Why the ten sessions?
The goal of Rolfing is to balance your body's structure in gravity. In order to accomplish this task, the Rolfer will look at how your entire body has compensated, shortened and adjusted over time. The ten session format allows us to work comprehensively to deal with those compensations, not just to fix a local problem, but to address your body's entire postural pattern.
Do I have to commit to all ten sessions?
No. You are always welcome to try a session and then decide, if Rolfing is right for you. Some clients come for two or three sessions and are satisfied with the achieved results. If you choose to receive fewer sessions than the entire series, your Rolfer will typically design a strategy creating the most benefit given the limited number of sessions. Also, some clients extend their Rolfing beyond the original series.
How to choose a Practitioner?
In any therapeutic or learning process one of the most important factors is mutual trust. The first Rolfing session is a good opportunity to find out, if the Rolfer and client will be able to work together productively. Also look for the qualification of the practitioner, only those who have trained with the Rolf Institute for Structural Integration are entitled to use the registered service mark Rolfing.
How painful is Rolfing?
Rolfing is rather different for everyone. Some people experience the release of tension in chronically tight tissues as pleasant, others may experience rather intense sensations as these tissues start to change. Emotional pain, as well as memories of injuries or surgical interventions are all stored in the autonomic nervous system or held by chronic tension in various body parts. Painful sensations are sometimes caused by unconscious fear of change, or resistance to change. It is not so much that Rolfing causes pain, as it assists in bringing old pains to the surface, where they can be addressed and resolved.
Remember: You are in charge of your body and need to let the Rolfer know when the manipulation becomes too uncomfortable, just tell her to stop.
Are the results of Rolfing permanent?
Ida Rolf claimed that once a person's body was more balanced in gravity, gravity would help reinforce the new posture. Experience also shows that people who have been rolfed are better able to cope with physical and emotional stress. However, it it important that you honor your newfound sensitivity and body awareness by listening to your body's signals when muscular tension and pain remind you to be more caring and considerate with yourself. Or it might just tell you, that it is time to return to your Rolfer for a tune-up session.