Does Rolfing hurt?

Rolfing often addresses very deep layers of holding and tension. These denser layers of tissue can be released without creating pain by working slowly and matching the direction of the tissue. It is counterproductive to work on someone who is wincing and tensing up. Often tissue does not really need much pressure to change.

At times clients say that my work is just on the border of pleasure and pain but that it is nothing compared to their chronic pain. Only a few areas of the body that are being addressed in a session are usually sensitive. People who like deeper work often need deeper work to change; others will change with less pressure.

Do the changes last?

Studies done by the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado show that even after ten years the changes from the ten sessions of Rolfing are still present. Since the basic series addresses patterns accumulated since childhood and past injuries you have had, you won't recreate that history again.

The more one embraces the movement aspect of this work the more they will be able to maintain the changes from Rolfing and Aston-Patterning, as they will be able to change the stressful way they perform many of their daily activities. I have found that even after many years, it is easier to reach deeper layers of tissue on people who have been Rolfed because their fascia remains more resilient and elastic.

How do I maintain the changes?

I believe a person should create a self-maintenance program involving movement and/or exercise for many reasons, including maintaining good body alignment. People who like Rolfing and feel they benefited from the basic series will benefit by receiving a few sessions a year, often a series of three sessions close together is good. Some people with more complex or chronic problems (like scoliosis or severe arthritis) may need more work.

There is also an advanced series of five sessions developed by Dr. Rolf that is best done at least a year after the original series. Sometimes people will want to continue with Aston-Patterning sessions to improve their movement skills, especially if there is a specific activity they want help with. I encourage people to pursue other movement work; such as Feldenkreis, Body-Mind, Centering, Yoga and many other forms.

How frequently should sessions occur?

Once a week or every other week is most ideal. I like to do a session every week up to the seventh session and the last three sessions every other week. In Rolfing school, clients receive two sessions a week and sometimes I will do that, but then I like to do the eighth, ninth, and tenth sessions a week apart. This is not good for everyone, as it takes some people more time to integrate each session.

How long are sessions? How will I feel after a session?

Sessions usually last for about an hour and a half. I include some movement education with every session. Sometimes people get very energized after a session (they're experiencing "lift"), or very tired (they are surrendering to gravity). It is best not to eat right before a session.

Can I receive other bodywork while I'm doing this?

It is probably better not to receive any other form of deep tissue work during the basic series. Often Rolfing and Aston-Patterning will make it easier for your regular massage therapist to work on you after the series is done. Rolfing compliments chiropractic, osteopathy and other therapies.

Can I perform my regular exercise?

Regular exercise is usually OK, but it’s probably better not to run the Boston Marathon or try out for the Olympics until after your series is over. Sometimes during a series, your balance and coordination are shifting with your body as your structure changes. Athletic performance should improve after a series of Rolfing and Aston-Patterning.

It’s also not a good idea for someone to spend a week moving pianos or painting their entire house while in the middle of a series. Going for walks can actually help integrate the changes from the sessions.