your first Rolfing® Structural Integration session
FAQ
When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through, then spontaneously the body heals itself.
Dr. Ida Rolf
Starting a Structural Integration series can feel like a leap. Your first session is dedicated to understanding your body’s history, exploring your goals, and setting a clear, comfortable path forward. My aim is for you to feel completely informed, respected, and ready to begin your journey toward greater balance.
how long is a Rolfing session?
Most sessions are designed to last 75 to 90 minutes. Rolfing is a process. We focus on achieving the session’s specific structural goals, which means the duration is flexible to ensure the work is complete and properly integrated before you leave.
what do I wear?
Please wear non-restricting, thin clothing that allows you to move easily and for your structure to be clearly observed. Underwear or thin shorts are ideal. Women typically wear a sports bra or bra top. A loose tank top is also okay. Thin cotton or athletic wear that is non-restricting works best.
It’s important that you feel comfortable, as we will sometimes have you get up mid-session to walk around and feel out the changes happening.
what does a typical Rolfing session include?
Body History and Goals: We begin with a check-in about your medical history, past injuries, and a discussion of your goals for the session and the full series.
Movement Exploration: We will explore simple movements to help you sense your body pre-session and allow me to observe your structure and identify key holding patterns.
Hands-On Work: You will receive about one hour of hands-on work on the table or Rolfing bench, or focused movement work.
Integration Check-in: Once you are standing again, we will take time to check in with your body and get acquainted with the changes that have occurred during our session.
do I have to start with a Rolfing® Ten-Series? can I just do one session?
I’m more than happy to do single sessions or a shorter series. While I believe in the magic and transformational power of the Ten-Series, a single session can also be deeply helpful and a good opportunity to get to know if you’d like to continue to work with me.
what should I do after my session?
It is important to listen to your body and honor the integration process.
Move gently, be kind to yourself: Many clients enjoy taking a gentle walk to feel out the changes in their structure and embed the new movement patterns. I do not recommend a hard workout or heavy physical exertion immediately after your session.
can Rolfing help my low back pain?
can Rolfing help my sciatica?
can Rolfing help this pain in my neck?
Whether the issue is chronic low back pain, sciatica, neck tension, or a specific joint issue, my answer is always the same: I cannot guarantee that your pain will disappear, because that would imply I only focus on the symptom. What I can tell you is that by reorganizing your entire physical structure for greater ease and balance, clients very often find their chronic pain is resolved, and they gain a whole new level of well-being.
Most clients who complete the Ten-Series find that their initial pain is significantly reduced or resolved. But the real value of Rolfing is the profound functional change that happens next:
- Integrated Strength: You gain access to a new level of integrated strength and stability.
- Improved Movement: You’ll experience more graceful, easier movement in daily life or during athletic activity.
- Enhanced Awareness: You develop a much deeper sense of how you are using your body. This awareness is key to sustaining the changes and preventing the pain from returning.
