frequently asked questions

You have a seamless web of connective tissue (fascia) throughout your body. This fascial system is vitally alive and responsive, relaying information through the body and adapting to the events and actions of your life. Rolfers work with the pathways of fascia, and the relationships between different parts of your body. We take a holistic view, and see that rouble in a specific part of your body is usually part of a pattern that involves the whole body. Every Rolfing session is different and the process is cumulative. Over time, the sessions can add up to create significant and lasting changes.

You can find information on the science and research about fascia here. 

Experiencing a session is the best way to know. Most people can tell right away if Rolfing is a good fit. And for most people who come in, it is a great fit!

You can come to Rolfing for wellness or high performance, but most people are motivated to come in because something hurts, or is distressing, or preoccupying, or is taking a lot of energy and attention to cope with, or is keeping them from doing something they want to do. People are experiencing things like:

• are uncomfortable or tense.
• have pains and strains that aren’t resolving.
• have an injury that is “healed” but still doesn’t feel ok.
• can't comfortably do work, workout or hobby anymore.
• feel stuck.
• are unable to relax.
• have anxiety, or “don’t feel like myself”, after a stressful time or significant event.
• feel like their body is holding tension from difficult life experiences.

...and more. See additional scenarios here.

Something will change for you in every session. How many sessions you'll have depends on your goals and what’s happening in your body.

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.

Some people get what they need with handful of sessions, or even a single session. 

Many people will get occasional tune-ups after their initial series. 

Some people find the work to be continuously supportive, and settle in regular, ongoing sessions. 

Sometimes a  Rolfing series is just the beginning. When the bracing in the body stems from from early trauma, our task is helping the nervous system learn to regulate (something it did not get to do when young). Fortunately, this is very possible, but it does take time. 

Skilled Rolfers use a spectrum of touch, from very light to firm and steady. Sensations vary from mild to strong, and should always feel genuinely welcome. I continuously track tissue responses, and make subtle adjustments to speed and pressure—creating a welcome and enjoyable experience, even with deep pressure. 

People commonly say that Rolfing feels great, like the body is finally getting the kind of contact it has been wanting. If sensations ever become something that is not truly welcome, I will change my touch. There are many ways to make contact, and it is very important to give your body an experience it genuinely wants to receive. 

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.  

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

During the session, I like to be able to see your body and have direct 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. For most of each session you will be lying on the table, but sometimes you will be sitting or walking.