Frequently asked questions about Rolfing
What is Rolfing?  

What is Rolfing?

  
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
What are the benefits of Rolfing?   What are the benefits of Rolfing?
  
What does Rolfing involve?   What does Rolfing involve?
  
Is Rolfing right for me?   Is Rolfing right for me?
  
How did Rolfing come about?   How did Rolfing come about?
  
How is Rolfing different from other modalities?   How is Rolfing different from other modalities?
  
What is the Ten Series?   What is the Ten Series?  
Do I have to do the whole series?   Do I have to do the whole series?
  
How often should I come?   How often should I come?
  
Does Rolfing hurt?   Does Rolfing hurt?
  
What is Rolf Movement™?   What is Rolf Movement?
  
What are your rates?   What are your rates?
  
How do I start?   How do I start?
  
   
  
Q

 

 What is Rolfing? top 
A

 

Your body (structure) is designed to be naturally in balance, in ideal alignment with gravity. When it is out of balance (visibly seen as poor posture) energy is wasted and efficiency is reduced. This imbalance can cause one part to be strained more than another (e.g., neck pain), and no one part can be strained without affecting the whole body.

More than 50 years ago Dr. Ida Rolf realized that the body could change for the better, a revolutionary concept in those days. She developed what today is known as Rolfing structural integration. Rolfing helps to reduce and improve imbalances by lengthening and re-shaping the connective tissue network that holds all your parts together. Realizing a better alignment with gravity has a profound impact on your entire being - physically, emotionally, and energetically. And unlike other healing modalities, the benefits of Rolfing structural integration are long term, well beyond simple short-lived pain relief or relaxation.

 
Q

 

 What are the benefits of Rolfing? top 
A
  

• Pain from physical injuries is reduced/eliminated

• Comprehensive whole body approach to scoliosis

• Helps relieve the pain/discomfort caused by repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel, sciatica, TMJ, and similar conditions

• Your body's posture becomes more in tune with gravity

• Realize all-new levels of energy

• Your body becomes more efficient

• Enhances the benefits of other healing modalities such as psychotherapy, yoga, and meditation

• Enhances your performance in any physical activity, from walking to golfing to simply picking up groceries

• Ideal for musicians, dancers, and other performance artists

• Better sense of being grounded

   
Q
   What does Rolfing involve? top 
A
   The focus is on balancing and optimizing both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of your body. Manual pressure is applied to areas where fascia (the complex web of tissue that connects your bones, muscles, joints and organs to one another) is restricted. You may also be asked to participate in the process by focusing your attention on the area being worked or by making slow & precise movements as needed.   
Q
   Is Rolfing right for me? top 
A
   If you think your body should feel better and move more easily, then Rolfing is right for you. Rolfing can help resolve pain and discomfort from many different causes, including poor posture, injuries, repetitive strain, and aging.  In addition to pain relief, your newfound balance and flexibility will enhance all your physical activities.   
Q
   How did Rolfing come about?   
A
   You can find a detailed chronicle of Rolfing at www.rolf.org/about/history.htm   
Q
   How is Rolfing different from other modalities? top 
A
   Rolfing is a whole body "process", not simply a technique such as massage.  Rolfing systematically reshapes the entire global connective tissue network (known as fascia), as opposed to a treating a localized area of pain. Since your body's balance is not static, Rolfers pay attention to your "integration in gravity" - a felt sense difficult to describe in words. Ida Rolf used to say, "Anyone can take a body apart, and very few know how to put it back together".   
Q
   What is the Ten Series? top 
A
   The standard Rolfing "recipe" is known as the Ten Series, and consists of 10 -15 sessions.  Each session focuses on a specific region of the body, going from superficial to deep, and from the lower structures moving up. This systematic approach is unique to Rolfing, and facilitates long lasting change.   
Q
   Do I have to do the whole series? top 
A
  

It depends on what your goals are. If you are interested in changing unconscious body habits that cause you pain and sap your energy, it is best to start with a complete series. If you are already very comfortable and physically fit, a complete series will give you an edge over your peers.

The first three sessions focus on the superficial layers and may be done as a complete introductory series. Of course, you are welcome to come in for a trial session to see if Rolfing is right for you. For people with a specific myofascial or repetitive strain issue, sometimes a single session is appropriate as well.

   
Q
   How often should I come?   
A
   Once a week or every other week is ideal. If this is not possible, we can work around that with some modification.   
Q
   Does Rolfing hurt? top 
A
   When Rolfing first became popular in the 60's, it earned the reputation of being extremely painful, and in truth it was. Since then, practitioners have developed gentler techniques that accomplish the same results. That being said, it can get uncomfortable, especially when addressing rigid and long held patterns. I will always work with you to maintain a state of relaxation with the discomfort so that change can occur. Nothing is done that you (and your body) aren't ready for.   
Q
   What is Rolf Movement? top 
A
   Rolf Movement is a separate modality that is an ideal complement to the Ten Series. The purpose of Rolf Movement is to work with you to identify movement patterns (habits) that promote asymmetry, strain and stress. It helps you to explore and integrate the functional aspect of structural change. I usually blend some movement work into regular sessions. Rolf Movement can also be done as a session unto itself, or series of sessions on their own or in conjunction with the structural work. The two combined enhance each other. For more information on Rolf Movement, please check out www.rolf.org/about/movement.htm   
Q
   What are your rates? top 
A
   I charge $140.00 for a Rolfing session. Sessions last 75 Minutes. I give a 10% discount for ten sessions pre-paid. Craniosacral sessions are $90.00 for 60 minutes and $110.00 for 75 minutes.   
Q
   How do I start? 
A
   The best thing is to call or E-mail me directly. We can then discuss your individual situation and the best course of action to take. top
       

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