Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rolfing® hurt?
There is a common misconception about Rolfing being painful; in-fact, most people find the Rolfing experience very relaxing and comfortable. There are, however, several factors determine the potential level of comfort or discomfort during a Rolfing session. One is the degree of trauma in a particular body structure and its associated structures. Another is how long fascial distortions have been in the body. Long-term distortions create more difficult and widespread compensatory patterns, which may require more sustained pressure to release. Yet another factor is the degree of emotional charge associated with an area of injury or strain. Rolfing includes the client in active participation in the therapeutic process. By working together, we will determine what is the most comfortable and beneficial process for you. At no time should you ever feel pain or discomfort beyond your tolerance level.


How is Rolfing different from Chiropractic?
Chiropractic therapy tends to focus on bone alignment and individual joints, and typically uses high velocity thrusting methods. Rolfing, involves slower sustained pressures and manipulations of deeper connective tissues that surround and support bones and joints. The goal is to achieve balanced tension and support which allows the bones and joints to fall back into their proper alignment naturally.

How is Rolfing different from massage?
Most massage techniques focus on relaxing the body through superficial repeated strokes on the muscles. While a very skilled massage therapist can provide some relief to chronic and acute pain, massage does not intend to change structural and functional patterns to alleviate the source of pain. Rolfing uses more defined and deeper manipulative techniques to bring the entire body into better alignment and function. Unlike massage, Rolfing requires clients to be actively involved during sessions by providing feedback, performing specific movements, and noticing sensations.


Do the changes from Rolfing last?
Yes. Photos show the changes from Rolfing to be long lasting. Modifications to our alignment and usage patterns, such as sitting, standing, and walking, help the body maintain its new structure. The nature of Rolfing is to work with the body, not on it; this allows clients to take ownership of the body's new structure.


Do I have to commit to an extended series of sessions?
No. While Rolfing is most effective in the context of a series, it is not always necessary. A series of at least ten sessions gives the Rolfer an opportunity to fully address the entire body and the way it works as a whole unit. Our bodies did not shape into their patterns overnight so it does take some time to reverse a lifetime of bumps, bruises, poor posture and inefficient body usage. The best way to determine how many Rolfing sessions you may require is to meet with me for a free consultation. Additionally, you can end your sessions at any time if you feel you are not receiving benefit.

Can children benefit from Rolfing?
In addition to correcting structural patterns, Rolfing can serve as a preventative measure to reverse potentially problematic patterns in children. One of the things children learn from watching us is how we carry ourselves. They will naturally imitate their parent's language, movement and other modes of expression. Some of the childhood structural patterns that respond well to Rolfing are scoliosis, pigeon toes, knocked-knees, rounded legs, poor posture, and even general adolescent growing pains. Work with children is always gentle and comfortable and rarely requires the time that adult bodies do. Sessions for children are usually shorter and offered at a reduced rate.


How often should I come?
Most people find once a week to be a beneficial and convenient time frame.  Up to three weeks between sessions is fine in most cases.


What should I wear?
Because I need to see your body's structure before, during, and after the session, most clients, both men and women, go through the sessions in their regular underwear. However, we want you to feel comfortable, so gym shorts and sports bras are also fine (the less area of the back the sports bra takes up the better). Once you are on the table, you can have a sheet or blanket to cover up with if you wish.


How long are Rolfing sessions?
Appointments typically last an hour and fifteen minutes. Initial visits often run longer to take time for a detailed health history and general questions.


How much does it cost?
The rate is $110 per session. Payments can be made by cash at time of service. Credit cards are not accepted.

Does insurance cover Rolfing?
I do not bill insurance. Payment must be made at time of service. If you qualify for coverage with your provider, a receipt will be provided for insurance reimbursement. Insurance providers that cover alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage will often cover Rolfing.  Diagnostic and treatment history can also be provided to your approved provider if required. Rolfing is covered by FLEX and other OP plans.

Who invented Rolfing?
Rolfing® Structural Integration is named after Dr. Ida P. Rolf. She began her inquiry more than fifty years ago, devoting her energy to creating a holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organized the whole body in gravity; she eventually named this system Structural Integration. Dr. Rolf discovered that she could achieve remarkable changes in posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofascial system. "Rolfing" is the nickname that many clients and practitioners gave this work, and it is now a registered service mark in 27 countries.