
Pacifica, CA
6/12/2008
Govinda has been nothing short of a miracle worker for me. I started seeing him about a year ago because of shoulder pain from hunching over a computer all day. I had been getting other body work (deep tissue massage, etc) for a long time but nothing ever helped for more than a couple days. After my first session, the shoulder was about 85% better. And stayed better. Now it's completely healed, and he's also brought lasting relief to me for low back pain.
He's holistic in the truest spirit of the word, because he works with all of me and all of my body to both free me of physical suffering and and also has helped me with related issues -- my struggles with weight, healthy eating, other challenges with self-care.
I can't recommend him highly enough. He changed my body. He's changed my life. I've dropped over 20 pounds since I've been going to him, and I credit Govinda with a lot of that because he helped me tune into my body and learn to want be good to it. Seeing Govinda every month for "maintenance" is one of the key ways I'm good to my body. But don't take my word -- do one session. Just one. At least do the free consultation. He's the real deal -- he really is. -
Review from Lisa H.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2007
Govinda has been working on my body for a few years. Initially, I went to him because I was curious about rolfing. The results are still with me. One of the major things that rolfing helped me with is my posture. Govinda helped bring awareness to the way I stood on my feet. By making subtle shifts in how I place my weight, I was able to feel more grounded. And, being on my feet all day, I felt that was an important shift for me. Since, going through 10 sessions and focusing on each area of my body, I go in for periodic tuneups. This is always a treat. He has also developed a method of bodywork called 'Structural Stepping'. I absolutely love this! He offers free 20 min consultations. And, with offices in Marin and SF, you can't go wrong. He also specializes in Nutrition. He is just an all around great person who can relate to to what is going on in your body.
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Review from Tony D.
CA
11/18/2009
I LOVE Govinda's technique. It is so different form any type of bodywork I have ever received. He has unraveled much of my tension and realigned me in a way that is far superior to deep tissue massage. It is a pleasure to work with him. He brings a unique and results focus to my treatments. Highly recommended!!!
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Review from clint t.
Teton, WY
8/15/2009
I had sciatic pain for the last year from a twisty surfing injury.
I have seen a doctor, a chiropractor, a physical therapist, a massage therapist, a stretch instructor, an acupuncturist... with unsuccessful results all around.
After seeing Govinda more than a week ago I can (incredibly!) report that I'm not feeling any sciatic pain.
No one seemed to understand what was going on in my body as well as Govinda. And no practice felt attuned to my injury as Govinda's rolfing does. -
Review from Jake A.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2009
I went to a Chiropractor for almost 3 years before seeing Govinda. His unique approach to Rolfing and body work in general has been much more effective in dealing with my lower back problem. He really is a miracle worker!
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Review from Lauri K.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2009
Long ago I looked into rolfing because I could never get a massage that was deep enough and the massages never seemed to be working towards something (it felt decent at the time but after multiple sessions I still left the room with the same aches and pains). So I tried rolfing and was hooked. The first rolfer I went to (for a series of ten times) proved to me that rolfing was good for my body but the actual practioner I went to left something to be desired. Last year I went to Govinda and now I'm hooked on rolfing and Govinda as my rolfer. First of all, his presence is calming and comforting and he has a sense of humor. Second, he knows what he's doing and how to work towards correcting whatever is ailing you. I highly recommend rolfing and Govinda.
