These are brief answers to some common questions. For a longer explanation, please explore the other sections of this website or contact me for more information. Any questions you have that are not addressed by my website can be answered through email or a phone call.
- Why ten sessions?
- Rolfing® is a holistic approach which strives to balance the entire body. Ten sessions gives adequate attention to each part of your structure. Each session builds on the changes already made and prepares for the next session in the series.
Do I have to do all ten sessions?- No. You can try one session and still receive many benefits. The first three sessions should give you enough experience to decide if you want to continue on to the deeper sessions. Each session is structured so that if you must suspend the process you can do so safely.
How often should I schedule a session?- One to two weeks is the typical duration between appointments. Feel free to discuss alternative arrangements with your Rolfer™.
Can I just do all the sessions in a week?- No. Connective tissue takes time to change and your nervous system needs time to acclimate to structural changes.
What do I wear to a session?- Undergarments are the typical Rolfing® attire. For more information read the For Clients section.
What happens during a typical session?- Your Rolfer™ will watch you walk and/or do some movements to assess where you are restricted in mobility and what your patterns are. You will then lie on a comfortable Rolfing table so your Rolfer™ can use hands, forearms, and elbows to move your tissue and release tension. At the end of the session you will usually sit on the table or a bench for a few minutes of movement education and then you will walk again to reassess your structure.
What do I do between sessions?- You do not have to do anything in particular between sessions. There are no required exercises or prohibited activities. Your Rolfer™ may ask you to pay attention to physical sensations or try an exercise, but nothing is required.
Does Rolfing® hurt?- Rolfing developed a reputation for being painful many years ago. Since then Rolfers have developed techniques that are as effective, or even more effective, without pushing clients past their limits. You may feel discomfort when we work in an area with tension or adhesions in the tissue. This discomfort is similar to the "hurts so good" of a massage. Your Rolfer will work within your tolerance level and at your pace to achieve the best results.
Why is it called Rolfing®?- Rolfing Structural Integration is named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf.
Do you have to be certified to be a Rolfer™?- Yes. When a student of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration completes the coursework he/she is allowed to use the title of Rolfer and the term Rolfing®. There are other schools that teach Structural Integration, but they are not affiliated with the Rolf Institute.
Do the effects of Rolfing® last?- Yes. Once the fascia becomes better organized it is better able to adapt to the demands you put on your body. If you continue to put your body in stressful positions or do repetitive movements you may find that you need "tune-up" sessions to maintain your body. Accidents, injuries, and surgery can also disrupt the organization gained and may necessitate further help from your Rolfer.
What is fascia?- Fascia is the connective tissue (think ligaments and tendons) found throughout the body that gives the body it's shape and relates bones, muscles, organs, nerves, and vascular tissue to each other. Just as an orange has sections that are held together by a thin membrane that also separates different areas, the body's fascia runs throughout the body and both connects and separates.
How is Rolfing® different from massage?- Rolfing has a holistic approach that not only considers where the pain is, but seeks to find the cause of the pain. Because it is a thorough process the changes are lasting and profound. During the session you may be asked to do movements that will speed the release of tension and give your nervous system a chance to relearn a new pattern.
How is Rolfing® different from chiropractic?- Chiropractors focus on the alignment of the bones. Rolfers focus on the organizaion of connective tissue and how tension in the tissues pull bones out of ideal alignment. Rolfing does not use thrusting techniques or other fast movements aimed at forcing bones into a new position. Often times a bone that is out of place gets there because of tension in the fascia and muscles connected to it. Unless these tissues are addressed, the bone will tend to be pulled out of place again.
Can I continue my exercise routine while completing the ten series?- Yes. It is important to be aware of how the body is reacting to the changes achieved in a session. You may find that you want to take it easy between some sessions and after others you feel a burst of energy. Listening to your body is the best way to know how much physical activity is right for you.
What happens after the ten series is over?- It is a good idea to give your body time to adjust to and benefit from the changes gained from your sessions. After you feel settled you can then decide if you need or want any further Rolfing work. This period of time can be months or years and you may decide your process is complete at that time. Your Rolfer™ can discuss post-ten series opportunities with you upon completing your series.
Are you available for presentations?- Yes. If you are part of a group who is interested in learning about Rolfing and its benefits, I would be glad to come and speak to you. I am available during business hours as well as some evenings and weekends. Please call or email me to schedule.
Where can I get more information about Rolfing®?- Visit the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration website at www.rolf.org.
Why ten sessions?
