Rolfing™Structural Integration Q&A

Considering a Rolfing™Structural Integration ​Ten Series for your wellness initiatives? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Rolfing™Structural Integration. If you have a specific question that isn't handled here, please feel free to contact me!

1. How long are the sessions?

Allow an hour and half for your first session and 75~90 min for following appointments. Rolfers™ determine session length depending on your goals, the intensity of the day’s work, health history, client energy level and ability to integrate work. These are just a few of the factors that a Rolfer™ considers when meeting with a client, in each and every session.

2. What should I wear to a session?

Most clients receive work in their undergarments. Briefs are best for men; traditional panties and bra work well for women. If you are not comfortable with this stage of undress, a two piece bathing suit or a pair of short,cotton gym shorts is a good choice.

We can work with a variety of clothing, but please keep the following in mind:

・You must be comfortable. Unlike massage, Rolfing™ requires you to get up from the table and walk around periodically.

・Clothing should not pinch or bind. If you can lie on the table and pull one knee to your chest without resistance, you are in good shape.

・Clothing should allow us to view and work your upper legs, mid-back and neck.

What Not to wear

・ Fragrance. Many clients are highly-sensitive to smells. Even pleasant ones. Sorry to ask, but please refrain from wearing perfume or cologne when you come for a session.

・Moisturizer, lotion or oils. Lotion on your skin makes it difficult to manipulate tissue layers effectively. The day of your session, it is helpful if you refrain from applying any type of moisturizer (or oil, especially) that does not completely absorb into your skin.

3. What is the Rolfing™ Ten Series?

The Rolfing™ Ten-Series is a program for balancing the body. Each session has certain goals and areas of the body to be addressed, while still attending to the larger goals of the client. The first three sessions work on superficial layers of the body, softening and opening the outermost layers. The next four sessions work with deeper structures reorganizing the postural muscles in individual sections, De-rotating and vertically aligning the body. The last three sessions work to integrate the whole body, creating an overall experience of increased movement with less stress.

4. Do I have to get Ten Sessions?

If you are new to Rolfing™ or haven't yet tried the program, we recommend going through the basic ten series program. Rolfing™ is a process of restoring and regaining the essence of the body from the foundation. As a metaphor - Your house will collapse without a nice, solid foundation, and the same works for your body. The Rolfing™ ten series addresses different areas of the body in each session, compounding and integrating the effects in the final session. If you haven’t decided to take the ten series, taking the first three sessions is a good introduction to Rolfing™. These sessions focus on the surface layers, preparing the body for deeper work. They can also be of benefit by themselves.

5. How does Rolfing™ help Athletes and Performers?

Many athletes and performers use Rolfing to help them perform better on the playing field or on stage. Whether you are a professional athlete or just wanting to stay in shape, Rolfing can assist you to become better at what you do. Professional baseball and basketball players and even Olympic skiers have used Rolfing as a tool to help them compete. Professional dancers and musicians also use Rolfing to help keep their bodies free and mobile for their concerts and performances.

6. How can Rolfing™ help with stress?

Stress within a body can make a person feel like they are all tied up in knots. Rolfing can help untie those knots by slowly unwinding each end and working deeply to the center. It helps ease the weight of the world off of your shoulders by creating a freer support structure to carry your load.

7. What makes Rolfing™SI different from Massage?

If you are looking for relaxing and releasing session, there are many types of massages. Rolfing™ Structural Integration is of benefit for people who want to reshape, reorganize and integrate your body and learn how to use this restored body functionally and effectively. “It is not like traditional massage. It is a little bit massage combine with exercises. Range of motion just moving one direction or the other practitioner works on you and it allows getting deeper into muscles.” – Ann, Vancouver BC

8. Does Rolfing™ hurt?

Rolfers™ utilize a variety of techniques (from very direct, to gentle), but It is not necessary to get hurt, and also depends on the session. Although people often experience pressure, they say,”It hurts, but its a good one.” Those who receive gentle sessions often say, “It doesn't hurt, but it’s really deep.”

9. I’m tired from chronic pain. Does Rolfing™ help?

Many of my clients come to see me because they are tired from chronic pain, tension and have tried several types of body work but didn’t get benefit or the effect didn’t last them long term. Rolfing™ is not only helping your recovery, but also progresses your health state. I often see my clients get back to an active life and start doing movement classes, hiking, etc…after the ten-series.