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 a client's posture and structure in the service of these goals.
The goals of Rolfing are to improve the posture and structure of the client. Rolfing gets at the root causes of pain and loss of function. In addition, it helps clients gain greater awareness of the things they are doing which contribute to their discomfort and helps them find healthier ways to inhabit their bodies. Chronic stresses, strains and discomforts typically disappear as clients transform themselves through the Rolfing process. Rolfing achieves results that are visible, measurable and long-lasting.
How do I know if Rolfing is right for me?
Rolfing clients have postural problems, injuries and/or chronic dis-comforts that interfere with daily activities. Often, clents have tried several other therapeutic interventions with disappointing results. Rolfing clients want to feel differently in their bodies and learn how to use their bodies in healthier ways.
Most people know that Rolfing is right for them before they make their first appointment. If you inquire and are still unsure, the best way to find out is to try one session. There is no obligation to con-tinue 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, if you have a highly unstable spinal condition that requires surgery, if you have unhealed bone fractures, or are in need of immediate medical attention.
Does Rolfing hurt?
Some people hesitate to try Rolfing because it has a reputation for being painful. When people think of pain they often think of damaging impacts they have experi-enced. In fact, most Rolfing clients are already suffering from this kind of pain.
The perception of pain varies greatly from person to person. Clients enter the Rolfing process with different tolerance levels. For this reason, I have learned many different techniques for maintaining client comfort. In addition, I believes it is important to have open communication between client and practitioner so the appropriate amount of pressure is used at all times.
Rolfing is, at times, relaxing and pleasurable, at other times, somewhat uncomfortable. However, this discomfort is brief and associated with the release of deep, chronic tension, rather than the experience of harm. The quality of touch is constantly adjusted to the tolerance level of each client. Most clients find Rolfing to be less uncomfortable than expected and they typically achieve a greater level of pain tolerance as they 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 are 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 you will be asked to fill out a brief form concerning any health issues you may have, as well as your goals for the Rolfing process. I will discuss these with you and answer any questions you may have. Then I will ask you to stand and move so I can analyze your posture and we can determine the goals of the session.
Each session will last approximately 60-75 minutes and will end with a second postural analysis in order to make note of the changes made during the session. Clients typically report feeling lighter, taller, more aligned, more grounded, relaxed and/or ener-gized after a Rolfing session.
Occasionally, clients feel tired after the first session. Some clients may feel somewhat sore during the following day, like after a vigor-ous workout at the gym. For these reasons, it may be appropriate to schedule some quiet time the evening after the first session and to have a physically light day the next day.
