Is Rolfing about learning better posture or is it a therapy?
It can be both. Rolfing is a process of body re-education and embodiment, helping your body to work in a more efficient and healthful way. Rolfers use a therapeutic directed touch, specific to your patternings, which guides your body to find new ways of organising itself in gravity.
Am I too old for Rolfing?
Rolfing is suitable for adults of any age. (Children and teenagers are a little different - please enquire.)
Does Rolfing hurt?
Not necessarily. Some people go through their Rolfing process without pain - they say it feels like pressure. If you are particularly sensitive to pain, or have tight spots, then pain may arise at times. When this happens, it's entirely up to you whether you wish to tolerate it or not - you're in charge here. Or I will stop if I feel the body tensing up. I have many techniques I can use to achieve the same aim, and can always work a different way if necessary.
Does Rolfing work on the fascia?
Yes. In Rolfing we work primarily with the fascial system and also the nervous system to develop better patterns of health and alignment. Other body systems also benefit from the work.
Do I have to commit to all 10 sessions?
You will get the best and lasting results if you complete the whole series of 10 sessions. However there is no commitment and you book one session at a time. If you decide that Rolfing isn't for you, or the timing isn't right, or if I recommend you not to continue, it's fine to stop after 1, 2 or 3 sessions. You will still gain benefits from those initial sessions. If you continue beyond the 3rd session, I recommend that you make a commitment to yourself to continue through the whole process. I don't advise stopping after any of the core sessions 4, 5, 6 and 7, as these may need further work to settle the system. If you have to finish your process early for any reason, please let me know so that we can end with a closing session.
How often do I need to take my sessions?
The pacing is down to you. It's good to allow the body time to integrate the work from the previous session but without losing momentum. I recommend a minimum of one week before taking session 2, and after that I recommend at least two weeks between sessions. Many people find a session every 3-5 weeks works well in terms of allowing time for integration and exploration of movement patterns at home, as well as financially.
Is Rolfing suitable if I have trauma and PTSD?
People who have experienced trauma or have PTSD often find Rolfing helpful. The Rolfing process can help you release trauma patterns held in the body, in a measured and manageable way. I recommend having one session to see if it feels right for you.
Will Rolfing interfere with my sports performance?
Possibly, yes! Part of the process of Rolfing is to change your patterns of movement and find more efficient body use. Ultimately Rolfing is likely to improve your performance, but sometimes the body may feel a little confused during the process. Until the body settles into its new pattern, it may put you off your game. So for sports people who are new to Rolfing, it's better to have your Rolfing sessions during the off-season.
Will Rolfing help me to balance better?
Rolfing can help a lot with stability and balance. It works on improving the unconscious ways the body organises itself when you move in gravity. My clients who are prone to falling often report that they don't fall as much during and after Rolfing.
Is it ok to do Rolfing with anxiety and depression?
Yes. You may find that as your posture improves, that your mood lifts. I have a 24-hour cancellation policy and a fluid diary. I send an appointment reminder email the day before your appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment at or before that time, just let me know. If Rolfing feels too full-on at the moment, I would recommend some relaxing and nurturing yoga classes instead.
Frequently asked questions about Rolfing