Rolfing® Structural Integration is a form of bodywork therapy created by Dr. Ida Rolf that focuses it’s work on the connective tissue network (i.e.fascia). These connective tissues surround, support, and penetrate all of the muscles, bones, nerves, and organs, giving the body it’s form. Additionally, current research also shows Rolfing® has great beneficial impacts on the nervous system, which regulates and receives information from these tissues and other systems of the body. When the nervous system perceives danger or injury or when there has been actual trauma to the body the nervous system tends to go into protection mode causing significant guarding, tightness, and restriction within the structure, as a protective mechanism to keep you safe Rolfing® systematically addresses the entire body by combining safe and effective hands-on manual therapy, neuroscience principles, and movement exercises that allows patterns of tension and strain to release and change as the body feels safer and begins to move more efficiently.

Rolfing® is not a massage technique; it is NOT another form of deep tissue massage or a way to stretch fascia. Rolfing® is a comprehensive diagnostic system that views the body in a structural sense and utilizes postural changes to help clients feel and move different. Rolfing® isn’t painful. It is actually very restorative and relaxing. We don’t try to “break up” fascia or roll out knots, nor do we try to reset joints because the research has shown that the body does not work that way. We utilize physical touch and neuroscience principles to help you create a better map of your body. This in turn, allows for new movement and patterns to emerge.

Absolutely not! The days of mashing tissue, rite of passage, earn-your-T-Shirt style of work are long gone. Many stories from the past of practitioners working very heavy handed was due to old narratives and lack of understanding as to what they thought was happening under their hands given the limits of the time. People report feeling many different sensations during a Rolfing® session. At times some report feeling "good pain" and relief as chronic tension is released. Some report letting go of held emotions and becoming more aware of their feelings. Thankfully, there have been massive amounts of research providing a better understanding of pain, how the body actually changes with touch, and, more specifically, what is actually occurring under our hands as we work. This doesn’t mean that there will not be any spots or areas that might be slightly uncomfortable; however, the entire session should not feel like you’re doing all you can to make it out alive. (it shouldn't and will never get to this point.) You might have a high pain tolerance. Great… but I’m not interested in how much pain I can cause; that is easy and really takes little skill. I’m interested in helping the body heal itself. More pain or stimulation typically is not always the best solution for long-lasting results. From the first session, the goal is to find a good working level that allows for enough change without the need to cross that threshold. Less is indeed more.

I’ve had the privilege of working with ahletes, dancers, children, business professionals, the elderly, and people from all walks of life have benefited from Rolfing® SI. People seek Rolfing® SI as a way to ease pain and chronic stress, and improve performance in their professional and daily activities. It's estimated that more than 1 million people have received Rolfing work. So, it doesn’t matter if you are 8 or 80 years old; if you have a body, Rolfing® is for you.

Any appointment missed or cancelled, for any reason, with less than 24hrs hours’ notice will be charged the FULL fee.

Session length is approximately 75 minutes. Please arrive 5 minutes before the appointment time to get ready for the appointment (restroom, removing and securing jewelry, etc.). Appropriate dress for men during your Rolfing® session is either a pair of briefs or running shorts, long gym shorts. Shorts with zippers or pockets are difficult to work with and are not recommended. We have running shorts to loan you if needed. Appropriate dress for women during your Rolfing® session is sports bras and running shorts. Long gym shorts or shorts with zippers or pockets are difficult to work with and are not recommended. We have loaners available. At the beginning of each session, there will be some time to check in, see how the previous session landed, and what is showing up for you in this moment. Here we will also go through our pre-session assessments. The assessments consist of standing visual observation to see all planes of the body (front, back, side profile). However, because we are never really static, the session-specific movement analysis is used to determine our main focus for the session, along with a gait (walking) analysis to see how the client is in actual dynamic motion. Then the for the remainder of the time, all work will be done on the treatment table, consisting of hands-on work and client-participated movement. The session will close with back work (if required) and always neck work to integrate all the work that has been done.

Rolfing consists of 10 -12 sessions. Each session addresses a different aspect of the body. Sessions are approximately 1.5 hours long and typically spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart. The results of Rolfing® are intended to be long-lasting. Although many clients return for maintenance or "tune-up" sessions, especially after injury or trauma.

Life after the 10 series is when the fun really starts, in my opinion. As with anything in life, there will always be more to learn, grow, and work with. There are many options for post-10 work, and going through the series will lay a foundation for moving forward. Think about it like the education system for your body. Just as you go from elementary school to middle school, to high school, to college, into the career field you choose and continue learning, gaining new experience and knowledge, growing more skilled, and so on. Essentially, it’s the same with your body. Plus, life happens – and there will be things that occur, and your body will still need some help here and there. I even remember reading somewhere that Ida once said, a good plan is to aim for one session for every year of your life.

Certified practitioners of Rolfing®, commonly called Rolfers™, have completed an intensive training (usually spanning two years) through The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration. Rigorous continuing education requirements, workshops, and advanced certification reflect the high standard to which the Institute holds its members.