Frequently Asked Questions

Rolfing is a form of hands-on bodywork that works with the body's connective tissue (fascia) to improve alignment and function. Developed by Dr. Ida Rolf, it addresses the relationship between gravity and the human structure, helping the body find its natural, balanced state through systematic manipulation and movement education.

• Improved posture and alignment
• Improved movement efficiency
• Improved athletic performance
• Improved balance and coordination
• Increased bodily awareness and education
• Reduced symptoms of chronic aches and pains
• Increased embodiment of self
• Increased awareness and presence
• Improved sense of well-being

Rolfing can sometimes feel intense, especially in areas of the body where there is chronic tension or discomfort. That is not always the case, and some sessions may feel very calm and relaxing. It’s important to communicate with your Rolfer throughout the session so pressure can be adjusted to your comfort level. My intention is to release tension and improve movement without causing excessive discomfort.

Each session is 70 to 90 minutes on the table with a short assessment before and after the tablework.

Rolfing is a holistic approach which treats the entire body in order to address structural patterns that contribute to bodily discomfort and dysfunction. A series of interventions is organized into ten separate sessions, commonly referred to as "The Ten Series.” This approach evokes the body to reorganize, realign, and reintegrate with itself and the field of gravity so that it will be able to move without discomfort and with improved efficiency. Sessions 1, 2, and 3 are referred to as the “sleeve sessions” as they address the body’s superficial fascia, musculoskeletal areas, and primary gravitational relationships through breath and balance. Sessions 4, 5, 6, and 7 are referred to as “core sessions” as they explore the deeper fascial network surrounding the axial body (i.e. the spine, ribs, neck, and cranium). Sessions 8, 9, and 10 are referred to as “integration sessions.” They evoke improved working relationships between the various moving parts of the body.

One does not have to undergo a 10-Series in order to benefit from Rolfing. You are welcome to schedule a single session to get help with an acute or chronic issue before starting a series. I recommend series work as pain can often be a symptom of compensation for a structural issue located somewhere else in the body. A series offers the opportunity to resolve patterns which involve more than the part of the body experiencing discomfort which may be the driving force behind that discomfort. Clients are welcome to schedule one session at a time or go through a mini-series of sessions based on individual goals, and preferences.

Yes. The effects of Rolfing are often long-lasting. Changes from a 10-Series can remain for years, and the body commonly continues to integrate for several months after the final session. As the body adapts to new stresses and activities over time, occasional maintenance sessions can be helpful for supporting continued ease and function.

Please come to your session clean. In order to effectively work with the fascia, it requires a little friction, so please avoid the use of moisturizers and lotions on your body the day of your session. For men, it is preferable that you wear form fitting boxer briefs or underwear. For women, it is preferable that you wear form fitting shorts and a sports bra, a two piece swimsuit, or bra and underwear. It is preferable if you wear a top with an open back and avoid a top that has multiple straps or a single strap that covers the spine as most sessions include back work along the spine. Please avoid wearing shorts and bottoms made of materials that aren’t able to stretch. It is important for you as a client to feel completely comfortable during your session, and I am able to accommodate and work through clothing as well. It is easiest for me to do my job when I am able to clearly see your structure and make contact with your skin.

The frequency of visits depends on how you respond to the work and your readiness for the next session. Once a week or twice a month is most common for receiving a 10 Series. Receiving sessions as frequently as twice a week or as far apart as once a month is also effective. If you are interested in a series, then you should consider keeping your sessions consistent throughout the entire course of the series as it will optimize the effects of the work. After finishing a series you may desire to continue with the work. In this case, an additional series of 3-5 sessions may be beneficial. You can also schedule as needed to receive tune-ups to address issues which arise from the stresses related to your everyday life or unexpected life events.

Drink plenty of water, and eat nourishing food. If it’s convenient, take a nice relaxing stroll. Avoid strenuous physical activities immediately after your appointment. There’s a possibility that you may be sore from receiving work or from your body’s structure functioning differently. It’s ideal if you give your body 48 hours of rest before taking on any new or challenging physical demands.

Absolutely. Rolfing can leave one feeling less stressed, comfortable, and more at ease in their body as a result of more order and balance being evoked in the body’s structure. Physical and emotional stress tend to diminish and it is common for clients to leave a session feeling very relaxed.

Massage is a very broad modality that generally focuses on relaxing tight muscles to relieve tension. Rolfing works on the interconnected fascial web and muscular fascia to align the entire body and create a functional relationship between all the parts of the body. During a rolfing session, clients will have to be more involved than during a massage as they may be asked to perform simple repetitive movements so the body can receive the work more effectively. Clients may also be asked to get off the table to walk, sit, stand, or move in a certain way. Each session usually has a built-in pre-session and post-session analysis to plan the session, and track the progress of the work.

The high-velocity low-amplitude manual adjustments of chiropractic work to correct misalignments and lack of mobility in the spine. From the perspective of Rolfing, in order to encourage long-lasting change in regards to spinal mobility and alignment, the fascia and connective tissue influencing spinal alignment needs to be addressed, as the positions of the vertebrae are a result of the condition of the fascia and connective tissue. This may be why many who receive relief through chiropractic need to schedule frequently for many years inorder to manage their discomfort. If the fascia and connective tissue is not addressed, there is a high likelihood that the vertebrae will be pulled back into misalignment. Rolfing and Chiropractic are actually very synergistic. Rolfing works on the fascia and connective tissue so chiropractic adjustments can be more effective. Once the soft tissue is in a state of organization, adjustments will be easier and longer lasting. When receiving Rolfing and Chiropractic, one may experience that they need fewer adjustments and that their discomfort resolves more quickly than when receiving chiropractic by itself.

The price of each session is $130. I accept cash, check, venmo, and paypal.

I do not take insurance. If Rolfing is covered by your insurance, I can issue you an invoice so you can receive reimbursement.

The traditional Rolfing series consists of 10 sessions, each building on the previous work to create comprehensive structural change. However, individual sessions are also available for addressing specific concerns. Many clients find value in both approaches - starting with individual sessions or committing to the full 10-series for deeper transformation.

Your first session will begin with a conversation about your health history, current concerns, and goals. The practitioner will observe your posture and movement patterns. Then, hands-on work will begin, typically focusing on the superficial layers of fascia. You'll remain clothed (in comfortable, flexible clothing) and may be asked to move in specific ways to support the work.

Rolfing can benefit people of all ages and activity levels. It's helpful for those experiencing chronic pain, postural issues, limited mobility, or those seeking improved athletic performance. It's also valuable for individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, or those simply wanting to feel better in their bodies. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider if you have serious medical conditions.