Improve posture, reduce pain & stubborn tensions, and optimize athletic performance with Rolfing.

What does Rolfing help with?

Integrative Homework

One aspect that makes my approach uniquely effective is the inclusion of homework that helps you integrate the changes from each session. I will include this in most of your sessions, especially if you express a keen interest in taking on this kind of agency in your process. Homework may range from corrective exercises to simple awareness and adjustment of how you move through life. Your awareness and proactivity is what makes the work “stick.”

The Benefits of a Rolfing Ten Series

Ten sessions to holistically align, reset and balance the entire body

If you are new to Rolfing, this is the place to begin. The Ten Series is like a recipe, but each person’s series is unique and tailored.

INTRODUCTORY SESSIONS

Session 1: First and foremost, the client and practitioner establish mutual trust and communication. Session 1 usually focuses on freeing restrictions in the shoulders, hips, and rib basket and spine in order to optimize the breath. Breathing is one of our most important physiological functions. Suboptimal breathing patterns are extremely common and the effects are far-reaching throughout the body and mind.

Session 2: Simply put, modern living has stolen functionality from our feet. This session primarily works on the feet and lower legs to tune up the arches, restore function to the ankles and knees, and mobilize the bones of the feet. Tissue restrictions in the muscular compartments of the calves will also be addressed. Session 2 finishes with neck work and seated work on the back to connect the support of the feet to the length of the spine. Though the focus of this session is mainly on the lower limbs, chronic neck and shoulder issues often benefits from improving our foundational support.

Session 3: This “lateral line” session looks at the client’s vertical stacking - from ear to ankle bone - to work on misalignments that cause compression in the body. This session is excellent for addressing overhead mobility, tight hips and lower back pain. Expansion, freedom and lightness are feelings often reported from session 3.

CORE SESSIONS 

Session 4: Here we begin restoring the midline from the ground up. We’ll work from the inner arches of the feet up the inner leg to the bottom bones of the pelvis and spine. We’ll also focus on pelvic floor education - the ability to feel, contract and relax these muscles, and how they relate to the breath. This session often helps with balance and alignment in the lower limb/pelvis and may relieve hip and low back problems. We’ll then work on the back to connect the support of the legs to the spine.

Session 5: The Psoas Session! Work is usually on the front of the legs and pelvis up to the front side of the lower spine where the iliopsoas muscles live. This will be integrated with mobility in the thoracic spine. Old patterning around poor posture and inefficient walking can be replaced with a new, uplifted sense of self. Because of its placement deep within the core of the body, the psoas is sometimes linked to stored trauma, stress or emotions. We’ll safely and compassionately work through whatever comes up for you.

Session 6: The Deep Back Line. Here is where we address the fascial relationships of the soles of the feet, calves, hamstrings, sacrum, and spine. Getting the back of the body long, balanced, free and awake makes this session a favorite for many.

Session 7: “Putting the head on top” We have worked up the midline from the ground up to the front and back of the spine, and now we need to balance that heavy noggin on top. The body is now ready to integrate a fully aligned posture from head to toe. We’ll have the option to work inside the mouth which is excellent for jaw issues. This session is particularly excellent for neck problems and “head forward” posture.

INTEGRATION SESSIONS

Sessions 8 & 9: These sessions focus on larger, more complex relationships across multiple joints. Highly individualized, these are the “jazz improv” of the Series which seek to establish integration of the new patterns as graceful movement that creates length throughout the entire body.

Session 10: Traditionally, this is a whole body session that looks to leave the client feeling light, energized and balanced. Ida Rolf used the term “Uniform Brilliance” to describe the energetic field that a body exudes after its Tenth session. This is also a time to decide if we’ll be wrapping up our work together or if you’d like to continue with maintenance sessions.