What is a Rolfing session like?
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Rolfing structural integration feels very different from Swedish massage or other forms of bodywork. The work is generally slower and more focused, and often uses more pressure than classical massage. You are expected to be engaged throughout the process, and will be asked to help by making movements, breath work, and paying attention to how you feel. Structural integration is work to help you "tune-in" not "check-out." It like a mix of a great bodywork session, a private movement class, and physical therapy.
The best way to know how it feels is to come in for an intro session. |
Rolfing tunes you in to your body, not out of it.
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Each session starts with an interview and visual assessment. Draping or a sheet covering your body is not used since we need the body to be visible and you will be moving on and off the table. Ideally the abdomen, upper thighs, and shoulders are visible and accessible, although it is most important that you are comfortable. You can wear either short shorts (light running or short soccer shorts are ideal - not compressive yoga shorts or tights) or regular "modest" underwear and, for women, a bra or light straight-strap (not cross-back) sports top.
A typical session includes about 10 minutes of assessment and discussion and about 75 minutes of hands-on bodywork and movement. During the session, you will be asked to stand, to make movements, and walk. Work is mostly done on a table but may also be done seated and standing.
The pressure of the work ranges from very light to very deep depending on your needs. Techniques also are adapted for each client - at some times the work is traditional myofascial work, however I integrate in lighter-touch visceral and neural work and other approaches as appropriate.
A typical session includes about 10 minutes of assessment and discussion and about 75 minutes of hands-on bodywork and movement. During the session, you will be asked to stand, to make movements, and walk. Work is mostly done on a table but may also be done seated and standing.
The pressure of the work ranges from very light to very deep depending on your needs. Techniques also are adapted for each client - at some times the work is traditional myofascial work, however I integrate in lighter-touch visceral and neural work and other approaches as appropriate.
Does Rolfing hurt?
How did Rolfing get the reputation for being a very intense, painful type of work? In the old days some practitioners worked this way, and many people giving or getting bodywork still equate "pain" and "intensity" with deep work and results. The truth is, we can do very deep, even intense work with very light pressure. It's not relax massage - we want you to feel your body! But that doesn't mean that it has to be painful. In fact, many people find it pleasant or even like it more than massage. You will generally feel stretch of tight tissue and sensation ("a good burn") at some points but not throughout the session, and pressure and sensation are always adjusted for where you are. [For those who like more pressure - we can also do subtle work with very direct and deep pressure.] .