About Rolfing

Behind the Name

It’s called Rolfing after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, a research biochemist from the Bronx who lived 1896-1979. When she developed Rolfing Structural Integration (SI) more than 50 years ago, she first called her method structural integration, and later it became known as Rolfing. Dr. Rolf’s discovery of the importance of the fascial system revolutionized the thinking about the body. The work itself is brilliant, however explaining to someone that you are “A Rolfer” generally comes with a chuckle, and a burning question, “WHAT IS A ROLFING?!

What is Rolfing®?

Rolfing is a hands-on therapy that re-aligns and balances the body by looking at the body as a whole system and not only at the point of discomfort or pain.

“The human body is like a house. It’s structured so that each part has its proper place, and each piece interlocks to balance the load of the others.” -IPR

Pressure by the practitioner, small movements performed by the client and a bit of education to further integrate the work is the combination that makes Rolfing work! This process aims to unwind chronic strain within the entire system and bring the body into alignment by lengthening and reorganizing fascia, our bodies organ of structure. (see what is fascia). This makes living in our bodies whether sitting, standing, or performing daily activities more effortless. Rolfing can create change not only on a structural level (your posture), functional (how you move) but also on an energetic level as well creating a sense of freedom and ease of being!

Rolfers look at the effect of gravity on the body. We live within a gravitational field with a continual pull working against us. The added stress of our daily activities and physical injuries pulls us farther out of alignment creating a losing the battle with gravity one degree at a time. This compressive effect shapes the way we look, move, and feel starting from when we first exit the womb. Rolfing can help you end the war with gravity and help you live effortlessly in it, instead of working against it.

“One of the major distinctions made by Rolfers is the difference between holding and supporting”. -IPR

How can Rolfing help me?

Rolfing has proven successful in helping people by

-Improving mobility following accident or injury
- Improving pain, including chronic back/neck pain, sciatica, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, Carpal tunnel, etc.
- Improving tension headaches
- Revitalize energy
- Improving balance and flexibility, and the inability to find relief in stretching
- Reducing stress, high blood pressure, restricted breathing
- Improving athletic performance
-Improving posture *Rolfing can also help you to stand taller, look thinner and feel younger as we unwind years of stored tension in your body.

This process can be effective for everyone. Young, old, athletic, or sedentary. If you think your body should feel better and move more easily, then Rolfing Structural Integration may be for you!

What is Fascia?

Fascia is the organ of structure- think of a web that covers your entire body going around and throughout muscles and organs. It is a connective tissue known as the organ of structure which is what forms our shape. This explains why trying to correct your posture (‘sit up straight!’) using muscular effort alone tends to be a short-lived and rather uncomfortable position to hold. Our fascial web is pulling against out contracted muscles, exhausting! Luckily, this structure is what Dr. Ida Rolf referred to as “plastic”. (We have all pressed our finger partially through something plastic such as a grocery bag. If you don’t break all the way though you will notice that plastic will take on a shape and stay where you put it. This is much different than the bounce back reaction an elastic rubber band has (or muscle tissue) comprises. As fascia is lengthened it stays put which allows the muscles to move more efficiently and transformational change to take place.

“The human body is so plastic that its alignment can be brought into harmony with gravity at practically any time of life” -IPR

About A Session

What should I expect from a session?

A typical session lasts around 60-75 minutes. Before getting on the table, I like to do a structural and functional analysis such as watching you walk, what happens when you breath and observing your posture. The hands-on work is done on a massage table and may also end with seated back work on a bench. Unlike other forms of bodywork, you will be asked to participate in the process by often changing positions and moving your body in specific ways. This will aid in the effectiveness of the work by allowing it to further integrate into your body. Each session ends with a reassessment to check the progress of our work.

The first session likely will be the longest as we take care of paperwork, learn about your history and anything I need to know to best suit your needs as a client.

How often do I get Rolfing?

Sessions can be anywhere from twice in a week to once a month. You can benefit from only one session however I recommend at least three so that your body can experience a bit more organization and have time to experience the changes.

A full Rolf organization is done within 10 sessions. Referred to as “The Recipe” the ten series is basically a full tune up for your body. It is a systemic approach to aligning your structure; each session builds upon the last and prepares the body for the next. The goal of which is to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body over the course of ten Rolfing sessions.

The structural work itself consists of the practitioner using tools such as knuckles, fingers, and elbows to lengthen the fascia throughout your system and surrounding your muscles. By applying pressure in a very specific way, we can break up the holding patterns in connective tissue that our bodies develop over time that in some cases is literally pinning us down or restricting ways we want to move. When this restricted fascia is released and lengthened in a orderly fashion the body can return to a posture that is efficient and easier to live in.

What do I wear?

A traditional Rolfing uniform is a bra and underwear. This remains entirely appropriate today, however being comfortable during the session is most important. Some additional options include, tank tops/t shirts, shorts, pants that can be easily pulled up, two-piece swimsuits.

Please avoid: Tight running sports bras (they are hard to work with), shorts or pants with bulky pockets, any clothing that is too baggy, and spandex leggings! (Sorry no tight yoga pants)!

*I offer a sheet and or blanket during each session for your comfort.

*Unlike massage, undergarments at the least (including bra) are always worn during sessions.

It is painful?

Rolfing has had a reputation for being painful in the past but in more recent decades it has been found that thorough results can be reached by meeting the client at their available level of tolerance. A Rolfer can adjust their touch in many ways, so their clients are comfortable. Rolfing is very slow which allows us to work at a deep level without causing pain. The Rolfing process is a collaborative process between the client and practitioner, and it is the job of the client to report any feelings of discomfort and for the practitioner to continue to observe their client and check in with them throughout the session. The process sometimes is described as pressure or stretching and can be felt in other areas of the body aside from where the practitioner is touching at that moment. People often report that they experience was not as painful as they expected and was at times very relaxing. Days after a session you may experience temporary discomfort comparable to soreness from exercise in certain areas which will subside as your body integrates the work. The body will continue organizing itself days after a session and you may encounter feelings of shifts/change and ease.