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What is Rolfing®? How does Rolfing® work? How often are the sessions and how should they be spaced? What is the cost? Does insurance cover Rolfing®? How is Rolfing® different from massage? What happens after the 10 session series®? I have heard Rolfing® hurts, what about pain? What do I wear? Do you take pictures? Who gets Rolfed? |
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What is Rolfing®? Rolfing® was developed by Ida P. Rolf, Ph. D. She originally called the technique Structural Integration, but for obvious reasons, the term Rolfing® came into popular usage. Now, the term Rolfing® and Rolfer® are registered service marks of the Rolf Institute. Dr. Rolf obtained her Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1920 from Columbia University. In the 1930s, Dr. Rolf was unsatisfied with available medical treatment and explored alternative methods. By the 1940s, she had begun to develop her own technique and helped many chronically disabled people. She further refined her technique and ultimately wound up with the 10 sessions series. The series is designed to help an individual be more organized around a central vertical line, or more simply, to stand and sit straighter with less muscle effort. Although this is a whole body approach, each session works with a different part of the body. The sessions build on one another and each has a specific goals. The ultimate goal, of course, is a more vertical, balanced physical structure. How does Rolfing® work? The medium through which Rolfers® work is the connective tissue or fascia. Think of removing the skin from a chicken. As you do so, there is a white filmy layer between the skin and the meat. This is the superficial fascia of the chicken. We also have a superficial layer of connective tissue beneath our skin and also deeper within out bodies. It is wrapped around muscles, between organs, and is sometimes quite thick to provide support in such places as the low back and the bottoms of the feet. Over time, secondary to physical trauma, emotional stress, poor postural habits, and/or the effects of gravity, the connective tissue may become less resilient and flexible. It may even start feeling tough and hard. This usually happens more locally and, like dominoes falling, other parts of the body may become involved. Something as simple as a sprained ankle may precipitate these changes. For example, if the ankle is sprained, the individual limps for awhile so other joints are subtly off balance, the fascia starts changing to adapt to the limp and voila, restrictions and imbalance occur. During Rolfing®, pressure is applied to the appropriate layer of fascial restriction, via fingers, knuckles, and elbow. Rolfers® believe that the fascia responds to the pressure, thinning out where it has become thick, returning to where it belongs if it has moved, and the structure changes accordingly. How often are the sessions and how should they be spaced? Sessions last on average 60 to 90 minutes. Most people get Rolfed once a week but because of scheduling difficulties, some come every other week or even once a month. What is the cost? Does insurance cover Rolfing®? I charge $90 a session. No, insurance does not cover Rolfing®. How is Rolfing® different from massage? Rolfing® works more with the connective tissue and is attempting to balance and change an individual's structure. Massage works more with the muscular system for relaxation, enhanced circulation, and stress release. What happens after the 10 session series®? After an individual has had the initial 10 series, it is suggested that he/she avoid any further deep structural work for 6 months to 1 year. This is to allow the body to continue the changes initiated in these first sessions. The 10 series is usually not repeated. The changes that occur in Rolfing® are long lasting and some people do not feel the need for further work. We do, however, live our lives and accidents often happen or we injure ourselves through repetitive motions. Therefore, imbalances often continue to occur and a person may then choose to recieve more work in terms of single sessions, a 3 session series, or a 5 session series. The 5 session series is known as advanced work and only a certified advanced Rolfer® can perform it. These tune ups, or refreshers, should be spaced several months apart. It is possible to have too much Rolfing®, thereby not allowing the body ample time to accommodate to the new change. Most practitioners encourage their clients to use what they have learned and avoid depending on the Rolfer®. I have heard Rolfing® hurts, what about pain? Any pain experienced during Rolfing® is usually because the underlying tissue has been tight and tense for a long time. Problem areas may be uncomfortable and other areas may feel good as they are released. The Rolfer® needs to be attuned to each individuals tolerance and work with that person to achieve the goals of the work. The Rolfer® and Rolfee will get best results if they work as a team. Usually, any discomfort felt is experienced only during the session, not after. What do I wear? Do you take pictures? Rolfing® is best done in underclothes or a bathing suit. Sports bras compared to regular bras are not optimal because they cover too much of the upper back. I do take pictures before and after session 1, after session 5 and 10. These pictures are for the client to see the changes. The pictures are the property of the client. Who gets Rolfed? The majority of people decide to get Rolfed because of chronic aches and pains that have not responded to other treatment. Others come because they would like to stand and sit straighter and have difficulty doing it on their own. Another group of people decide to undergo the series to gain more flexibility, a more balanced posture, and a greater ease of movement and breathing capacity. This last group are usually interested in enhancing athletic performance. |
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Kim Tillen Hicks
phone: 248-685-0405 mobile: 248-310-4968 email: kthicks@lettherebebalance.com |