Rolfing® is a holistic approach which strives to balance the entire body. Ten sessions gives adequate attention to each part of your structure. Each session builds on the changes already made and prepares for the next session in the series.
Do I have to do all ten sessions?
No. You can try one session and still receive many benefits. The first three sessions should give you enough experience to decide if you want to continue on to the deeper sessions. Each session is structured so that if you must suspend the process you can do so safely.
How often should I schedule a session?
One to two weeks is the typical duration between appointments. Feel free to discuss alternative arrangements with your Rolfer™.
Can I just do all the sessions in a week?
No. Connective tissue takes time to change and your nervous system needs time to acclimate to structural changes.
What do I wear to a session?
Undergarments are the typical Rolfing® attire. For more information read the For Clients section.
What happens during a typical session?
Your Rolfer™ will watch you walk and/or do some movements to assess where you are restricted in mobility and what your patterns are. You will then lie on a comfortable Rolfing table so your Rolfer™ can use hands, forearms, and elbows to move your tissue and release tension. At the end of the session you will usually sit on the table or a bench for a few minutes of movement education and then you will walk again to reassess your structure.
What do I do between sessions?
You do not have to do anything in particular between sessions. There are no required exercises or prohibited activities. Your Rolfer™ may ask you to pay attention to physical sensations or try an exercise, but nothing is required.
Does Rolfing® hurt?
Rolfing developed a reputation for being painful many years ago. Since then Rolfers have developed techniques that are as effective, or even more effective, without pushing clients past their limits. You may feel discomfort when we work in an area with tension or adhesions in the tissue. This discomfort is similar to the "hurts so good" of a massage. Your Rolfer will work within your tolerance level and at your pace to achieve the best results.
Why is it called Rolfing®?
Rolfing Structural Integration is named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf.
Do you have to be certified to be a Rolfer™?
Yes. When a student of the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration completes the coursework he/she is allowed to use the title of Rolfer and the term Rolfing®. There are other schools that teach Structural Integration, but they are not affiliated with the Rolf Institute.
Do the effects of Rolfing® last?
Yes. Once the fascia becomes better organized it is better able to adapt to the demands you put on your body. If you continue to put your body in stressful positions or do repetitive movements you may find that you need "tune-up" sessions to maintain your body. Accidents, injuries, and surgery can also disrupt the organization gained and may necessitate further help from your Rolfer.
What is fascia?
Fascia is the connective tissue (think ligaments and tendons) found throughout the body that gives the body it's shape and relates bones, muscles, organs, nerves, and vascular tissue to each other. Just as an orange has sections that are held together by a thin membrane that also separates different areas, the body's fascia runs throughout the body and both connects and separates.
How is Rolfing® different from massage?
Rolfing has a holistic approach that not only considers where the pain is, but seeks to find the cause of the pain. Because it is a thorough process the changes are lasting and profound. During the session you may be asked to do movements that will speed the release of tension and give your nervous system a chance to relearn a new pattern.
How is Rolfing® different from chiropractic?
Chiropractors focus on the alignment of the bones. Rolfers focus on the organizaion of connective tissue and how tension in the tissues pull bones out of ideal alignment. Rolfing does not use thrusting techniques or other fast movements aimed at forcing bones into a new position. Often times a bone that is out of place gets there because of tension in the fascia and muscles connected to it. Unless these tissues are addressed, the bone will tend to be pulled out of place again.
Can I continue my exercise routine while completing the ten series?
Yes. It is important to be aware of how the body is reacting to the changes achieved in a session. You may find that you want to take it easy between some sessions and after others you feel a burst of energy. Listening to your body is the best way to know how much physical activity is right for you.
What happens after the ten series is over?
It is a good idea to give your body time to adjust to and benefit from the changes gained from your sessions. After you feel settled you can then decide if you need or want any further Rolfing work. This period of time can be months or years and you may decide your process is complete at that time. Your Rolfer™ can discuss post-ten series opportunities with you upon completing your series.
Are you available for presentations?
Yes. If you are part of a group who is interested in learning about Rolfing and its benefits, I would be glad to come and speak to you. I am available during business hours as well as some evenings and weekends. Please call or email me to schedule.
Where can I get more information about Rolfing®?
Visit the Rolf Institute of Structural Integration website at www.rolf.org.
These are brief answers to some common questions. For a longer explanation, please explore the other sections of this website or contact me for more information. Any questions you have that are not addressed by my website can be answered through email or a phone call.
Consultations
Free consultations are available to new clients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Risa at the phone number or email listed below.