What can I expect during a Rolfing session?
Sessions usually last between 60 – 90 minutes depending on the client as well as the session goals. Time between sessions can vary depending on the persons lifestyle and adaptation of the work. Sessions are most commonly booked once a week or once every two weeks. Three or four weeks between sessions may work for certain people. Sessions will typically begin and end with a structural analysis where I will assess
patterns, functions and observe changes from session to session. Hands on work will be done both lying on a table as well as seated. Unlike most other forms of bodywork clients are asked to participate by moving various body parts to increase the effectiveness of the work.
Do I need to do all ten sessions?
Generally a 3 session series is recommended to determine if Rolfing is best
suited for the client. 10 sessions are not always necessary however, recommended to
realize the full potential of Rolfing. The 10 series is designed to address the whole body systematically with each session building upon the last. However, results have been reported after only a single session.
What happens after the ten sessions?
Rolfing addresses the whole body’s fascial web initiating an organizational process that continues well after the sessions have completed. It is recommended to take a few month from Rolfing to see how the body integrates and what changes appear.
How is Rolfing different than massage?
The practice of massage is to relax muscles, improve range of motion and circulation. Massage can be very effective while working locally to release areas that are chronically tight. It may also improve body alignment and balance but is not the goal of the work. In massage the practitioner is working on the client as a service.
The goals of Rolfing are to make lasting changes in the tissue and to re-educate people evoking change in habitual patters and posture as well as combining structure and function, focusing on freeing movement where movement isn’t possible. The sessions are geared toward making certain changes to achieve larger goals for the body. Rolfing is also different then massage as it is more participatory, we require the whole mind and body to be active and involved during sessions. Embodiment, self awareness and movement education are also involved in most Rolfing sessions.
Is Rolfing painful?
Discomfort experienced during a Rolfing session is in response to and an indication of the amount of chronic tension and build up in the tissues. It is important that you are comfortable and able to tolerate the work to accomplish the goals of the sessions. Rolfing is a team effort between client and practitioner, it is paramount that communication is present to determine a comfortable level of tolerance for the effectiveness of this work.
What should I wear to a Rolfing session?
Ideally and most commonly, undergarments are worn during sessions. Underwear or loose fitting shorts are acceptable for men. Underwear and bra, a two piece bathing suit or jog short and a jog bra, (preferable something with thinner straps even a tank top) are acceptable for women. These are mainly suggestions as your comfort is most important.
How can Rolfing benefit children?
Rolfing has been known to have a positive impact on a child’s health along with their self image. Adult complaints of chronic pains and other emotional stressors can originate from childhood imbalances and can be avoided if addressed at an earlier age.
Aches and pains of childhood development; as well as illness or disease, such as
cerebral palsy, scoliosis and brain injury’s in some people can be addressed with
Rolfing to improve coordination, movement and motor skill capabilities.
Rolfing for babies and children addresses concerns at an early age, to give them ease in their own bodies and to allow them to develop the confidence to carry their own state of grace with them through life. As their lives are just beginning to unfold there is no way to separate the physical child from his/her mental and spiritual self. A child who slumps physically, slumps mentally and emotionally. A child who’s body is balanced moves gracefully and confidently.
