Frequently Asked Questions About Rolfing®
What should I wear for a Rolfing session?
Wear what you're comfortable in. A t-shirt or tank top with shorts works well. That said, extra layers can make it harder to work directly with the body. Natural fibers are preferable, while thick, tight sportswear leggings are discouraged. Leggings made from natural fibers that aren’t skin-tight are fine.
What happens during a Rolfing session?
Sessions start with a conversation about how you’re feeling and how your history informs your current experience. I’ll observe you standing and walking before beginning about an hour of hands-on work on the table. Sessions often end with:
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neck work
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pelvic lift
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seated work along your back
Does Rolfing hurt?
Rolfing has a reputation for being painful, largely due to early practitioners. The pressure I use shouldn’t make you brace or resist. In Rolfing, we talk about the "layer of availability"—not just the depth of tissue that can be worked with, but also the pressure a client can comfortably handle. This varies from person to person and from one area of the body to another.
Do I need to complete the 10-session series?
No, you don't need to complete the 10-series. If you have a specific issue, shorter-term work is an option. A 3- or 5-session series can also be beneficial. A 10-series can be spaced out over a longer period—clients in acute pain may come weekly, while others space sessions every two weeks or even once a month.
Rolfing vs. Deep Tissue Massage & Myofascial Release: What’s the difference?
People ask how Rolfing compares to deep tissue massage or myofascial release. While Rolfing may look like massage, clients often describe it as a very different experience.
In my approach, sessions typically involve:
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Working with sustained, slow pressure rather than gliding movements
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Staying in one spot longer to allow deeper release
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Occasionally asking for client movement during a session
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Incorporating movement education
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Using seated bench work for the spine
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Following a structured, long-term vision for integration
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No oils or music during sessions
Read more about Rolfing vs. deep tissue massage. | Read more about Rolfing vs. myofascial release.
How is Rolfing different from chiropractic?
While both Rolfing and chiropractic care aim to improve how the body functions, they take very different approaches.
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Focus: Chiropractic primarily focuses on the spine and joints, using high-velocity adjustments to restore alignment. Rolfing takes a whole-body approach, working with fascia and connective tissue to improve overall balance and movement.
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Techniques: Chiropractors use quick, targeted adjustments to reposition joints. Rolfing involves slow, sustained pressure and manual therapy to release restrictions in the soft tissues.
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Goal: Chiropractic is often symptom-focused, aiming to relieve joint dysfunction. Rolfing looks at long-term structural change, considering how different areas of the body relate to each other.
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Movement & Awareness: Rolfing includes movement education, helping clients integrate changes into their daily lives. Chiropractic care typically does not emphasize this aspect.