1. What is ROLFING?

ROLFING is a system of fascial manipulation which allows the body to align itself so it is vertical in the field of gravity. The process organizes and balances the whole person by softening and lengthening the brittle and contracted tissue that has been made less flexible and tight by age, accidents, surgery, or psychological trauma.

2. What is fascia?

Fascia is a three-dimensional web-like elastic tissue that gives our bodies shape.  It surrounds and permeates muscles, bones, organs and blood vessels.  When healthy, it is pliable and slippery.  This allows the tissues to slide easily when we move.  When fascia thickens of hardens, it puts tension on  joints and other muscles which produces compensation, imbalance and less freedom in movement.

3.  What does the Rolfer do? 

The Rolfer, in a series of ten sessions, uses his hands to order, manipulate and soften the hardened fascial areas.  Each session has a different focus.  The purpose is to soften the old inhibited order and introduce the client to another order which benefits posture and movement. 

4. Isn't that painful?

No more so than living with poor posture which forces adaptations while standing or moving.  This discomfort or fear of letting go of tight, painful areas is immediately replaced by a feeling of lightness and more mobility. 

5.  Do I have to do all the sessions all at once? 

Each person has their own pace: whether every week, every other week, once a month or in doing several sessions and then stopping for a while.  You and your Rolfer can work together on what is the most comfortable pace.  It is important to remember that this is a system of working with the body and some areas will not feel "right" between sessions.  This is because a new balance is being experienced, and your body needs time to adjust.

6.  Will this fix the pain in my neck, back, migraines, arthritis etc.? 

The intent of ROLFING is to balance and organize the structure.  There is then less stress or strain needed to stand or move.  The loosening of fascia also creates space in the ribcage and abdominal area which allows our internal organs to function with less pressure.  So, while it does not appear that symptoms are being dealt with immediately, order and balance does relieve them and the frequently disappear altogether.

7.  Just ten sessions will do all that? 

Yes, ten sessions can create dramatic change which is demonstrated in the photos of your sessions. There is also an advanced series and some people like getting an extra session or tune-up.

8.  How long have people been ROLFING?  Who started it? 

Ida Rolf, who had a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, originated the work and started teaching it in the 60's.  Originally this revolutionary method of aligning the body was called "structural integration". Now there are 13 schools that teach a form of structural integration,  the Rolf Institute being the oldest. Be sure you choose a practitioner that has passed the exam developed by the International Assocation of Structural Integration, which is an organizing body that assures your practitoner has had adequate training in this technique.

9.  Why haven't I heard of it before? 

The training and selection of Rolfers is a rather selective process and currently there are 2000 Rolfers in the world.  The international headquarters and school is in Boulder, Colorado , so only in the last few decades has the work been researched, refined, and more schools expanded.

10.  Does insurance cover this? 

Each insurance policy differs.  In some cases, with a     physician's prescription, ROLFING has been covered.   You need to check your policy.

Advanced Rolfing- An advanced rolfer takes additonal courses to learn to work with the connective tissue around your organs and central nervous system.

Rolfing Movement- Do you turn your head with your face or do you use your whole head?  Do you pull your body up from a chair with your shoulders, or do you push with your knees or feet? Movement work studies how you move. If you move inefficiently we change it.  Primitive and postural reflexes are the basis for all our movement and the developement of our muscular tone.  Part of the way I do movement work is to address the reflexes that have persisted when they shouldn't have, or not arisen when they should have, which contributes to poor movement patterns.

Sensory Integration-If you find that noises are too noisy and smells are too strong, touch is irritating or that your eyes are bothered by flourescent lights, you may have sensory processing problems.  These problems contribute to your overall level of pain and stress, and can be treated with some simple activities that involve touch and movement.  Many times people do not know that this is a problem, much less that it can be treated and that it is contributing to their neck pain, or other kinds of pain. 

Quotes from clients: 

Rolfing is like when the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz gets his stuffing back in and he stands up.  A.Y., Oak Park

 Rolfing is listening to your body, and having your therapist listen too.  M.A.S

Rolfing is the dream I've been waiting for!!  It's bringing the mind back to the connection with the physical body-opening pathways for intense healing!!  The onion is shrinking!  Maribeth, Oak Park.