FAQs

Does Rolfing hurt?

Rolfing’s reputation for being painful came mostly from its 
earlier days when it was first becoming popular. Over the years,
the Rolfing community has developed and discovered new ways of working
 gently with the body. I always put clients in charge of regulating 
the pressure and depth of the work; the session’s work may 
vary anywhere from deep to quite gentle. Most clients report 
the feel of Rolfing as very unique and satisfying as compared to 
other types of bodywork. Sensations in the areas being worked 
often range from momentary discomfort to pleasurable warmth and 
release. Rolfing should never feel sharply painful or overwhelming.

How is Rolfing different from Chiropractic
and massage?

Chiropractic therapy tends to focus on bone alignment and individual
 joints, and typically uses high velocity thrusting methods. However, 
unless the tension and strain in the soft tissue (fascia, muscles,
tendons, ligaments) is addressed, the bones will continue to be 
pulled out of alignment. Rolfing, on the other hand, involves slower 
sustained pressures and addresses the entire bed of soft tissue
 in which the bones are embedded. The goal is to achieve balanced 
tension which allows the bones to fall back into their proper relationships 
naturally.

The goals of most types of massage focuses on relaxing individual 
muscles whereas Rolfing looks to realign and re-sculpt the entire
 body into a better working (and feeling) unit. The goals of 
Rolfing require clients to be actively involved during sessions 
by performing specific movements, noticing sensations, and often times getting off of the table to sit, stand, or walk.

Do the changes from Rolfing last?

Yes. Photos show the changes from Rolfing to be long lasting. Modifications 
to our alignment and usage patterns, such as sitting, standing, 
and walking, help the body maintain its new structure. The
 nature of Rolfing is to work with the body, not on it; this allows
 clients to take ownership of the body’s new structure.

Do I have to commit to an extended series
of sessions?

No. While Rolfing is most effective in the context of a 10-15
session series, it is not always necessary for an individual to
 complete all 10-15. A series of at least ten sessions gives 
the Rolfer opportunity to fully address the entire body and the 
way it works as a whole unit. Our bodies did not shape into
 their patterns overnight so it does take some time so reverse 20,
 30, 40 years full of bumps, bruises, and poor posture and body usage. Of
 course, it is perfectly fine for clients to come for a fewer number 
of sessions as well. It is a common opinion that a trial of 
three sessions will give clients an idea if Rolfing is right for
 them and their specific situation.

Can children receive Rolfing?

Absolutely. In addition to correcting structural patterns,
 Rolfing can serve as a preventative measure to reverse potentially
problematic patterns in the young. One of the things children learn
from watching us is how we carry ourselves and they will naturally
imitate their parent’s language, movement and other modes of expression. From 
colicky newborns to rebellious teenagers, children will almost always
 benefit from Rolfing. Some of the childhood structural patterns 
that respond well to Rolfing are scoliosis, pigeon toes, knocked-knees, 
rounded legs, poor posture, and even general adolescent growing 
pains. Work with children is always gentle and comfortable 
and rarely requires the time that adult bodies do.

How often should I come?

Most people find once a week to be a beneficial and convenient time 
frame. However, others find that they respond better to the 
work if they have more time between sessions to settle in to the 
new patterns of their body and up to three weeks between sessions
 is fine in most cases.

What should I wear?

Because I need to see your structure before, during, and after the
 session most clients, both men and women, go through the sessions
 in their regular underwear. However, I want you to feel comfortable 
in my office so gym shorts and sports bras are also fine (the less 
area of the back the sports bra takes up the better). Once
 you are on the table, you can have a sheet or blanket to cover up 
with if you wish.

How long are Rolfing sessions?

Appointments typically last an hour and fifteen minutes. Initial 
visits often run longer to take time for a detailed health history 
and general questions.

Does insurance cover Rolfing?

Unfortunately, most carriers do not cover Rolfing. However, 
if needed, a receipt can be provided for insurance reimbursement. Please 
call me with specific questions in regards to insurance coverage.