Rolfing Sessions

Rolfing® typically consists of about ten sessions. Each session usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Sessions are usually spaced one to two weeks apart. Each session builds upon the results of the previous session and prepares the body for the next. In this method, major segments of the body such as the feet, legs, pelvic girdle, shoulder girdle, and neck and back are addressed so that a natural order of alignment can be achieved. Additional attention is given to areas of special concern or injury. Each Ten Series is different and based upon the needs of each individual client.

While Rolfing is most effective in the context of a series, it is not always necessary. The series gives the Rolfer an opportunity to fully address the entire body and the way it works as a whole unit. The best way to determine how many Rolfing sessions you may require is to meet with me for a free consultation.

The Ten Series

First Session - The purpose of the first session is to systematicly release tension in the fascial sheath that lies at a layer just beneath the skin. There is concentration on the upper thoracic region relieving tension between the shoulder girdle and ribs. This will dramaticly free up breathing. Additional attention is on the upper legs between the knees and the pelvis, lengthening the iliotibial band and the hamstrings. The session like all subsequent sessions ends with integrative work at the neck and back. Most clients will feel a sense of lengthening and openness in their whole structure and also feel greater ease and expanse of respiration.

Second Session - The second session is focused on the legs and the feet. The legs and feet are the foundation of our entire body's structure in gravity. The primary goal of this session is to bring this foundation into proper alignment in standing and walking and better be able to support the changes in alignment that will happen in the upper body in subsequent sessions. After this session, clients will feel a better sense of grounding and motion in the feet and legs.

Third Session - This session deals with the "lateral line" from the head of the humerus, or upper arm down to the knees. The purpose of this work is to bring into alignment the structures on the sides of the body such as the shoulders, ribs, pelvis, and hips. After this session, clients will feel a sense of vertical alignment and a better differentiation of the parts of the upper body and lower. This is also the last of the first three superficial sessions. The fourth session begins work in the "core" of the body's deeper structures.

Fourth Session - This session represents a change in focus. Attention is now directed toward the body's deeper core structures. These structures hold fascial planes closer to the midline. The midline is the vertical center which alignment is defined. Work is along the inside of the legs from the feet to the pelvis. Additional work may be done on the medial hamstrings and buttocks. Like the first three sessions, this session ends with integrative work at the neck and back. After this session clients will feel an increased sense of openness in their pelvis and more freedom of movement in the legs and abdomen.

Fifth Session - This session is really a continuation of the fourth. Focus is on abdominal muscles and the deep hip flexors such as the iliopsoas. This is often the most important session and also provides the most significant change in structure. In this session, the client begins to fully understand the holistic nature of the series.

Sixth Session - For each session in the series, there is some focus on the pelvis. A properly aligned pelvis is the key to a properly aligned body. For this session though, there is very specific focus on fascial planes and muscles such as the lateral rotators and hip flexors deep in the pelvis. In this session, clients begin to gain a real sense of symmetrical alignment with the pelvis and the structures above and below that connect to it. Like all sessions, this session ends with integrative work at the neck and back.

Seventh Session - The entire focus of the seventh session is to balance the head and neck on the spine. Connective tissues of the neck, cranium and face are opened. This will help relax muscles of the face and improve breathing. The upper body will be in better balance with the lower body through the spine from the cranium to the pelvic floor.

Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Session - In each of the first seven sessions in the series, attention is focused on a particular part, structure, or local region of the body. Each session intending to bring its part into vertical alignment with other parts. In these final three sessions, we begin to integrate all of the structures into a cohesive unit in proper vertical alignment and function. Special attention will be made to proper movement and tracking of the joints and limbs. Much of the work will be done in standing and sitting and while in motion, with the goal of fluid, well defined movement with efficient effort.

Post Ten, Tune-up, and Movement Sessions

After completing the initial Rolfing Ten Series, many clients choose to continue receiving sessions.

Post Ten Sessions - These sessions are meant to build upon the initial Ten Series. These sessions are typically completed a few months to a year after completing the initial Ten Series. In this way the full effects of the Ten Series will have been realized, and if needed, some structures in the body can benefit from additional work.

Tune-up Sessions - While the effects of the initial Ten Series will last many years, even a lifetime, Tune-up sessions are perfect for maintainining maximum flexibility, alignment, and balance. These types of sessions can also be perfect for addressing chronic repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica.

Movement Sessions - These sessions focus on using the balance and alignment gained in the initial Ten Series to better improve balance and support for action in the gravitational field. The results are increased grace, fluidity, and ease in movement. Rolf Movement sessions can also be completed during the Ten Series.