Question 1

What is Rolfing Structural Integration?

Accepted Answer

Named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing Structural Integration is a form of bodywork that reorganizes the connective tissues, called fascia, that permeate the entire body.
More than fifty years ago, Dr. Rolf recognized that the body is inherently a system of seamless networks of tissues rather than a collection of separate parts. These connective tissues surround, support and penetrate all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Rolfing Structural Integration works on this web-like complex of connective tissues to release, realign and balance the whole body, thus potentially resolving discomfort, reducing compensations and alleviating pain. Rolfing SI aims to restore flexibility, revitalize your energy and leave you feeling more comfortable in your body.
Essentially, the Rolfing process enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, thus enhancing postural efficiency and your freedom of movement.
 
Learn more at https://www.rolf.org/rolfing.php

Question 2

How does a typical Journey 10 Rolfing session go?

Accepted Answer

In an Introductory session, we will start with going over your client intake form. This helps us get a good understanding of your goals and where I can come in as the practitioner to help you. Then we will utilize a short structural & movement video analysis of you to see where your structure currently stands and where we can implement more support. We will go over your video together! This is also great to have so you can see your results. Think of it as adding to your "body baby book". You might not like what you see when you start out but when you look back you will be very proud of the journey you come to experience and how we can enhance you!
 
Next, we start the work on the table. In the first few sessions, the client will learn how to be Rolfed and this usually entails the practitioner asking the client for more breath in order to open up their body, letting go of conscious holdings, and asking for movement to further manipulate tissue. As your practitioner, you will find that I'm big into educating.

We will use every session to educate you on your body. Your body encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic. Your structural experience is connected to all of those. I will be asking you to check in with yourself at the beginning and end of each session. Sometimes if we are working with a specific piece, I will ask you to get up off the table to experience yourself and the changes. Taping into those changes and yourself can look like exploring - what you are noticing with your body positioning, changes in range of motion, how you are feeling emotionally, general report, etc. This will evolve as we work together.
 
For those interested in following a 'Ten Series' format. Your sessions will be different in the way that the sessions follow a recipe that builds support and space in the body over 10 sessions. In my opinion, it's a beautiful process to go through, highly effective, and very fascinating for the client to see and feel their results in a pre-laid out and proven process/experience.

Question 3

What attire should I wear to a session?

Accepted Answer

I like to call this your Rolfing uniform.

Your comfort is essential.

Here are some suggested possibilities for what to wear to sessions: 
Women – running shorts and a bra, two piece bathing suit or underwear.
Men – running shorts, underwear.

*If you happen to forget your uniform. Then we will work with what we have . We can drape sheets / provide privacy as needed.

Question 4

Is myofascial release painful?

Accepted Answer

Rolfing used to have a reputation of being painful. This has proven to be a myth! In my practice, your level of comfort and working with your nervous system is of utmost importance. Communication is a key ingredient in sessions. Most clients report that the work feels like satisfying deep pressure that usually leads to a sense of ease or release. While the work can sometimes be quite direct and deep, we find a way to navigate that and always respect your level of comfort.

You will also find that we work in layers. We first have to open up the first available layer before we go deeper into the next. You will find your body's perception shifts as we work through the layers and gain awareness of what is there. So what might have been uncomfortable initially, won't be uncomfortable further down the road. Think of yourself like an onion!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is Rolfing Structural Integration?

How does a typical Journey 10 Rolfing session go?

What attire should I wear to a session?

Is myofascial release painful?