FAQ and What to Expect
Why a 10-series?
Long-term positive change takes time. Your body didn’t get to its current state overnight; helping it find a new way to be takes some time as well. Each session works different areas with different goals and objectives. Often, you will see changes as soon as you step off the table. The time between sessions can be just as powerful because this is when your body takes changes and integrates them into your system.
During this time, the body experiments with unfamiliar movements and awareness, builds new neurological pathways, and influences your structure, movement patterns, and experience. At the beginning of the next session, we will observe what is changing and what hasn’t and use this information to refine our strategy. Ten sessions allow us to devote appropriate time to specific areas and issues that are common structural challenges and to customize work that is meaningful to your unique body and lifestyle.
Are there emotional effects of Rolfing?
The goal of Rolfing is not to bring the client into emotional overwhelm. However because structural changes affect the whole body and person, a shift in structure may alter the way to relate to the world. It is common belief that traumas are often held within the tissues of the body and touching upon these areas can evoke memories or feelings associated with those traumas. If that should happen during one of your sessions, I will do my best to hold space for you and attend to your needs, however I am not a psychological therapist. Rolfing is a wonderful complement to any sort of personal development work or psychotherapy.
How long are the sessions?
Each session will last approximately 75 to 80 minutes. Table time is anywhere from 60-75 minutes. Pre-session check in is part of the session time. First sessions are typically longer as they require more talking and assessments. Session goals, the intensity of the day’s work, health history, client energy level and ability to integrate work, are just a few of the factors that Rolfers consider when determining session length.
What should I wear?
Clients are fully clothed for the pre-session discussion. I will then leave the room and allow the client to change into their "Rolfing uniform." For most people, their Rolfing uniform is typically underwear (for women this includes a bra). If you are not comfortable being assessed or worked on in your underwear, please wear whatever makes you comfortable. Some people wear running shorts, bathing suits, and tank tops. Please try to minimize bulky clothing and lots of pockets. Sheets are available for draping but please note that it is not acceptable to be nude during the sessions.
Do I have to commit to a 10-series?
Of course not. Plan to come in for the first session and see how you respond to the work. Most people notice results by session three. This session is the last of the “superficial” sessions and a good place to stop if you don’t feel you’re getting what you need. If, like so many of us, you get hooked on Rolfing, session three is the time to take stock of changes and refine goals and expectations for the remaining sessions. If you do plan to continue, it makes sense to commit to completing the series in the next six months.
Single or series "fix-it" sessions are also available for those suffering from acute pain. During these sessions I will work above, below, and around the affected area, addressing it in a holistic way.
Is Rolfing like a massage?
It's quite different. The goals of Rolfing are to make more long-lasting change in the tissue and habitual patterns and postures. Rolfing is also more participatory; the whole mind and body are active in every session.
Does it hurt?
The short answer is no.
Since the Rolfing process is collaborative, it is important for the client to let the practitioner know if any boundary, especially a pain threshold, is approached, which we will discuss on your first visit. Every client has a unique experience of the Rolfing and although some moments may be intense, Rolfing Structural Integration does not have to hurt. Most people find Rolfing a deeply satisfying, comforting, and inspiring experience.
