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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rolfing compare
with massage and other bodywork?
As a hands-on therapy, Rolfing is similar to deep-tissue
massage. However, the focus in Rolfing is more on
releasing the continuous fabric of connective tissue than
on relaxing individual muscles. The work itself is done
without oils or lotion and the quality of touch tends to be
slower and more deliberate than massage. The
underlying goal is to improve structural alignment and
balance, so each session includes some observation and
assessment, as well as exercises the client can do on their
own.
How does Rolfing compare
with massage and other bodywork?
As a hands-on therapy, Rolfing is similar to deep-tissue
massage. However, the focus in Rolfing is more on
releasing the continuous fabric of connective tissue than
on relaxing individual muscles. The work itself is done
without oils or lotion and the quality of touch tends to be
slower and more deliberate than massage. The
underlying goal is to improve structural alignment and
balance, so each session includes some observation and
assessment, as well as exercises the client can do on their
own.
Does Rolfing hurt?
In its early days Rolfing developed a reputation for being aggressive and often painful. However, it continues to evolve and
has left behind the "no pain, no gain" attitude that prevailed in its early days. Most practitioners are very sensitive to each
client's particular comfort zone and try to work skillfully within that. While some of the work may feel momentarily
uncomfortable, much of it should feel good.
What happens in a session?
Sessions usually last 70 to 90 minutes. To begin I have first-time clients complete a questionnaire on their health
background and seek to determine what their particular goals and expectations are. I then have them undress (down to
their underwear or gym/swimwear) and do some visual assessment, looking for any postural patterns. If the client is
interested, I may take photographs at this stage that allow for later comparison. I then ask them to walk, turn and explore
the range of motion in each of their joints, telling me anything they notice about how these action feel. The client then lies
down on a massage table and I slowly apply manual pressure, asking them to move in various ways to release and lengthen
the connective tissue. I keep the client present (unlike in a pure "relaxation" massage) and have them tell me what they
notice as I'm working. Every now and them I get them up off the table and moving around, to see what may have changed
or needs work next. Towards the end of the session I pay particular attention to the spine and do specific work on the
sacrum and neck. Once the client is off the table I do some post-session assessment with them standing and walking. We
conclude by exploring some stretches or other movements he or she can do on their own, as well as talking about what
they've experienced.
How much does it cost?
My standard rate per Rolfing session is $120 (payable by cash or check only - no credit cards).
Other rates may apply in special circumstances, such as outcalls or mini-sessions. Also, I do reserve a few places at reduced
rates for students and other low-income clients. If you have any questions or concerns about payment, feel free to discuss
you situation with me. A free consultation (about 30 minutes) is available if you are curious and would like to decide if the
work is right for you.
Why ten sessions? Do I have to do all ten?
The 10-series is structured so that client and therapist can move through the client's body in a comprehensive way,
tracking changes in its relationship to gravity as they go along. However, within the series there are appropriate stages to
discontinue, should that be necessary. Rolfing can be practiced in a variety of formats. For more information, read my page
on the Ten-Series.
Do the effects of Rolfing last?
Essentially, yes! The client has explored their whole body in its relationship to gravity, learning new neuromuscular patterns.
Awareness is really the key element in this process and this often deepens for months after the series has been completed.
How often do I need to come back?
After a series is completed clients often chose to come back for "tune-up' every few months, but this is optional.
In its early days Rolfing developed a reputation for being aggressive and often painful. However, it continues to evolve and
has left behind the "no pain, no gain" attitude that prevailed in its early days. Most practitioners are very sensitive to each
client's particular comfort zone and try to work skillfully within that. While some of the work may feel momentarily
uncomfortable, much of it should feel good.
What happens in a session?
Sessions usually last 70 to 90 minutes. To begin I have first-time clients complete a questionnaire on their health
background and seek to determine what their particular goals and expectations are. I then have them undress (down to
their underwear or gym/swimwear) and do some visual assessment, looking for any postural patterns. If the client is
interested, I may take photographs at this stage that allow for later comparison. I then ask them to walk, turn and explore
the range of motion in each of their joints, telling me anything they notice about how these action feel. The client then lies
down on a massage table and I slowly apply manual pressure, asking them to move in various ways to release and lengthen
the connective tissue. I keep the client present (unlike in a pure "relaxation" massage) and have them tell me what they
notice as I'm working. Every now and them I get them up off the table and moving around, to see what may have changed
or needs work next. Towards the end of the session I pay particular attention to the spine and do specific work on the
sacrum and neck. Once the client is off the table I do some post-session assessment with them standing and walking. We
conclude by exploring some stretches or other movements he or she can do on their own, as well as talking about what
they've experienced.
How much does it cost?
My standard rate per Rolfing session is $120 (payable by cash or check only - no credit cards).
Other rates may apply in special circumstances, such as outcalls or mini-sessions. Also, I do reserve a few places at reduced
rates for students and other low-income clients. If you have any questions or concerns about payment, feel free to discuss
you situation with me. A free consultation (about 30 minutes) is available if you are curious and would like to decide if the
work is right for you.
Why ten sessions? Do I have to do all ten?
The 10-series is structured so that client and therapist can move through the client's body in a comprehensive way,
tracking changes in its relationship to gravity as they go along. However, within the series there are appropriate stages to
discontinue, should that be necessary. Rolfing can be practiced in a variety of formats. For more information, read my page
on the Ten-Series.
Do the effects of Rolfing last?
Essentially, yes! The client has explored their whole body in its relationship to gravity, learning new neuromuscular patterns.
Awareness is really the key element in this process and this often deepens for months after the series has been completed.
How often do I need to come back?
After a series is completed clients often chose to come back for "tune-up' every few months, but this is optional.
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