FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between Rolfing and massage?
The goals of Rolfing and massage are dif-ferent. The goals of massage, among other things, are: relaxation, stress relief and pain relief. Massage does not attempt to improve your posture and structure in the service of these goals.
The goals of Rolfing are to improve your posture and structure. Rolfing gets at the root causes of pain and loss of function. In addition, you will gain greater awareness of the things you are doing which contribute to your discomfort and easily learn healthier ways to inhabit your body. Chronic stresses, strains and dis-comforts should disappear as you heal yourself through the Rolfing process. You can look forward to results that are visible, measur-able and long-lasting.
How do I know if Rolfing is right for me?
Rolfing is right for you if you have postural problems, injuries and/or chronic discomforts that interfere with daily activities. You may have already tried several other therapeutic interventions with dis-appointing results. If you want to feel better in your body and easily learn healthier ways to us your body, Rolfing is right for you.
You will probably have a strong feeling that Rolfing is right for you before you make your first appointment. However, if you are won-dering about it and are still unsure, the best way to find out is to try one session. There is no obligation to continue with the series if you decide that Rolfing is not appropriate for you.
Rolfing is not appropriate for you if you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, you have a highly unstable spinal condition that requires surgery, you have unhealed bone fractures, or are in need of immediate medical attention.
Does Rolfing hurt?
Some people hesitate to try Rolfing because they worry it might be too painful. When we think of pain we often think of damaging impacts we have experienced. In fact, many of us are already suf-fering from this kind of pain.
Rolfing does not inflict this pain. On the contrary, Rolfing helps to relieve the suffering we experience from this kind of pain.
The perception of pain varies greatly from person to person. You will enter the Rolfing process with your own unique tolerance level. For this reason, I have learned many different techniques for maintaining your comfort. In addition, it is important for us to have open communication concerning your comfort to ensure the appro-priate amount of pressure is used at all times.
Rolfing is, at times, relaxing and pleasurable, at other times, some-what uncomfortable. However, this discomfort is brief and associ-ated with the release of deep, chronic tension, rather than the ex-perience of harm. I will always adjust the quality of touch to your tolerance. You will most likely find Rolfing to be less uncomfortable than expected and, as an added benefit, you may achieve a higher level of pain tolerance as you move through the series.
What do I need to know before my first session?
It is important that you refrain from us-ing lotion or body oil before your Rolfing session.
I will ask you to stand and walk peri-odically during your session. Please wear underwear that you feel comfortable being seen in. Jockey type briefs are best for men and everyday underwear and bras are best for women. If you feel uncomfortable being seen in your underwear, you may wear lightweight jogging shorts with built-in underwear and women may wear jog bras. Do not wear long, thick or tight fitting shorts.
At the beginning of your first session I will ask you to fill out a brief form concerning any health issues you may have, as well as your goals for the Rolfing process. We will have time to discuss any questions you may have. Then I will ask you to stand and move so we can analyze your posture and determine the goals of the session.
Each session will last approximately 60-75 minutes and will end with a second postural analysis so we can notice how you ex-perience the session. You can expect to feel lighter, taller, more aligned, more grounded, relaxed and/or energized after a Rolfing session.
Although many people feel invigorated after their first session, you may feel a bit tired. You may also feel somewhat sore during the following day, like after a vigorous workout. Although it is not necessary, you may want to consider keeping your evening free after your first session and to have a physically light day the next day.
