Frequently Asked Questions

What is the series?

The basic Rolfing series consists of 8 to 10 sessions. The practitioner starts by evaluating the client's structure through, visual observation, testing and movement patterns. The client is then asked to lie on a table as the practitioner applies pressure where the fascia is restricted. The client is often asked to participate in releasing the restrictions by breathing into the area or making synchronized movements. The work is done in a complex arrangement to promote lasting changes as the body reorganizes to a more balanced state. Each session builds upon the results of the previous one, so the results are cumulative. Rolfers also work with rhythms of respiration and other responses of the body. We educate the client in ways of using the new-found freedom and suggest movements the client can do on their own to further the process.

Specific patterns: During the series, any specific complaint areas are addressed. Because Structural Integration is a whole body process, it is not recomended to address only those areas. Treating the whole body is what helps your body integrate this kind of intervention, allowing it to last.

Advanced work: After the initial series, clients periodically receive sessions to help further enhance what was started in the series. Frequency of the post series work depends on life style, history of injuries and trauma. Some chronic patterns may take an ongoing process to permantly change.

What are specific problems practitioners address?

Rolf Method practitioners are trained to work with many different physical problems such as:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Neck
• Lower back
• Spinal curvature
• Joints
• TMJ
• Headaches
• Sciatica
• Visceral position and tissue restrictions
• Many types of feet problems

Does Structural Integration last?

Yes. Photographs show that changes of the basic series are still present many years after the series is complete.

On the other hand, as bodies change, and people have further injuries, accidents or stressful times, additional work may be useful.

How are Rolfers trained?

To be fully licensed and certified, Practitioners must complete 2 years of comprehensive study at the "Rolf Institute" or other structural integration schools such as, "The Guild for Structural Integration". Areas covered are Behavioral and Biological sciences, Rolf Theory and extensive supervised clinical work. Basic education is followed by continuing educational classes and advanced certification.

Does Rolfing Hurt?

When the Rolf Method was first developed over 30 years ago, the methods were less refined than they are today. In the early days, practitioners tended to work very deep to get at the restrictions often causing discomfort to the client. Today, practitioners are trained to pay close attention to the reactions of our nervous system and work to the level of availability in the tissue. Many new indirect procedures have also been developed to make Rolfing a more pleasant experience. During the work there will be an occasional transitory discomfort but it will be very brief and is often followed by a pleasant sensation of release.

What is Movement Instruction?

Movement instruction is a separate aspect of Rolfing that forwards the same goal as the Rolf Method. Where the Rolf method works with structural patterns, movement education is focused on re-educating the body's movement patterns. Life is motion. When we are unable to meet life's demand to move in certain ways, tension results. Familiar symptoms of this kind of tension are low energy, aching muscles and stress. Clients may also notice they carry habitual blocks in there walk, stretches or work habits.

The practitioner works to guide the client in replacing binding tension patterns with free and well-integrated movement. Movement work can be done for its own value or as a powerful aid to the manipulation work. Often, the Rolf practitioner will include movement education in the structural sessions to further release certain patterns and educate the client on how they may be able to move more efficiently with less effort.

Will my insurance cover the treatments?

This depends on your insurance company. Some companies will cover treatments. You should check with your insurer and it helps to have a referral from your Chiropractor or Physician. If they have any questions, please feel free to have them contact me directly.

Are there Psychological Results from Rolfing?

While Rolfing is primarily concerned with structural changes, any change in the physical body affects the whole person. A human being is comprised of many aspects including; attitudes, emotions, behavior, and structure. They are all related to each other.

Rolf Method clients often report positive changes in their outlook on life and in their ability to handle emotional changes.