Does Rolfing Hurt?
This is a common question. When Rolfing was popularized in the 1970’s, it developed a reputation of being very painful. A lot has changed since then. The Rolfing process has become much more gentle in the decades since. That being said, there is a range of tissue types. Some people experience no discomfort whatsoever during their Rolfing sessions, and others experience discomfort for a brief amount of time. I work in communication with the client, responding to the client’s needs throughout the session.
What happens in a session?
When a client first comes to see me, we discuss the client’s goals and health history. I then have clients undress to their bra and underwear (or underwear in the case of men) and observe how their bodies are aligned when they are standing and also walking. Client’s lay on the Rolfing table as I work on their connective tissue with my hands, forearms, and sometimes elbows. During and after the session, I have clients get up and walk so I can evaluate the changes that have occurred.
How long will the results last?
The results are permanent. Rolfing changes patterns of restriction in the body. The main causes to any pattern of pain or dysfunction are misalignment in the body and improper body use. My job is to address the misalignment and also to help clients think about how they use their bodies. For instance, if a person works at a desk for fifty hours a week with a keyboard that is too high, a monitor that is at the wrong angle, and a body position that includes a slouching torso and a forward-positioned head, then pain will likely return. One of my goals is to educate clients to use their bodies in ways that will end cycles of injury and discomfort.
How many sessions will I need to do?
Many clients experience the elimination of their pain and greater freedom of movement after the first session. Some conditions require only three to five sessions, and others require more. The Rolfing “Ten Series” is a sequence of sessions designed to address issues throughout the body and to bring harmony to the whole musculoskeletal system. The goal of Rolfing is to make lasting, helpful changes to the body in a period of weeks or months, not years. After completing a Rolfing series, however, clients often return to address new issues or to keep in optimal shape.
How often should my Rolfing sessions be spaced out?
When a client is in acute pain, I like to see them weekly until their pain pattern has been properly addressed. At other times in a Rolfing series, clients generally schedule sessions at one or two week intervals.
Do you accept insurance?
Rolfing is not covered by insurance. See the services page for information about paying with pre-tax dollars.
Diana Phillips graduated from the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado in 2004. She completed her Rolfing Advanced Training certification in 2009. In addition to Rolfing, she has studied cranial sacral therapy, visceral manipulation, energy medicine and Rolf movement.
