First Appointment
What to Wear
Session Length
Please allow 90 minutes for the first session so we can go over your health history and answer any questions you may have. Subsequent sessions will last between 60 and 75 minutes.
Health Form
At the beginning of your first session we will go over your health history. To save time, please print out the health form, fill it out, and bring it with you to your appointment. If you are unable to do this, I will have a form available for you to fill out.
Client Participation
Because this is your process, I will be asking you to report any discomfort during our sessions. I will also be asking you to do some moving. This might look like having you move your ankle joint or your knee while I am working on your foot or lower leg. Some of the sessions can be quite relaxing and it is tempting to drift into a sleepy state, but your body will process my pressure and your movements best if you are alert. I can work best if you are feeling comfortable and relaxed, so if you are cold, nervous, or in pain - these are things to share with me. There is a 'hurt good' feeling, but if you start to feel yourself bracing, holding your breath, clinching your jaw, etc., then I need to adjust my pressure. Speak up!
Between Appointments
I may suggest some things for you to notice in your body between sessions or offer you some stretches and/or exercises to try. It is up to you whether you follow through with these suggestions. I will not be grilling you about whether you did these things, but will be asking you if you noticed anything or if you had any experiences you want to tell me about before each of our sessions. If you enjoy a regular exercise routine, I encourage you to continue that during the series. Exercise is a familiar activity and if you tune in to your body during exercise, you will have an opportunity to notice how your body feels different. I would love to hear about any differences you feel, good or bad, between sessions.
It is not uncommon to feel some discomfort or shifting in your body between appointments. This is change happening. However, if the discomfort lasts more than a couple of days or is unbearable, please call me and I will have you come in so we can address it. Most of the time this mild discomfort works itself out and is a sign your body is adjusting appropriately.
The Series
The ten session series has three phases. In the first three sessions, we will be working with your superficial layers of tissue. We will work to improve your respiration, enhance the support you are getting from your feet and lower legs, and lengthen the sides of your body. All this is in preparation for what are called the "core" sessions. In sessions four through seven, we use the space created in the first three session to work with the deeper layers of tissue, from your feet all the way up to your head. In the final three sessions, we work with movement to integrate the work that has been done so your body is able to find the balance and improved coordination needed to incorporate the changes made.
Occaisionally a client and Rolfer™ will determine during the series that it will best serve the client to do eleven or twelve sessions. This is rare and the client will make the choice of what is best for him/her.
At the end of each session I will tell you what to expect in the following session but if you would like a printed guide explaining the outline of each session in the series, I can give you some literature. Please remember, the basic format of each session is a merely an outline for your Rolfer™ as the series is tailored to your specific body and your individual needs, so your sessions may deviate from the traditional plan accordingly.
Photos
If you would like before and after photos of your series, that can be arranged. Please let me know before your first session if you will be wanting photos. These can be a wonderful documentation of the changes in your body but are certainly not required.
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.