Rolfing FAQ
Does Rolfing hurt?
Not necessarily. If your tissue is very tight, dry, dehydrated and full of adhesions (places where it’s become stuck together), there will probably be some discomfort as we free up this tissue. Most clients report warmth, tingling or a mild burning sensation and often say that Rolfing is less painful than a deep tissue massage.
I always work within your comfort level, so if something is too tender, I’ll back off and go more slowly.
Do I have to do a complete series of Rolfing sessions to get the full benefit?
Again, not necessarily. It really depends on your goals. Rolfing was originally structured in ten to twelve sessions to give the practitioner time to work on the body from all angles. After all, the place where you are experiencing pain may not be the root cause; it’s important to achieve whole body balance for lasting pain relief.
Is Rolfing deep, deep tissue massage?
No! If more pressure were all it took to bring your body back to balance, we all would have bought steam rollers years ago and started flattening our clients with those.
Amazingly, you can change a body with very little pressure at all. Think about it, it’s your nervous system that controls your movement. When I work with you, I’m touching your fascia, but I’m communicating with your nervous system, which is so sensitive that it can sense a feather landing ever so gently on your skin.
If you’re looking for the most insane deep tissue massage on the planet, I’m not your girl. If you want a healthy, balanced, mobile, flexible body, by all means, schedule immediately.
I heard some people get Rolfing while under anesthesia. Is that true?
I sure hope this isn’t happening! And if any practitioner ever suggests such a thing to you, I’d recommend running as fast as you can away from there!
Part of Rolfing involves your conscious awareness of the process. We’re making changes to your body’s function; that involves your nervous system. Your brain is part of your nervous system (a big part). We want it online and connected.
What do I wear during a Rolfing session?
Many clients choose to wear their underwear, a two-piece swimsuit, shorts (for men) or shorts and a sports bra (for women). Ultimately, it’s up to you and what you feel most comfortable wearing. Keep in mind that in order to do accurate movement and postural assessments, it’s helpful to be able to see as much of the body as possible, and the hands-on work is most effective without an extra layer of cloth between me and your skin.
Also, this is a judgement free zone. Don’t worry about hiding or covering up your “flaws.” Rolfing is all about being comfortable in your own skin.
Do you accept insurance for Rolfing treatments?
I do not directly bill health insurance for your treatments. If you would like to bill your insurance for reimbursement, I can provide you with an itemized receipt that you can submit directly. You will need to contact your insurance company to find out what their policy is regarding reimbursement for out of network providers (every plan is different).
If you have been in a car accident and are covered by Personal Injury Protection (PIP), I can bill directly. Please bring to your appointment a photocopy of the front and back of your auto insurance card and a prescription for massage therapy or myofascial release from a medical doctor (talk to your chiropractor or regular MD about getting massage treatment for your injuries or contact me for a referral to someone who can assess your injuries and determine if soft tissue work is indicated).