What to Expect

What does a first session look like?

Typically, a first session is scheduled for 90 minutes and begins by going over your intake form.  We'll discuss your desires, physical history, and how you're currently doing.  This is also the time when I'll answer any questions you have about Rolfing.  Next, I'll assess your body's structure while standing, walking, or sitting down.  Based on the assessment and your desires, I'll create a treatment plan for the session.  The rest of the session will be hands-on, which resembles massage but focuses on creating structural change rather than relaxation.  Finally, we'll finish with education, teaching you restorative body positions and simple strengthening movements to do at home that will amplify the effects of our work together.

What do I wear?

Common clothing options are underwear or shorts with a sports bra or tank top for females and underwear or shorts for males.

Avoid wearing spandex shorts or pants as Rolfing is done with skin-to-skin contact.  They make it challenging to get the proper contact needed for Rolfing.  Cotton or cotton-poly blends work well.

Avoid wearing lotions or oils.  The type of touch used in Rolfing relies on the natural friction between practitioner and client to effectively release tension and work through fascial layers.

What is Rolfing?

Rolfing is a hands-on holistic therapy used to align the body within gravity.  When the body is aligned in gravity, it's able to relax and remain upright with less tension and greater ease.  Rolfing is known for the 10-Series, a set of ten sessions designed to transform the entire connective tissue network in the body. This holistic approach, developed by Dr. Ida Rolf, aims to relieve pain, improve alignment, and create more ease in movement. Many people experience Rolfing as a release of deep, previously unnoticed tension.

How does Rolfing differ from massage?

Rolfers are trained to notice and transform the structural aspects that are contributing to pain, tension, and discomfort.  Rolfers create individualized treatment plans tailored to each client's speicfic needs.  

While both Rolfing and massage involve physical manipulation, Rolfing focuses on long-term structural changes rather than immediate relaxation. It works on connective tissues to release stuck tissues, improve posture, and shift habitual patterns.  Rolfing involves client participation, like gentle movements while your body is being worked on.

Rolfing is strategic and holistic. It addresses chronic pain, postural strain, and repetitive stress while helping you feel more aligned and connected to your body. While it’s different from massage, many clients feel relaxed and renewed after a session.

Is it painful?

No, Rolfing is not meant to be painful. Rolfing can be intense, but it is generally relaxing and satisfying. While some areas might feel intense, it should never feel painful. The work is slow, focused, and responsive to your comfort level.

If the pressure feels too intense, don’t hesitate to speak up.

How long do the effects last?

Many experience lasting changes, often months or years, especially when combined with the restorative body positions and simple strengthening exercises I will teach you.  While ten sessions may not wholly change your lifelong habits, it will create the foundation for ongoing realignment.

Are emotions welcome?

Absolutely. Your emotions are a natural part of your experience and are always welcome in our sessions. Expressing them is up to you—there’s no expectation or requirement. While our primary focus is structural work, whatever you bring to the session—emotions like anxiety, grief, joy, anger, or elements of your past experiences—will be met with loving, attentive presence and curiosity.  With a background as a Relationship Coach, I have a ton of experience being with others in their emotional landscape.  

How often should I schedule appointments?

If you’re going through the 10-Series, sessions can be scheduled as often as twice weekly or as far apart as every 3 weeks. I recommend coming in once a week or every other week to allow the results to settle and integrate.

For individual sessions or maintenance, most clients come in every 2–4 weeks. After completing the 10-Series, I suggest taking a few months off to let your body fully absorb and adapt to the changes.  Following your break, you may consider a shorter series of 3 sessions to continue the work or occasional "tune-ups" to maintain results.