Rolfing® Structural Integration

Rolfing® Structural Integration is a holistic treatment to address problematic postural alignment and structural compensation patterns that form throughout our lives causing imbalances and pain. By manipulating fascia, soft tissues, skeletal structure, and the nervous system, Rolfing helps people with their body alignment to discover ease in posture and movement.

Rolfing is available in 75 minute sessions only (60 minutes of hands-on time and 15 minutes of assessment / post consultation).

What to Expect From a Rolf® Session

Whether you are completing a ten series or single session, every session will begin with a conversation about your desires and needs. I will do an assessment of your physical structure and movement patterns that likely will include observing your walk as well as various other diagnostic movements to prioritize the work.

During the session, I will work directly with surface or deep core tissue structures by applying superficial or deep pressure as needed. Much of the work is intended to help you “tune-in”, not “check-out” as awareness is crucial for making lasting changes to your physical structure. Accordingly, Rolfing is meant to be interactive, and you may be asked to do certain movements, breath work, and bring awareness to how you feel before, during or after the session.

What is the Ten Series?

The hallmark of Rolfing® Structural Integration is a standardized “recipe” known as the Ten-Series, the global of which is to systematically balance and optimize both the structure (shape) and function (movement) of the entire body over the course of ten Rolfing sessions.

What Should You Wear?

It is ideal to work on skin directly. Sessions are typically done with the client in their underwear or gym shorts. For women, a bra or sports bra and loose shorts or comfortable underwear. Rolfing can also be done through clothing if preferred, as it is most important that you feel comfortable.

Does Rolfing® Hurt?

Rolfing should not hurt. It does feel at times, like fascia is shearing apart, which is sometimes felt as a slight itch, heat or burning sensation. My job is to differentiate the tissues and then integrate them so that your body can sustain the changes. The work is either surface or skin level deep and may not feel like deep pressure to you. Other times, the work can feel like deep, almost bone level, pressure. I will consistently be checking in with you to make sure your nervous system can adapt and that you feel met. Treatment can be modified so that your experience feels useful, not painful.

How Should You Prepare for Sessions?

Hydrate in the days leading up to your appointment. Fascia is similar to a sponge, in that when a sponge dries out it becomes brittle and hard. In fascia, this hardening can cause adhesions that restrict mobility. When a sponge is wet and well-hydrated, it is springy and resilient. Hydrated tissues glide better and create a feeling of easy and fluidity in the body.

Can You Exercise After a Session?

Movement is encouraged after a session, whether that is a mindful walk or a workout that you enjoy. I believe that exercise can certainly be done after a session, so long as it is the type where you can stay aware of your body and the new patterns that the body is integrating. I do not encourage workouts that are so intense and tiring that your brain checks out and your body reverts to default patterns (think high intensity interval training, bootcamp, etc). You ultimately know your body best, and if you can stay body aware during the exercise, I say do it.

*Very Important: At the time of booking, please discuss the type of massage or other service you are expecting when you schedule your appointment. This will ensure we match you with the most appropriate staff member for your needs.

We require a Credit Card on file to schedule any appointment at MTW. If you need to reschedule, please notify the office at least 24 hours prior to your appointment start time to avoid the Late Cancellation Fee. When possible, our massage therapists prefer to receive cash tips or tips through Venmo.