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FAQs
Frequently Ask Questions
So,
you've decided to get Rolfed...
You
probably have some questions about the process.
DOES
ROLFING LAST?
Dr. Rolf used to answer this
question by saying that before you were Rolfed, you were
a Ford. After you were Rolfed, you were a Jaguar. The
Jaguar may get a flat tire or need a tune up or even a
paint job, but it will never be a Ford again.
With the passage of time, some
people, along with getting older, get injured in
accidents or undergo stressful times and wind up
benefiting from additional work.
WHAT KIND OF
PERSON GETS ROLFED?
·
People who work in high stress or
physically demanding jobs;
·
People suffering with aches and pains;
·
People involved in physical activities
such as sports, yoga, dance, martial arts, motorcycle
racing, etc;
·
People of all ages;
WHAT
HAPPENS DURING A ROLFING SESSION?
A
Rolfing session lasts 50 minutes. I will ask you to
disrobe to your level of comfort. People often wear
underwear or two piece bathing suits. Others wear tank
tops and loose shorts. Before we work we
will take digital photographs, if you wish, and analyze
your posture from a Rolfers perspective.
The
treatment itself is a series of manipulations
accomplished by the pressure of the Rolfer’s hands,
fingers, knuckles, and elbows on your body. You may feel
this as an electrical sensation on the skin, deep
pressure, or a variety of other sensations during the
process; however, these sensations pass shortly after
the pressure is released. The most dramatic feeling of
the treatment is a sense of increased ease and lightness
as the session progresses.
HOW DOES ROLFING FEEL?
Sensations in the area being worked
may range from pleasurable warmth to momentary
discomfort. Some people agree with the saying "It
hurts like getting a splinter taken out." Common
reports include the feeling that something is letting go
and / or getting longer.
WHAT ABOUT PAIN?
Contrary to popular misconception, Rolfing is generally
not painful. Old injury sites or places in the body
where tension is stored habitually need a metered
approach to keep the comfort level acceptable and
progress to be made. Any discomfort in response to
Rolfing pressure is an indication of the amount of
chronic tension stored in the tissues. It is the
responsibility of the Rolfer to work within the level of
tolerance of each client to accomplish the goals of the
work. Most clients are not concerned about discomfort
during the sessions. When the client’s level of
tolerance is respected, the Rolfer and client can work
together to achieve better results.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL BETWEEN SESSIONS?
The
first few days after a session are usually the time of
greatest change. Somewhat like the first day after heavy
exercise, you may feel a bit sore the next day. After
that you may experience ongoing shifts in balance and
awareness. Most people experience feelings of lightness
and improved comfort and ease of movement.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD
I BE ROLFED?
The
time between sessions depends on the rate of your body’s
adaptation to the changes from the work. Once every
three to five weeks is the most common pattern; however,
it is more important to set the frequency according to
your own body rhythms, rather than abide by some rigid
scheduling.
TEN SESSIONS – CAN IT POSSIBLY TAKE FEWER OR MORE?
The
ten session format of Rolfing is designed to work on the
whole body systematically to bring it to a higher level
of balance. It is possible for some people to need more
than ten sessions to achieve those objectives.
WHY WON’T MY OLD HABITS JUST TAKE ME BACK INTO THE SAME
FORM?
Rolfing is a process not a product; you do not emerge like a piece of ceramic out of a
mold. Your body is in a constant state of balance and
change depending on the external forces acting upon it,
and the internal forces governing it. In the process of
balancing your body, many negative forces are minimized.
The closer to balance your body is, the more it strives
for even higher symmetry and balance.
HOW MUCH
DO I CHARGE FOR MY SERVICES?
Most
Rolfers charge by the session. Their fees range from
$85 to $150 per session. The cost for my services is
$110 per session.
WHAT EXERCISES ARE APPROPRIATE BETWEEN SESSIONS?
There are no prescribed exercises associated with
Rolfing. If you are already participating in a regular
exercise routine, I recommend that you pay attention to
how your body is responding to those exercises and
change the program accordingly. Stretching, yoga, and
loose, easy exercises are the most compatible with
Rolfing.
WHAT ABOUT TREATMENTS BY MY CHIROPRACTOR, OSTEOPATH,
MASSAGE THERAPIST?
There is no conflict between Rolfing and most other
forms of body manipulation. In the specific case of
chiropractic adjustments, most people report that that
adjustments they receive are easier to make and seem to
last longer. No other treatments are required, however,
to complete the Rolfing.
WHAT IF I
DON’T COMPLETE THE SERIES?
Whatever work you receive is complete in itself. Your
body will continue to adjust in response to that amount
of work. Even when there are significant time gaps
between the beginning and end of a series, there is
little regression in the body.
IS
THERE ANYTHING BEYOND THE BASIC SERIES?
The
basic series is designed to make significant changes in
the form and balance of the body, but realistically it
is not intended to be a one time cure-all for body
dysfunction. After a period of adjustment (three months
to one year or longer) it is possible to continue the
process.
-
Tune-up sessions – work that is spaced at
appropriate intervals designed to maintain the level
of balance achieved in the basic series.
-
Advanced series – work grouped in 3-5 session series
designed to use the basic series as a template for a
broader level of balancing and integration.
-
First aid – individual sessions intended for help
during the recuperation period of an injury to
minimize the long term effects on structure and
balance.
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