Rolfing Structural Integration

Rolfing® Structural Integration is deeply effective hands-on soft tissue work and movement education. Through a series of sessions, we work with your body's inborn tendencies and your compensatory patterns around accidents, sports and work, repetitive movement, trauma, modern sedentary life, etc. In your Rolfing sessions, we'll work together to open, soften, lengthen and balance soft tissue restrictions throughout your body. Every Rolfing session is different and the process is cumulative. Over time, the sessions can add up to create significant and lasting changes.

What are the results of Rolfing? Less pain, less tension, better posture, more flexibility, more body awareness and ease of movement, and/or more access to calm, clear, optimistic mental and emotional states.

Rolfing helps bodies process old experiences and open to new possibilities. Bessel van der Kolk (author of The Body Keeps the Score) says Rolfing has been "the most helpful thing" in his own healing: "...my body was locked in the experience of an asthmatic scared kid. And after getting Rolfed, I lived in a different body." More on that here. 

Rolfing includes your whole body. You have a seamless web of connective tissue (fascia) throughout your body, and this web adapts to the events and actions of your life. Trouble in a specific part of your body is usually part of a pattern that involves the whole body. As a Rolfer, I work with the patterns of connectedness throughout your entire body. 

What does Rolfing feel like? It might be different than you think! 

During and after sessions you can expect positive and pleasant body experiences, including lightness, spaciousness, fluidity, balance, support, and relief, and feeling grounded, calm, vitally alive, relaxed, upright, and connected.

I work with patience and sensitivity, and use a spectrum of touch, from very light to firm and steady. Sensations vary from mild to strong. I continuously track tissue responses, and make subtle adjustments to speed and pressure, creating a welcome and enjoyable experience--one where the body loves what is happening, in a "Finally! I've been wanting this for so long!" kind of way. 

My long answer to "What does Rolfing feel like?" is here.

How many sessions will I need? A traditional Rolfing experience is a series of 10-15 sessions that thoroughly address your entire body. This process is great for a lot of people, and is frequently what we do.  Occasionally, people get what they need with handful of sessions, or even a single session. And some people continue beyond their initial series, getting  occasional tuneups, or settling in to regular, ongoing sessions. 

 You should be able to tell early on (within 1-3 sessions) if Rolfing is a good fit for you. 

What should I wear? For most of each session you will be lying on the table, but sometimes you will be sitting or walking. During the session, I like to be able to see your body and have access to your skin. Women can wear bra and underwear or shorts and a tank top. Men should wear a comfortable pair of gym shorts.

Please reschedule if you have a cold or any other illness, even if mild. Getting a session when you have an illness can be counterproductive, and I prefer to avoid exposure. 

One thing that Rolfing isn't: Rolfing isn't the last or only thing you will need. Lifelong, we all have the ongoing responsibility to act to take good care of our bodies. 

Lastly, our bodies have great reasons for doing what they do. While we work toward more ease and comfort, it's important to remember that our bodies haven't failed. They aren't "doing it wrong." Bodies are constantly being shaped by our movements and experiences. They cope with life's injuries, shocks and losses, with chairs and restrictive footwear, not enough movement, and high everyday stress levels. Tension is one of your body's tools for support and protection, and your body uses it wisely. Bodies are brilliant, and Rolfing works with your body's adaptive genius to help you feel better.